3 Signs it’s Time to Drop a Nap
Are you wondering if your baby or toddler is ready to drop a nap? In the newborn months, naps can be pretty unpredictable and all over the place. If you are struggling with your newborns naps or night sleep, check out my 0-4 Months Sleep Essentials Guide.
By around 4 months most babies are taking 4 naps a day. So the first big nap transition is usually dropping from 4 naps to 3 naps per day. You will continue to experience nap transitions with your baby pretty quickly over the next year. Most babies are down to 1 nap a day by 14-16 months old!
So what are the signs that your baby may need to drop a nap? Below are 3 main things to look for:
Your baby is starting to fight their nap or is taking shorter naps. Maybe you spend 30 minutes struggling to get your baby down for a nap only for them to wake up 30 minutes later happy and ready to go. This is a telltale sign they are ready to drop one of their naps.
Your baby is starting to fight bedtime or their bedtime is becoming later and later due to their naps. If your baby is taking a while to fall asleep at bedtime, they could be ready for longer wake windows. If you are struggling to fit in their last nap and it’s pushing their bedtime later and later, they could be ready to drop it.
Your baby is suddenly having more nighttime wakings or early morning wake ups. You may find they are waking more frequently and it is harder to get them back to sleep.
Another really important things to consider about dropping naps is that it is age appropriate. Yes, every baby is different. Some babies have higher sleep needs and others have lower sleep needs. But it is still important to know the average ages for dropping naps to make sure you are at least close to the age-appropriate time. The average ages for nap transitions are listed below.
5 Months: drop from 4-3 naps
6-9 Months: drop from 3-2 naps
14-16 Months: drop from 2-1 nap
3 Years: drop naps completely
It is important to remember that every baby and toddler is different. If you would like one-on-one support for finding the best schedule for your baby, lengthening naps, and cutting down on night wakings, schedule a consult today!