Baby Nap Transitions: Signs, Schedules & Tips for Peaceful Days

Naps. The best thing ever… orrrrr the most stressful thing ever. If you’re stuck in the cycle of short naps, cranky wake windows, and endless rocking, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about naps, transitions, and how to make your days more predictable and peaceful.

The First Year of Naps: What to Expect

In those early newborn days, your baby is likely sleeping and napping all the time (probably in your arms for the most part). This is totally normal and oh-so-sweet, but as they grow, they’ll start to tolerate a little more awake time and gradually drop naps.

The first year is FULL of changes when it comes to naps. Schedules and daily routines will likely shift every 1-2 months as your baby grows and their sleep needs evolve. By around 9 months old, most babies settle into a consistent 2-nap routine. Then, somewhere between 13-18 months, they’ll transition to a single nap schedule—usually sticking with that until they’re around 3+ years old. (YAY for some consistency!)

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

AVERAGE NAPS BY AGE

• 0-3 Months: Many naps!!
• 4-5 Months: 3-5 naps
• 6-8 Months: 2-3 naps
• 9-15 Months: 2 naps
• 16 Months - 3 Years: 1 nap
• 3 Years +: 0-1 nap

These naps can range anywhere from 20 minutes to 2+ hours. Every baby is different! These are just averages, so if your baby is napping more or less and everything is working well for you, there’s no need to stress! If you’re struggling with chronic short naps, make sure to read this blog all about short naps.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Drop a Nap?

This is the million-dollar question, right? And the answer is… it depends. Every baby is different, but there are some general guidelines and averages to help you figure it out.

First, you’ll want to make sure your baby is at the right age to drop a nap. Reference the nap breakdown above to check if they’re in the typical range!

But age isn’t the only factor. There are also some tell-tale signs that your baby might be ready to drop a nap. If you’re noticing any of the following, it could be time for a transition:

• They’re consistently fighting one of their naps (or bedtime).
• They’re waking up earlier than usual in the morning.
• Their naps are getting shorter, or they’re skipping naps altogether.
• They’re having a harder time falling asleep at their usual nap times.

That said, if you’re already experiencing these challenges and your baby isn’t at the typical age for a nap transition, it might not be time to drop a nap just yet. Other factors like sleep regressions, teething, sickness, or just an “off” few days can also cause disruptions.

Don’t Rush the Transition

If your baby is showing signs of being ready to drop a nap, take it slow. Give it a couple of weeks before making any big changes to their schedule or routine. Dropping a nap too early can lead to overtiredness, short naps, and early morning wake-ups—so there’s no need to rush!

Remember, every baby is different. Some babies will show all the signs of being ready to drop a nap, while others might only show one or two. Trust your instincts and your baby’s cues, and don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.

What If It’s Not Time to Drop a Nap?

If your baby is struggling with short naps or early mornings but isn’t quite ready to drop a nap, there could be other factors at play. Sleep regressions, teething, sickness, or even just a few “off” days are all normal and healthy for your baby. Try not to jump to conclusions too quickly—sometimes a little patience is all it takes to get back on track.

Need more help? Check out my free Sleep Regression Mini Course or my blog on teething and sleep for more tips and strategies.

Ready to Take the Stress Out of Naps?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by short naps, unpredictable schedules, or constant second-guessing, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: The Ultimate Nap Guide.

This isn’t just a guide—it’s your step-by-step roadmap to peaceful, predictable days.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• Daily schedules tailored to your baby’s age (0-24 months) so you know exactly what to do and when.
• Proven nap teaching methods that let you choose what feels right for your family.
• Step-by-step guidance to tackle short naps and create longer, more restful ones.
• A customizable nap routine to make every nap predictable and stress-free.
• Confidence-boosting tips so you’ll never feel stuck or second-guess yourself again.

I know how hard it is to feel like you’ve got nighttime sleep figured out but can’t seem to crack the nap code.

But here’s the truth: you’re not failing—you just need the right tools.

Don’t wait for better naps to magically happen—make them happen today. Grab The Ultimate Nap Guide now and start seeing results as soon as tomorrow!

Get Started Today ⬇

GET THE NAP GUIDE

Naps don’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and strategies, you can help your baby (and yourself!) get the rest you need. You’ve got this!!!