From the Research
Babies typically transition to one nap a day between 12 and 18 months of age, with most making this shift around 15 months, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This transition happens gradually as your baby's sleep needs evolve. Signs that your baby is ready include consistently fighting the second nap, taking too long to fall asleep for the second nap, or having the second nap interfere with bedtime. When transitioning, expect some crankiness as your baby adjusts to staying awake longer. The single nap usually occurs after lunch and lasts between 2-3 hours. To ease the transition, gradually push the morning nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days until it reaches early afternoon. During this adjustment period, consider an earlier bedtime to prevent overtiredness. This transition is developmentally appropriate as babies' ability to stay awake for longer stretches improves with age, and their total sleep needs decrease from about 14 hours at 12 months to 12-13 hours by 18 months, as noted in a study on nap patterns in children 2. Some key points to consider when deciding to transition to one nap a day include:
- The age of the baby: most babies transition to one nap a day between 12 and 18 months of age
- The baby's sleep needs: as babies get older, they need less sleep during the day
- The baby's ability to stay awake for longer stretches: as babies develop, they are able to stay awake for longer periods of time
- The impact of napping on nighttime sleep: napping can affect nighttime sleep, and it's essential to find a balance between daytime and nighttime sleep, as discussed in a study on the role of sleep in retention of new words in habitually and non-habitually napping children 3. It's also important to note that the transition to one nap a day can vary depending on the individual child, and some children may need more or less sleep than others, as suggested by a study on napping, development, and health from 0 to 5 years 4. Additionally, a study on the contributions of memory and brain development to the bioregulation of naps and nap transitions in early childhood provides insight into the cognitive and physiological changes that accompany nap transitions 1. Another study on the role of sleep in retention of new words in habitually and non-habitually napping children highlights the importance of considering the individual child's sleep needs and habits when deciding to transition to one nap a day 3. A study on a daytime nap combined with nighttime sleep promoting learning in toddlers also supports the idea that napping can have a positive impact on learning and development, especially when combined with nighttime sleep 5. Overall, the decision to transition to one nap a day should be based on the individual child's needs and development, and should take into account the potential impact on nighttime sleep and overall health and well-being.