Is Your Baby Ready for the 3-2 Nap Transition? Signs and Tips for Success

Around 6-9 months old, your baby will likely be ready to transition from 3 naps to 2 naps per day (yay!!!). 🎉 This is a big milestone in your baby's sleep journey, and while it might seem a little overwhelming at first, the good news is that it’s a natural part of their development.

Every baby is unique, so the timing for this transition can vary, but the most common window is between 7-9 months. However, it’s important to watch for signs that your baby is ready and not rush into the transition before it’s time.

But how do you know when it’s time to switch from 3 naps to 2 naps? Below are a few key signs that your baby may be ready for the 3-2 nap transition.

Signs It’s Time for the 3-2 Nap Transition:

More Frequent Night Wakings (New Onset)

If your baby starts waking up more frequently during the night, this could indicate that they are overtired from taking too many naps during the day. As babies grow, their sleep needs change, and the transition to 2 naps is often linked to fewer night wakings and better quality sleep at night.

Shorter Naps, Fighting Naps, or Refusing the Last Nap

If your baby is consistently having short naps, fighting naps, or refusing their last nap of the day, it could be a sign that they no longer need 3 naps. This is often one of the first signs that they are ready to transition to 2 naps.

Early Morning Wakings (From Too Much Daytime Sleep)

If your baby is waking up early in the morning, it may be due to having too much daytime sleep. Dropping a nap and consolidating sleep into 2 longer naps can help balance their daytime sleep and reduce early morning wake-ups.

How to Make the 3-2 Nap Transition

You don’t want to rush into this transition, so it’s important to observe your baby’s sleep patterns for about 2 weeks before making any changes. This will ensure the pattern is consistent and not just a one-off change. If you make the switch too early, it could lead to more sleep struggles as your baby adjusts.

Now, how do you actually make this transition? It’s quite simple but requires some gradual changes.

To start, slowly increase your baby’s wake times during the day. You can add 15-30 minutes to their wake windows over the course of several days. This gradual increase gives your baby time to adjust to the new schedule without feeling overtired.

As you lengthen their wake times, you may notice that the morning wake time before the first nap remains shorter compared to the second and third wake windows. This is normal and helps your baby adjust without feeling too tired. During the adjustment phase, you may need to implement an early bedtime for a while until they get used to the new nap schedule.

The transition to 2 naps can take a few weeks, and you may see some temporary sleep setbacks along the way. Your baby might need time to adjust to longer wake times and fewer naps. Don’t worry — with patience and consistency, they’ll be back to sleeping soundly in no time.

Managing the Adjustment Period

Expect the transition to take a few weeks, and don't be discouraged if your baby experiences some sleep disruptions during this time. It's normal for babies to need time to adjust to a new nap schedule. Some babies may even seem more tired or irritable during the first few days, but rest assured that they will eventually adapt to the new routine.

If your baby is struggling during this period, try not to worry. It’s common for them to need a little extra help adjusting. Just keep offering them comfort and consistency, and they’ll get back on track before you know it.

Is Your Baby’s Nap Schedule a Constant Disaster?

I’ve been there too… dealing with short naps, fussy babies, and sleep struggles. But now is the perfect time to make nap time a cozy, calm, and liberating experience for both you and your baby. With a solid plan in place, you’ll be able to help your baby love their naps and nap for longer than just 32 minutes at a time!

That’s where The Ultimate Nap Guide (for babies 0-2 years) comes in to save the day. 🙌 Click here to learn more about The Nap Guide and start building the nap routine your baby deserves!