3-2 Nap Transition
For months you and your baby have been working establishing a good sleep routine, lengthening naps and finally a consistent 3 nap schedule and then almost overnight the 3rd nap becomes a struggle and eventually your baby just refuses that nap. What is going on?
This is one of many signs that your baby might be ready to drop the third nap. Let’s look at a few other signs of readiness
The average age to drop from 3-2 naps is between 6-9 months with the majority dropping the third nap around 8 months of age.
The third nap is a struggle with baby taking a very long time to fall asleep or the nap is refused out right
The third nap is getting pushed back so late that bedtime is now 8pm or later
Daytime naps are getting shorter and/or difficulty falling asleep for naps
You consistently 7am riser is now waking earlier and earlier
Your baby has started to wake more frequently during the night
Your baby now wakes after midnight for one long wakeful period 60+ minutes where they are happy and content playing or babbling
So your baby has shown one of these signs: what do you do? Nothing, yes that’s right. Dropping a nap should not be rushed and while they may show a sign, you should wait until the signs are more consistent before considering dropping a nap. Getting ready and being ready are two very different things. After a week or more of consistently showing one or more of these signs it’s time to start preparing for the transition.
For a baby to really handle a 2 nap schedule well, they need to be able to happily sustain a 2.5-3hr wake window consistently. Naps 1 & 2 must total two hours daytime sleep (or more).
So I think my child is ready, how do I do this?
Limit the 3rd nap to 20-30 minutes for a few days. Then cut it down to 15 minutes. It may be easier to have this 3rd cat nap in the stroller or baby carrier (while supervised.)
As you wean off this nap, keep adjusting bedtime to ensure you’re sticking to the recommended awake times.
As your baby lengthens naps 1 & 2, the 3rd nap may push bedtime too late. If that’s the case, drop the 3rd nap and move bedtime earlier.
You can also drop the 3rd nap “cold turkey” if your baby usually fights it. Simply extend awake times by 30 minutes and move bedtime earlier to fit the recommended awake times. That typically leaves no time for a third nap!
Total sleep needs don’t really change, they simply redistribute. It’s typical in the beginning days/week of the transition to have shorter naps because baby’s body is still in the mode to have another nap opportunity later in the day. They will eventually lengthen. Also know that the transition can be a rollercoaster for many babies. Most nap transitions take a few weeks. You may have to give some 3-nap days and some 2 nap-days as your baby works through this transition. Pay attention to your baby’s wake windows and adjust bedtime as needed. Dropping the third nap is a good change as this will help consolidate daytime sleep and who doesn’t love longer, more predictable naps!
Need more help with the transition or other sleep related issues? I have a range of programs to suit every family and can help you get sleep on track quickly. Email me at liz@littlesleepcoach.com