You’ve probably been enjoying a predictable two-nap schedule since your baby was around 7 or 8 months old. Those two breaks in the day gave you time to fold laundry, answer a few emails, or just drink your coffee while it was still hot. Then suddenly—right when you were in a groove—your toddler decides to change things up.
Welcome to the 2-to-1 nap transition—a big step in your little one’s sleep journey. Here’s everything you need to know about recognizing the signs, making the switch, and helping your toddler thrive on a one-nap schedule.
When Do Babies Drop to One Nap?
Most toddlers are ready to transition to one nap around 14–15 months. Some show signs as early as 11–12 months, while others happily stick with two naps until closer to 18 months. Every child is different, but if your baby is between 12–18 months, it’s worth watching for the cues.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for the 1-Nap Schedule
Morning nap is getting longer while the afternoon nap is getting shorter (or skipped)
Refuses one nap and just plays in the crib instead
This happens 4–5 times per week for at least two weeks
If these patterns sound familiar, your baby is likely ready to consolidate into a single nap.
How to Transition from 2 Naps to 1
Consistency is key here. Once you decide it’s time, commit to the process. Some toddlers adjust in a couple of weeks, while others may need up to 6 weeks. Here’s a simple roadmap to follow:
Days 1–3
Move morning nap 30 minutes later (e.g., from 10:00 to 10:30).
Offer a short afternoon nap or quiet time around 2:30.
If no nap happens, use an earlier bedtime (around 6:30).
Days 4–6
Move morning nap to 11:00.
Continue offering a short afternoon nap or quiet time.
Early bedtime if needed.
Days 7–9
Move morning nap to 11:30.
Drop the afternoon nap completely.
Stick with early bedtime if naps are short.
Day 10 and beyond
Settle nap time at 12:00–12:30 depending on your child’s wake-up time.
Resume a consistent bedtime routine.
💡 Tip: From 8–13 months, babies usually need 3–4 hours of awake time before a nap. By 14 months and beyond, awake time stretches to 5–6 hours.
Short Naps During the Transition? Totally Normal.
Don’t second-guess yourself if naps get shorter during this stage. Your toddler’s body is adjusting to a new rhythm. It can take several weeks for naps to stretch back out.
👉 If your toddler wakes early, give them at least 10 minutes before intervening. Many times, they’ll link another sleep cycle and settle back down.
How This Transition Impacts You
Losing that second nap can feel bittersweet. Two naps meant two breaks in the day for you, and the thought of having only one can feel like “not enough.” But here’s the upside:
Your mornings just got a lot more flexible—no more racing home twice for naps.
One nap often stretches into a long, restorative 2–3 hour window.
Your day becomes easier to plan with just one big nap in the middle.
And best of all, you’ve now entered the one-nap zone, where your toddler will likely stay until age 3–4. That means more predictability for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The 2-to-1 nap transition takes time and patience, but once your child settles into their new routine, the benefits are worth it. A single consolidated nap supports deeper sleep, longer stretches of rest, and more freedom for family activities.
✨ Want personalized support during sleep training? Book a free discovery call with me and let’s make your family’s sleep routine simple and stress-free.