Tips for how to transition your baby from 3 naps to 2 naps
Moving from three naps to two, or from two naps to one, can feel like stepping into the unknown sometimes, with more questions than answers! Which nap should we drop first? When is the right time to make the change? How do we even begin? It's a whole heap of decisions, and like pretty much everything else to do with raising babies, no one way is the answer for all.
My rough guide to the 3 to 2 nap transition
And believe me, when I say rough, I mean it. Babies are unique. What works like magic for one might spell utter failure for another. They're not mini robots; they're tiny individuals with their own needs and quirks. So while the path may be unclear, there are signposts along the way. Let me be your guide on this journey of the there to two naps transition.
What age does three naps become two?
Typically around the age of 7 to 9 months your baby may be ready to drop from their 3 naps of morning, lunchtime and afternoon to two naps. But of course this is not set in stone. Some babies may be ready to drop the third nap earlier, while others may continue to need it for a bit longer. Observe your baby's cues to determine the right time for your baby. Normally it’s that last nap of the day which is due for the chop first! This is because your baby is more capable of handling the build-up of sleep pressure and can extend their wake windows enough to make it through to bedtime without the need for that third nap.
What are the signs your baby is ready for the two nap strategy?
Resistance to the Third Nap
Probably the most obvious one - your baby starts to resist or outright refuse the third nap of the day and then struggles to make it through to bedtime or you go for an earlier bedtime which then results in an early morning wake up! Either way, not great!
Or if they have the nap the following may happen,
Bedtime Challenges
They may have trouble settling at their usual bedtime. This can manifest as false starts, split nights or early morning wake-ups.
Delayed Bedtime
If you wait for your baby's tired cues to start bedtime you may find that the time is getting pushed back later and later.
Shortened Naps
The other two naps of the day may become shorter in duration.
What to do when the third nap needs to go?
In some cases, your baby's readiness for the two-nap schedule may coincide with a natural decline in the need for the third nap. You may notice that your baby starts resisting or skipping the third nap on their own with the remaining two naps staying solid. In these situations, you can simply follow your baby's lead and adjust their schedule accordingly.
The full chop?
On the other hand, there are times when a more deliberate effort is required to transition from three naps to two. Either just cut it out in one fell swoop, especially if it’s now more of a catnap, but if you feel that would be too much in one go for your baby, then gradually reduce the length of that third nap over a week or so until phased out.
Earlier bedtime
If your baby is having difficulty making it to their usual bedtime without the third nap, temporarily bringing forward bedtime can be a helpful adjustment. This gives your baby the time to adjust to the change. Remember this is just a temporary measure until your baby has adapted to the two-nap schedule.
Rejig nap timings
Or another approach is to experiment with the timings of the remaining two naps. You can try slightly adjusting the timing of the naps to reduce the amount of time awake between the end of the second nap and bedtime. Be open to experimenting with different nap timings until you find a schedule that works best for your baby.
The reality of dropping a nap
As with all changes in your little one’s life, transitioning with naps will have its good days and bad days. It might feel like a constant back-and-forth journey, requiring a hefty dose of patience! While having structure and predictability to naps is beneficial, it's equally important to stay in tune to your little one’s tired cues and incorporate flexibility into their nap routine. Think of it as both you and your baby on a learning curve!
Change can be more challenging for some babies than others, especially for those who are more sensitive. The transition may take longer and require extra patience and understanding. Remember, though, that things will eventually settle down. As always, trust in your instincts.
