Transition from 2 Naps to 1 - Chicago,IL

Our son transitioned around 14-15 months and I was terrified! I wasn't ready for "only one nap", but it became the best thing ever! Besides, it isn't about what *we* want and what is convenient for *us* but what is best for the child.

How did I know it was time? The morning nap was great but the afternoon nap was awful. He wouldn't sleep, he'd only sleep for a short period of time, etc.

How did we transition? When the AM naptime rolled around, we switched up what we were doing to distract our typical schedule. Usually it involved leaving the house and doing something really fun. At this early stage, he would only be able to stay awake until about 11:30...but he would sleep til 3:00! He also showed signs of wanting to go to bed earlier than usual (6:00 - 6:15 as opposed to his typical 6:30), so when the telltale signs appeared he went to bed. Eventually he stayed awake longer and longer until the naptime was set around 12:30 - 1:00. He will sleep at least until 3:30 each day.

I was so used to the 'two nap' routine and dreaded only having 'one nap' but it was the best transition ever.

I just transitioned my twins a couple of months ago (they were 18 months old at the time). I knew it was time because the morning nap got shorter and the afternoon nap started earlier. What worked for us was going from 2 shorter naps (10:30-12:00 and 2:30-4:00) to one long nap (12:30-3:30). It ends up being the same amount of time overall, but it works out great. It only took 4 or 5 days for them to get used to it. I just kept them occupied in the morning with new fun games and music. The hardest part for us was the fact that lunch time had to be moved up by 45 minutes. I also have to watch the clock so they don't sleep any later than 3 hours, or else they will want to stay up later at night. Other than that, it was fine.

Don't stress out about what you read. Every child is different. Play around with it a while and see what works for your son. Going down to one nap may not be as bad as you think. Personally, I like one longer nap because it gives me more time to get things done without being interrupted. Good luck!

My daughter transitioned from two naps to one when she was 13 months old. I knew it was time when she was goofing around when she would be in her crib for her afternoon nap. So, I started putting her down at 11:30 and she would sleep until 2:30. Her bedtime was still 7:00.

Hi T.,
I feel your pain. My oldest transitioned around his first birthday to 1 nap. My youngest transitioned around 19 months (which was LATE compared to other friends).

I wasn't ready when either of them made the switch, but like MR said, it isn't about us. My youngest son was taking 2 naps at 2-3 hours each. I had 4-6 hours of "freedom" during the day (I work from home, so this was wonderful). Now (just turned 2), he is only taking an hour and a half to 2 hour nap in the afternoon.

We adjust. Its what mommyhood is all about. You'll survive and you may even like it!

Hugs,
B.