Development

Baby Milestones 13-18 Months: Baby's Sleep Schedule

How to transition your infant from two naps a day to one

By Mindy Berry Walker, Babytalk
 
See Also
The real deal on how to raise a confident kid - Parenting.com
When your little snoozer goes to bed, do visions of bottles, boobs, and Binkies dance in her head? Maybe! - Parenting.com
Can you spoil a baby? - Parenting.com

Lately, when the 9:30 a.m. nap rolls around, your babe is wide-awake. What gives? Around 15 months, he's likely ready to go from two naps a day to just one, especially if he's sleeping through the night, says Kim West, the "Sleep Lady" and author of Good Night, Sleep Tight. Use this schedule for a fuss-free transition:

Days 1 to 3: Push his morning snooze to 11 a.m. (Host a playdate to keep him up.) Ideally, he'd rest for two hours or more.
Days 4 to 7: Each day, push naptime back 15 to 20 minutes to get closer to a noon siesta.
Days 8 to 10: Continue to push naptime back until it starts at 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. (soon after lunch). You don't want it to get stuck at 11 a.m., because then your toddler will be awake too long before bedtime, triggering crankiness. Four to five hours is the ideal amount of awake time between nap- and bedtime, says West. The good news: He may stay in this nap routine until he's 3 or even 4.



PRINT
Quick Poll

Who's the best-trained member of your family?

My husband
My child
Our pet


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

12 Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Babies

Cheap, easy-to-make and quick costumes for your baby

promotion
 

Blog: The Daily Fave

Shawn: "Sure, it helps to know what a mucus plug is, but mostly guys need books that offers simple, streamlined, practical info that doesn't get bogged down with a lot of 'medical diagrams' or 'compound sentences.' Well have I got the book for you, Pops." Updated frequently.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "I have been in charge of the family finances for about a year now and I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING." Updated Daily!

The Best Toys of 2009

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cake Designs

Sweet! The easiest, cutest cakes for boys and girls