Does it seem like you little one is ready to drop a nap? Here are some things to look out for to determine if they are ready:
- 6-10 months old (9 months is the typical age for dropping the nap)
- Refusal of third nap
- Naps have become shorter
- No longer sleep through the night
- Taking 3 naps causes early morning wake ups
Remember regressions can look a lot like your little one is ready to drop the nap when they actually aren’t ready. To be sure they are ready to drop the nap continue to offer it for a minimum of 2 weeks. If during those 2 week they continue to show signs and refusal of the nap, then you know they are ready.
Now that we have figured out that they truly ready to drop the nap here how to begin this transition:
First, move bedtime earlier by 30 minutes to 1 hour so that you are sure your little one is not overtried and getting enough sleep.
The other two naps of the day might need to be altered. To do so you will slowly push back their nap times by 15 minutes. Usually, the wake time from morning time to the first nap is about 1.5/2 hours stretch and the afternoon nap from the morning nap is about 2.5/3 hour stretch. These adjusts will allow your child the proper amount of daytime sleep and wake periods.
Work on nap transition for about a week and keep a consistent schedule before you can see results!
