Babies have a knack for keeping us on our toes, especially when it comes to their ever-changing naptime routine. One moment they’re snoozing away like little angels, and the next, they’re pulling a surprise move and ditching that second nap. (And it’s always when I made other plans and was relying on that second nap!). In this blog post, we’ll embark on the wild journey of how I transitioned my little bundle of joy from two naps to one, sprinkling a little humor to keep those tired parental eyes entertained…and by that, I mean me. I’m those tired parental eyes! 😂
Understanding the Timing
Picture this: your baby is happily nodding off for their morning nap, and suddenly, they give you a look that says, “Are you kidding me? I just woke up from a ‘power nap’!” The transition to one nap typically happens around 12 to 18 months, but remember, your baby is the CEO of their own sleep schedule (is anyone else envisioning Boss Baby here?). So, keep an eye out for signs like your little fighting the morning nap or doing an Olympic-level gymnastics routine in the crib instead of settling down.
That’s what happened to me. One morning my Sweetie Bird let out his usual big yawn after eating and some play time, so I figured it was time for his nap. I set him down only to watch him roll around like a top in his crib!
Signs of Readiness for a New Naptime Routine
Let’s face it, your baby’s readiness for one nap is like their “No-Nap Power Pose.” Watch out for signs like your little one’s stubborn resistance to the morning nap, pretending to be a wide-eyed owl during the second nap, or even orchestrating a “wake-up party” at the crack of dawn. Trust your parental instincts and observe their sleep cues; it’s like reading a secret code only you can track.
It helped me immensely to just jot it down in a handy baby tracker notebook. I’ve been running a much less sleep since baby #1 so I can’t be trusted to remember all these things! It’s much easier to just write it down and not take up precious mental storage.
Planning the Transition
Time to put on your nap-time magician hat!… or at least your thinking cap! Gradually shift the timing of that morning nap, making it fashionably later in the day. Think of it as convincing your baby that brunch is the new breakfast. Lol! Move the morning nap by 15-minute increments every few days until it settles smack dab in the middle of the day. Oh, and don’t forget the “catnap,” the secret weapon to bridge the gap. It’s like giving your baby a little caffeine kick (minus the actual caffeine).
I actually stumbled upon this accidentally because we had stuff going on in the morning and just couldn’t put Sweetie Bird down for a nap at the usual time. He didn’t freak out like we thought he would, which is just another sign that he was ready.
Establish a New Naptime Routine
Routines are the VIP pass to the land of successful nap transitions – and transitions in general when it comes to kids. Create a naptime ritual that’s more magical than a Harry Potter spell. Dim the lights, whip out the cozy blanket, and crank up the white noise machine. Be consistent with your schedule, allowing ample time for your little one to play, eat, and wind down before their newfound “siesta extravaganza.” And hey, if your baby does a little “protesting,” remember, laughter is the best remedy (for both of you).
Personally, after drawing down the shades, I do a little dance and a couple of songs to queue my little one that it’s nap time. He loves to boogie but be careful because this might just rile some babies up for more activity!
Buckle up, tired parents, because transitioning from two naps to one is like joining a sleep circus. Just when you thought you were in a good routine, the routine up and changes! Embrace the signs of readiness, plan the transition, and establish a naptime routine gradually. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll navigate this sleep rollercoaster with flying (yawn) colors. Happy snoozing, everyone!