3 to 2 Nap Transition: Tips to Support the Transition

This transition from three to two naps often occurs between 6-8 months of age.

The third nap is often the tricky one and I always suggest supporting this nap( in a car, carrier, stroller or contact) until it is completely dropped. This is especially true as your little one gets closer to dropping it completely.

 Signs that they are getting ready to transition to two naps include:

-       Refusing the third nap

-       The third nap is so late in the day it’s better to have an earlier bedtime than another nap.

-       Fighting bedtime

-       False starts, split nights and/or early wakes

-       Other two naps are getting shorter

How to support the transition:

I recommend choosing one of the following options to transition your child from 3 to 2 naps. Choose the one you think will work best for you, your little one and your routine.

Option 1:

Increase wake windows to three hours and naturally the third nap will disappear

Option 2:

Gradually shorten the third nap over 7 days

Expert Tip:

When adjusting down to two naps, pay close attention to the last wake window to make sure it isn’t too long. A baby with average sleep needs will probably need no more than 4 hours between 2nd nap and bedtime when first adjusting to two naps a day.

Remember that despite your best efforts, there will be days when they fall asleep during your carefully crafted wake windows. Don’t worry if this happens, just continue to be consistent the following day and soon enough they’ll transition and drop the third nap.