Babies drop naps as their wake windows lengthen. Most go from four naps to three around 4–5 months, three to two around 6–8 months, and two to one between 13 and 18 months. The signs that it’s time are consistent: a nap that gets refused or shortened for a week or more, bedtime battles, or early morning waking — while your baby otherwise seems well rested.
Key takeaways
- Look for a pattern over 1–2 weeks, not one bad day, before dropping a nap.
- Stretch wake windows gradually by 10–15 minutes rather than jumping to a new schedule overnight.
- An earlier bedtime is your best friend during any transition.
- Expect a few overtired days — it usually settles within two weeks.
- Our free nap schedule calculator builds a sample day for each stage.
Nap transitions at a glance
| Transition | Typical age | Wake windows after |
|---|---|---|
| 4 naps → 3 naps | 4–5 months | About 2–2.5 hours |
| 3 naps → 2 naps | 6–8 months | About 2.5–3.5 hours |
| 2 naps → 1 nap | 13–18 months | About 5–6 hours |
| 1 nap → no nap | 3–5 years | Quiet time instead |
Signs your baby is ready to drop a nap
- They regularly take a long time to fall asleep for one particular nap — or skip it.
- One nap shrinks to 20–30 minutes and the others stay long.
- The last nap pushes bedtime too late.
- New early-morning waking or long night wakings with a happy, chatty baby.
- They’re comfortably handling longer stretches awake without melting down.
Rule out other causes first: illness, teething, a sleep regression, or new skills like crawling can mimic “nap readiness” for a week or two.
The 3-to-2 transition (6–8 months)
The late-afternoon catnap is usually the one to go. Push the first nap later by 15 minutes every few days, lengthen the midday wake window, and bring bedtime earlier — sometimes as early as 6:00–6:30 pm for a week.
Before and after
- Three naps: wake 7:00 · nap 9:00 · nap 12:30 · catnap 4:00 · bed 7:00
- Two naps: wake 7:00 · nap 9:30 · nap 2:00 · bed 6:45–7:00
The 2-to-1 transition (13–18 months)
This is the big one. Gradually push the morning nap later — 10:00, then 10:30, 11:00 — until it settles around midday. On days when the single nap is short, offer an early bedtime. Some toddlers flip between one and two naps for a few weeks; that’s normal.
Before and after
- Two naps: wake 6:45 · nap 9:45 · nap 2:30 · bed 7:15
- One nap: wake 6:45 · nap 12:15–2:30 · bed 7:00
If your toddler goes to daycare, ask how naps work there — many centres move to one nap at a set age, which can speed up the transition.
Keeping awake time happy
Longer wake windows are easier with engaging, low-stress play — floor time, a play gym, and outdoor walks all help. Avoid long car or stroller rides near the dropped nap time, which can trigger a short accidental nap.
Surviving the transition
- Go slowly: move nap times 10–15 minutes every two or three days.
- Use an earlier bedtime to make up for lost daytime sleep.
- Offer a rest period at the old nap time — books in a dark room — even if your baby doesn’t sleep.
- Keep the routine before naps short and identical so the cue stays strong.
- Protect night sleep: it is fine to briefly go back to the extra nap on a rough day.
For overall sleep needs by age, see our baby sleep schedule guide and wake windows chart.
Frequently asked questions
My 10-month-old is refusing the second nap. Should I drop it?
Probably not yet. Most babies still need two naps until at least 12–13 months. Try pushing the second nap a little later or capping the first nap at 1–1.5 hours.
How long does a nap transition take?
Usually one to three weeks. The 2-to-1 transition can take a month or more.
What if my baby falls asleep in the car at the old nap time?
Plan errands for after the nap, or use the drive as the nap and adjust the rest of the day. Move your baby to a flat, safe sleep space once you’re home.
