2 to 1 Nap Transition
Most toddlers move from 2 naps to 1 between 13 and 18 months, with 15 months being common. The single nap lands around 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, and wake windows stretch to about 4½–5½ hours. Switching too early is the most common mistake, so look for 1 to 2 weeks of consistent nap refusal first.
- Usually happens
- 13–18 months
- Naps
- 2 → 1
- Wake windows after
- 4½–5½ hours
Reviewed by Pediatric sleep consultant (TBC) · Updated 2026-09-25
Plan a 1-nap day
Next nap
11:30 am
after 4 h 30 min awake · typical 4½–5½ hours
See the whole day
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 11:30 am Nap 1 · until 1:30 pm
- 7:00 pm Bedtime
Get a reminder before 11:30 am. The Wake Windows app pings you when the window is closing and re-plans the day when naps run short.
When do babies go to one nap?
Most babies are ready for the 2 to 1 nap transition at 13–18 months. Age is only a guide: watch for the signs below, and wait until you have seen them most days for a week or two.
Signs your baby is ready
- Refusing one nap, usually the morning or afternoon, for 1–2 weeks.
- Taking 30 minutes or more to fall asleep for one of the naps.
- The second nap pushing bedtime past 8 pm.
- Early waking that started when the naps did not change.
How to make the switch
- Push the morning nap later by 15–30 minutes every few days.
- Keep going until the nap starts between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.
- Use an early bedtime, around 6–6:30 pm, for the first couple of weeks.
- On very tired days, a short 20-minute catnap in the car or stroller can bridge to bedtime.
Common mistakes
- Switching at 12 months because of a short nap strike.
- Keeping the nap at its old morning time, which leaves a very long afternoon.
Before and after
Sample schedules for a 7 am wake-up
Before: 2 naps
Typical at 12 months · wake windows 3–4 hours
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 10:00 am Nap 1 · until 11:00 am
- 2:30 pm Nap 2 · until 3:30 pm
- 7:30 pm Bedtime
After: 1 nap
Typical at 15 months · wake windows 4½–5½ hours
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 11:30 am Nap 1 · until 1:30 pm
- 7:00 pm Bedtime
During the switch, move bedtime 30–60 minutes earlier than the "after" schedule until your baby adjusts.
2 to 1 Nap Transition questions
When do babies go to one nap?
Usually between 13 and 18 months, most commonly around 15 months.
How long does the 2 to 1 nap transition take?
Often 2 to 6 weeks, with some 2-nap days along the way.
What time should a 1 nap schedule start?
Between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm for a 7 am wake-up, about 4½ to 5 hours after waking.
How long should the one nap be?
About 1½ to 2½ hours.