Transitioning From Two Naps To One

Is your toddler in the “one nap isn’t enough but two naps is too much” phase?

If so, they may need some help transitioning from two naps to one.

Most children are ready for the transition sometime between 15 and 18 months of age. Every child is different, of course – some 13 and 14 month old children no longer need their morning snooze, but there are also many toddlers that continue to benefit from two naps a day until their 2^nd birthday. Don’t rush the transition simply because you think your child “should” be ready or because it’s convenient – watch your child, not the calendar. Dropping the morning nap before your child is truly ready can easily disrupt night sleep and result in a crabby, sleep deprived child. (Many day care centers drop the morning nap as soon as a child moves from the baby room to the toddler room – typically around their first birthday.  If this is the case with your child, try working with caregivers to see if they’re willing to bring your child back to the baby room for the morning nap.)

So how do you know when the time is really right?

My article for Fairfield County Mom’s Blog helps you decide if your toddler is ready and offers helpful tips to make the transition  a smooth one.