How to Know If Your Child Needs 1 Vs. 2 Naps

Updated on December 19, 2006
G.M. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

My son just turned a year old and has been struggling with his sleep schedule. He is starting to take longer morning naps, which cause him to have difficulty falling asleep for his afternoon nap, thus making him an overtired child by early evening. I've been putting him down around 5:30pm in hopes that he catches up on his sleep. That part seems to help, but I'm wondering how any other moms dealt with the transition of 2 to 1 nap at around 12 months. He seems so young to only need one nap though. Any advice is appreciated!

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will work on stretching him out until we find the right naptime.

More Answers

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R.

answers from Chicago on

It's actually pretty typical for one of the naps to drop at this age one, especially if he's sleeping well at night. What he's doing sounds like a sign to go to one nap. I think what I did was skip the morning nap, eat lunch really early 11:00, then put her down at about 11:30/12:00. She would sleep for about three hours, then I would do bedtime at about 6:30/7:00. That's just an example, go with your son's cues.

As time went on, my daughter would be more awake for longer periods of time in the AM, thus not needing her afternoon nap until 1:00.

Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from New York on

I agree with the first response. I have 2 boys who both gave up one nap at around 12 months. The approach that worked for us was to push the baby to stay awake until after lunch (even if that means eating lunch at 11 am!). At first the nap will start at 11:15 or 11:30, but eventually the baby will be able to make it to 12:30 or even 1:00. A naptime of 1:00 to 3:00 is pretty standard for older kids. Both my sons (age 2 and almost 4) are still napping in that window. Good luck!

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C.U.

answers from Chicago on

For the first few weeks with one nap try to keep him extra occupied, and as he gets used to the schedule it will be no big deal. Try making him wait until noon for the nap. Then see how he has to adjust from there as far as a little earlier or later. Good Luck

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D.C.

answers from Chicago on

I did the same thing as Regina, pushed for the later afternoon nap. Also, both my older kids started to switch to one nap at about 1 year old, so your son may not be too young for this afterall. Good luck to you. These sleep transitions can definitely be trying.

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V.

answers from Chicago on

my daughter is going thru the same thing. some days, she skips the morning nap and sleeps at noon for three hours. Other days, she goes down for her usual 10:30 and 3:00 naps. I just let her do what she needs that day and I keep her bedtime consistent so her naps will adjust. Just let them sleep when they're tired. She's also "napped" at 5:00, but I'll wake her at 6 for dinner and bath, and put her right back to bed at 7:30. hope that helps.

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