How Your Child Transitions to Fewer Naps

When babies usually move to fewer naps

The number of naps usually decreases gradually:

• around 2–3 months — from five naps to four;

• around 4–6 months — from four naps to three;

• around 7–9 months — from three naps to two;

• around 13–18 months — from two naps to one;

• around 24–36 months — gradually stopping naps altogether.

At 2–3 months, your baby’s sleep rhythm is still developing, so the number of naps may change quite often. For example, your baby may need five naps one day and four the next.

These are approximate periods, not strict deadlines. One child may be ready for a change earlier, while another may need more time.

Why the number of naps decreases

As children grow, they can stay awake for longer without becoming tired. Gradually, several short naps are replaced by fewer, longer ones.

Nighttime sleep changes too: it usually becomes longer and more continuous. As a result, your child gradually needs fewer daytime sleep periods.

Every child moves through this process at their own pace. A difference of several weeks or even months does not usually mean that anything is wrong.

How to tell whether your baby is ready for a transition

Age is only one of the signs. It is more helpful to look for changes that repeat over several days.

For example, your baby may:

• take a long time to fall asleep at their usual nap time;

• regularly skip one of their naps;

• comfortably stay awake for longer than usual;

• remain active and not seem overtired after a skipped nap;

• begin falling asleep later at night after a late nap.

If these changes continue for several days, your baby’s usual rhythm may be starting to shift.

One skipped nap does not necessarily mean that it is time to change the schedule. Sleep can also be affected by new experiences, travel, illness, teething, or simply an unusual day.

Do not rush to remove a nap

The transition usually happens gradually. For a while, days with the old and new number of naps may alternate—and that is completely normal.

If your child still falls asleep easily, wakes in a good mood, and feels comfortable with their usual number of naps, there is no need to reduce them on purpose.

Dropping a nap too early can lead to overtiredness. This may make it harder for your baby to fall asleep in the evening, cause more night wakings, or lead to more fussiness toward the end of the day.

How to support your baby during the transition

You do not need to change the whole routine at once. You can move gradually:

• gently extend the awake time between naps;

• shift nap time by 10–15 minutes if your child does not seem tired;

• offer an earlier bedtime on days with fewer naps;

• leave room for an extra short nap when needed.

There is no need to make your child sleep for a set number of minutes or wake them according to a timer. The length of an extra nap can vary—look at how your baby feels and how the whole day is unfolding.

Watch your child as well as the clock. If your baby is active and calm, the new rhythm is probably working well. If they are often fussy, struggle to stay awake, or become overtired quickly, the transition may be happening too fast.

Why the app asks about the number of naps

During a transition, children of the same age may sleep differently. For example, one baby may already have moved to two naps, while another still feels comfortable with three.

That is why the app asks how many naps your child currently takes and uses this information when calculating the sleep schedule.

When you notice that your baby has moved to fewer naps, update the number in Settings. The app will then recalculate the schedule to reflect the new rhythm.

Avoid comparing your baby’s rhythm with others

One child may move to two naps at six and a half months, while another does so closer to nine months. Both can be completely normal.

The number of naps matters less than the overall picture: whether your baby gets enough sleep, feels comfortable while awake, and does not seem constantly overtired.

When to talk to your pediatrician

Talk to your child’s doctor if your baby:

• seems unusually sleepy most of the time;

• barely sleeps during the day and is clearly overtired;

• struggles to fall asleep regardless of the schedule;

• snores loudly or has pauses in breathing during sleep;

• has sleep changes alongside noticeable changes in wellbeing or development.

In most cases, needing fewer naps is a natural part of growing up. But when something about your baby’s sleep or wellbeing concerns you, it is always worth discussing it with your pediatrician.

A new sleep rhythm rarely develops in a single day. Give your baby time to adjust, and focus on how they feel rather than trying to create a perfect schedule.

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Sources

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• World Health Organization. Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children under 5 Years of Age. 2019.

• Galland BC, Taylor BJ, Elder DE, Herbison P. Normal Sleep Patterns in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2012;16(3):213–222.

• Bruni O, Baumgartner E, Sette S, et al. Longitudinal Study of Sleep Behavior in Normal Infants During the First Year of Life. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2014;10(10):1119–1127.

• Iglowstein I, Jenni OG, Molinari L, Largo RH. Sleep Duration From Infancy to Adolescence: Reference Values and Generational Trends. Pediatrics. 2003;111(2):302–307.

• Bathory E, Tomopoulos S. Sleep Regulation, Physiology and Development, Sleep Duration and Patterns, and Sleep Hygiene in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. 2017;47(2):29–42.

• Horváth K, Plunkett K. Spotlight on Daytime Napping During Early Childhood. Nature and Science of Sleep. 2018;10:97–104.