Transitioning Naps - Going from Two naps to One...How?

Transitioning from Two Naps to One

Following on from last weeks blog about moving from 3 to 2 naps..........here are the steps to move from 2 naps to 1.

Step 1 : Start by moving morning nap later by 1/2 an hour.  If he usually naps at 10 move it to 10:30, do this for three days, allowing the child to sleep for as long as they like.

Step 2: Whether the child is napping well in the afternoon or not make sure they still have a quiet time in their crib around 2:30.  It will help take the edge off until bedtime.  Leave him in the crib for one full hour.  He may not sleep but at least he’ll have had some down time on his own.  If he does fall asleep don’t’ let him sleep past 3:30-4 so you can keep his bedtime on track.

Step 3: If your baby did not sleep during the afternoon “quiet time” then you will need to move her bedtime up as early as 6:30 to prevent him from becoming overtired.

Step 4: On day four move his morning naptime back another half an hour to 11:00am. And continue with this time for the next three days.  Follow the advice given in Step 2 for your baby’s afternoon quiet time and bedtime.

Step 5: On day seven move naptime back half an hour to 11:30am for yet another three days.  There probably won’t be any time for afternoon quiet time by this point and you may find your child very hard to deal with around suppertime.  Remember, it’s ok to put him to bed early.  It’s much better than living with an unbearable child!

Step 6: On day 10 move your baby’s naptime to 12pm.  This means that you might have to move lunchtime up to 11:30 for a while.  Don’t be surprised if your little one starts nodding off in the highchair for a few weeks.

Keep in mind:

·         It can take up to a month to fully adjust to one nap.

·         To help with morning grumpiness try taking him outside or giving him a snack.

·         Naptime will likely be around the 12+12:30 mark for several months.  A 1pm naptime is more common around 2 years of age. 

·         If you try to push the naptime too late you run the risk of your child getting his second wind and being more difficult to put down later on.

·         If you miss the window of time that your child is starting to get tired you will be in the overtired state which means it will be more difficult for him to fall asleep.

·         Bedtime needs to be earlier to accommodate the lack of a nap during the day. Recommended time is around 7pm.

·         You are not alone, 85% of clients struggle with naps, and they will come with time!  Remind yourself of the accomplishments you have already made and try not to focus on this and before you know it naps will be like clockwork too!

If you want to discuss further or want some help to make the transition one smoothly - give me a shout!

Time To Sleep Consulting

Carly Wintle

778-877-6380

http://www.timetosleepconsulting.com/