Some parents proudly look at the change from 2 naps to 1 as a major accomplishment, something akin to a college graduation! But what’s the rush? Daytime naps are lovely, and as I’ve said, adequate daytime sleep promotes good nighttime sleep—sleep begets sleep. Although it is also true that too much daytime sleep may delay bedtime or cause middle-of-the-night waking.

Most tots give up the second nap between 12 and 24 months. But be aware, this transition period is often rocky. Some toddlers give up the morning nap, some the afternoon nap…and others alternate (one day they nap in the morning, the next day in the afternoon)!

Consider yourself very lucky if your little guy is happy and playful in the late morning as he starts to skip his post breakfast snooze. More often, tots start skipping the morning nap but still need it. And this internal ambivalence makes them overtired and extra grumpy…and weepy. (In other words, even more like a little caveman as usual!)

Your little man may spend a few weeks bouncing back and forth between 1 and 2 naps. (It’s almost like he needs 1 1/2 naps per day!) Many parents find that the best strategy for this “in-between” period is to at least have a midmorning rest time (with white noise, a lovey and perhaps a little reading or massage). If your child seems antsy, let him watch 20 minutes of a calming Sesame Street or nature DVD (no cartoons, please).

If your little guy switches to 1 nap, but then starts waking too early in the morning and seems overtired all day (irritable, staring, rubbing his eyes, falling back asleep while snacking, being more clumsy, etc.), go back to 2 naps for a month or two.

When he finally settles into a 1-nap schedule, the noon nap will last a little longer, and lunch, dinner and bedtime will arrive a little earlier.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.