Transitioning your baby from 2 naps to 1

5 month to 2 years Sep 28, 2024
A baby is standing on a ground of flowers

transition from two naps to one, often referred to as the "2-1 nap transition," is a significant milestone in your little one’s sleep development.

Babies are typically ready for this transition around the 15–18 month mark, reflecting their growth and changing sleep needs. This is a new developmental stage where your child is capable of staying awake for longer periods of time and consolidating their sleep into one longer nap. 

And despite the transition being a tricky one to navigate, you’ll be grateful that you did when you see the milestone improvements in your baby’s sleep once you have. 

12 to 24 months of baby sleep help

How Parents Benefit from Making the 2–1 Nap Transition

With only one nap to plan around, the world is your oyster, my friend! You'll have more freedom to plan activities, outings, and family time while only having to accommodate for one nap. 

Finally, the 2–1 nap transition often eases nap time battles that crop up around the second nap—usually an indication that they are ready to make the transition.

How to Transition Your Baby From Two Naps Down to One

Like all milestone sleep transitions, the 2–1 Nap Transition is a balancing act, and it can seem intimidating from the outset. So, to make your transition smoother and more manageable,

You can give me a call to help your baby with the transition. 

This comprehensive resource is designed to help parents understand the process, recognize the signs that their baby is ready, and implement strategies that promote a successful transition. Here's a glimpse of what the guide covers:

  1. Discover the tell-tale signs that your baby is developmentally ready to make the transition down to a single daytime nap. 
  2. Learn about the ideal timing for the single nap and how to gradually adjust your child's schedule to accommodate it.
  3. Examples of sleep schedules during this transition, to help you create a consistent sleep schedule that suits your child's age and needs.
  4. Advice on how to manage this transition with your childcare facilitators.
  5. Handling the occasional "off" day: Even the best-laid plans can have hiccups. Our guide offers advice for those days when things don't go as smoothly as expected.

I hope this guide can demystify the process of the 2-1 Nap Transition, making this as smooth as possible an experience for both you and your baby. Good luck!