Are you wondering if your baby is ready to transition or drop a nap?
This typically happens around 3-4 months, 6-8 months and again around 12-17 months. Please note that these are estimates and it is okay if your baby is ready at an earlier or later age.
Better Bedtime Chronicles Podcast
Episode 13: The One About Early Morning Wakings
Please note that some developmental milestones can make it seem like a child is ready to switch naps but that is not always the case. If he/she does one or more of the below things 4-5 days a week for two weeks, it is likely time to adjust:
- The last nap length decreasing or not going as well
- This could look like baby playing, fussing or crying for an extended time before falling asleep
- The first nap sometimes lasting longer than usual
- Stamina improving (awake longer and more energy) between naps
- You may notice they aren’t showing their usual tired signs as nap time approaches and they have energy to stay awake longer than before
- Long periods of playing or fussing before falling asleep for bedtime or other naptimes
It’s time to adjust naps. Now what?
Here is what you can do to ease the transition:
- Wait a little longer in the morning to put him/her down for the nap – for example, 15 minutes later for two days, then another 15 minutes later the next couple days and so on
- For the following naps, put baby down slightly later than before (but don’t push them too much if their clearly tired)
- To help stretch the wake windows, try changing the environment/activity and/or offer protein rich food.
- If necessary, bring bedtime earlier to compensate for the change (just for a couple weeks, unless they continues to need the early bedtime)
- If you find yourself in an awkward position – for example if they sleeps 2 until 2:40, you can always do a little walk or car nap just to take the edge off around 4:30pm
- It does generally take a couple of weeks for little ones to fully adjust to their new schedule
- Ensure the bedroom is dark and boring
You can download a more detailed nap guide here:
Bridget Jensen is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College and is the Canadian Director of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. Bridget’s calm and supportive demeanor are beneficial while working with families, individuals and workplaces all over Canada and beyond. She is dedicated to helping people get the rest they need, so they can feel at their best during the day. She is founder of Better Bedtime, a full-service sleep consultancy based in Waterloo Region. Services range from one-on-one programs for infants, children and adults to sleep sessions for the workplace.
