Newborn to 5 years
Nap Transitions by Age
Babies go from 4 or more naps a day to none over the first few years. Each step happens when wake windows grow long enough that the last nap starts to fight bedtime. Here is when each transition usually happens and how to tell your baby is ready.
When babies drop naps
| Transition | Typical age | The question parents ask |
|---|---|---|
| 4 → 3 naps | 3–5 months | When do babies drop to 3 naps? |
| 3 → 2 naps | 6–8 months | When do babies drop to 2 naps? |
| 2 → 1 naps | 13–18 months | When do babies go to one nap? |
| 1 → 0 naps | 3–5 years | When do toddlers stop napping? |
Signs it is time to drop a nap
- A nap is refused, or takes 30+ minutes to happen, most days for 1–2 weeks.
- The last nap pushes bedtime later than you'd like.
- Early morning waking starts without another obvious cause.
- Your child happily handles the longer wake windows of the next stage.
One bad week isn't enough. Nap strikes during sleep regressions are common and usually temporary, so wait for a consistent pattern before changing the schedule.
Nap transition questions
When do babies drop to 3 naps?
Usually between 3 and 5 months.
When do babies drop to 2 naps?
Usually between 6 and 8 months, when the late-afternoon catnap gets refused or pushes bedtime late.
When do babies go to one nap?
Usually between 13 and 18 months, most often around 15 months.
When do toddlers stop napping?
Most children drop their nap between 3 and 5 years. Quiet time can replace it on nap-free days.
How long does a nap transition take?
Anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks. Expect some days on the old schedule and some on the new one while your child adjusts.