Wondering if your baby’s ready to drop to 2 naps? Sometimes it’s difficult to tell…
It’s not easy making changes to your baby’s nap schedule, and the transition from 3 naps to 2 can be particularly challenging.
Here are 4 signs that your baby’s ready to drop to 2 naps:
1. Baby is 5-6 Months Old
A common age for this transition is 5 to 6 months.
2. Increased Stamina
Your baby doesn’t seem as tired at the regular nap time. And once you lay them down for that nap, they may cry or play for a long time before finally falling asleep.
3. Third Nap Becomes Problematic
All of a sudden, your baby’s third nap isn’t going well. Maybe they take a long time to fall asleep, or maybe they don’t fall asleep at all. And then you’re left with this long stretch of time before bedtime.
4. First and Second Naps are Lengthening
Your baby’s first two naps of the day are becoming so long that there isn’t enough time to fit a third nap in before bedtime. But without that third nap there’s too long of a gap before bedtime.
If your baby’s around 5-6 months old and showing any of these signs, it’s likely time to drop them to two naps.
Once you decide to make the switch to two naps, stick with it and don’t go back. There was a reason you decided to make the switch in the first place.
It takes the body 4-6 weeks to fully adjust to a significant change in sleep patterns, so it’s not going to happen overnight. But with a little time, consistency, and patience, your baby will settle into their new sleep schedule.
What signs is your baby showing that tells you they may be ready to make the switch to two naps?