When Does the 2Nd Nap Stop?

My son was totally done with naps before he was 2 years old. I think that your daughter will let you know by sleeping less at night or just laying down and not sleeping at nap time.

S.

You can also try keeping her up later in the morning, and forcing a nap around midday. Then you will have the afternoon and early evening with her so this usually leads into an earlier bedtime. :)

My son was down to one nap by 17 months because that's when he started daycare and his nap was at 12:30.

Good luck!

My son switched at about 18 months. I tried to force it before that, but I think you just have to wait until they're ready.

I would let her decide-- we all have different sleep patterns and needs, and kiddos are no different.

With this one you will follow her lead as all children vary quite a bit on napping. Left to her own she may, if she's an active child, want to shorten or eliminate the naps too soon. You will be able to tell because she will be cranky a lot. In that case, firmly insist that she continue with two naps, and when down to one nap, that it be a certain length of time. You are also a part of this picture, because if you need her to take a nap so that you can have a break, there is nothing wrong with that. She can learn to entertain herself in her crib and fall asleep. She won't need toys, she'll start talking to herself and practicing how to speak. This is a really fun and cute time for both of you.

Tammy

Transitioning from 2 naps to 1 nap is one of the most tricky things...I think (along with giving up naps). It takes some time to see what works for your child, patience because her sleep schedule may be a little screwed up until she's used to it and it's a big change for us mama's too. Basically, I just did it gradually. I'd push my kiddo's every couple of days 15 minutes later until you reach the time that's comfortable for both of you. With my boys we ended at 11:00 and then they'd eat lunch when they woke up. Gradually, we shifted more towards 12:00 or 12:30 with lunch before naps, but that was usually when they were a couple of months older and more used to the 1 nape routine. My youngest just turned 2 this weekend and he started to make the transition from 2 naps to 1 around 15 months. Now, his usual naptime is anywhere between 12:30-1:30. Also, be aware that when they are down to 1 nap it is usually a MUCH longer nap once they get used to their new schedule. Depending on your child of course! Mine usually sleeps anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to an occasional 4 hour nap. It helps us mamas get stuff done around the house :-) Good luck with your transition from 2 to 1 nap. It will be great for you for the summertime! You'll have more flexibility to do fun things in the mornings.