Some parents proudly look at the change from 2 naps to 1 as a major accomplishment, something akin to a college graduation! But what’s the rush? Daytime naps are lovely, and as I’ve said, adequate daytime sleep promotes good nighttime sleep—sleep begets sleep. Although it is also true that too much daytime sleep may delay bedtime or cause middle-of-the-night waking.

Most tots give up the second nap between 12 and 24 months. But be aware, this transition period is often rocky. Some toddlers give up the morning nap, some the afternoon nap…and others alternate (one day they nap in the morning, the next day in the afternoon)!

Consider yourself very lucky if your little guy is happy and playful in the late morning as he starts to skip his post breakfast snooze. More often, tots start skipping the morning nap but still need it. And this internal ambivalence makes them overtired and extra grumpy…and weepy. (In other words, even more like a little caveman as usual!)

Your little man may spend a few weeks bouncing back and forth between 1 and 2 naps. (It’s almost like he needs 1 1/2 naps per day!) Many parents find that the best strategy for this “in-between” period is to at least have a midmorning rest time (with white noise, a lovey and perhaps a little reading or massage). If your child seems antsy, let him watch 20 minutes of a calming Sesame Street or nature DVD (no cartoons, please).

If your little guy switches to 1 nap, but then starts waking too early in the morning and seems overtired all day (irritable, staring, rubbing his eyes, falling back asleep while snacking, being more clumsy, etc.), go back to 2 naps for a month or two.

When he finally settles into a 1-nap schedule, the noon nap will last a little longer, and lunch, dinner and bedtime will arrive a little earlier.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.