25 Jul How to handle the 3-2 naps transition?
When you think everything is under control and your little one is sleeping great, they have to drop a nap, and that screws everything up! I feel you! That is why I created this blog to help you navigate this nap transition more smoothly!
When does this nap transition happen?
You can expect a nap transition around eight months of age. Your little one will go from 3 naps to two naps.
The 3-2 Nap Transition
As mentioned above, this transition occurs at around eight months for most babies. While the thought of a nap transition may be scary, there is nothing to fear! Going into a nap transition well-prepared is the best step in the right direction.
How do you know when your little one is ready for this nap transition?
While every child is different, the following signs may indicate that the baby is ready to drop a nap:
- Nap length is decreasing
- Prolonged periods of crying or playing in the crib before naps, followed by a short nap
- Complete refusal of a nap. This commonly becomes an issue for the 3rd nap of the day.
- Baby is between the age of 6-9 months.
Your little one should be showing these signs consistently for two weeks before you start the transition. We wait two weeks to be confident that your baby is ready and not simply experience a brief short sleep regression due to a new developmental milestone.
Making this transition isn’t quite as frightening as many assume it will be. To make this transition, you will push your regular nap times back by 30 minutes to help remove the third (typically troubled) nap. It is important to offer an early bedtime to compensate for the lost nap! Sometimes even as early as 5:30 pm!
Here is a simple schedule example:
Wake-up: 7 am
Nap 1 start between: 9-9:30 am
Nap 2 start between : 1-1:30 pm
Bedtime: 5:30-6:30 pm
Ideally, the two naps would be at least one hour. It is normal for your little one to experience overtiredness during the nap transition itself. These bumps should work themselves out within 1-4 weeks.
If you find your child has difficulty extending naps, you can offer a rest period when the third nap would typically occur and then adjust bedtime accordingly.
The foundation for a successful nap transition is always consistency and patience. Nap transitions can be overwhelming and frustrating for the whole family, especially when your little one is such a great little sleeper. It is important to remember that they are a phase every parent will experience, and they don’t last forever!
Remember, you are a great mom, and you got this!!!
P.S. If you are struggling with these transitions, contact me for extra help & support!
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