Naps by age

Moving from two naps to one

Typical timing: 14–18 months. Readiness is individual.

Look at the pattern.

One nap is repeatedly skipped and the child handles longer awake stretches. Some transition days still need two naps.

Leave room to adjust.

Allow mixed one- and two-nap days during adjustment. An early bedtime can help after a short or missed nap.

Explore a compatible nap day

Published consultant reference. Checked 2026-09-30.

A few little questions.

Should I drop a nap on a certain birthday?

The cited span is typical, not a deadline. A consistent pattern and the child’s ability to handle longer awake time matter.

Can some days still need the old nap count?

Mixed days can occur during a transition. Protect rest opportunities and follow cues.

What if the last nap is missed?

The day may need an earlier bedtime. A sample cannot predict the effect for every child.

Does dropping a nap mean dropping a night feed?

Those are separate decisions. Discuss night feeding and growth with the pediatrician.

Compare nap patterns · Night-feed context · How the day is built.