When do babies drop to one nap?

Often between 13 and 18 months. Many 12-month-olds still need two naps. Dropping too early is a common cause of overtired nights and early rising.

Should the one nap be in the morning or at midday?

Midday works best for most toddlers — roughly five to six hours after morning wake. A morning-only nap leaves a huge afternoon window and usually wrecks bedtime.

How long does the 2 to 1 nap transition take?

Plan on 2–6 weeks of mixed days. Use early bedtime as your main rescue. If nights fall apart for more than a week, return to two naps temporarily and retry later.

2 → 1 naps · Typically ~13–18 months (rushing before 13 months often backfires)

2 to 1 Nap Transition

How to move from two naps to one — readiness signs, a gentle week plan, before/after sample days, and FAQs for toddlers around 13–18 months.

Last updated 8 September 2026 · educational guidance, not medical advice

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Readiness signs

Nap 1 or nap 2 is refused several days a week, not just once
Two naps push bedtime past 9 pm or create a tiny evening window
Baby can handle a ~5-hour morning stretch on some days without falling apart
Night sleep is solid when you use early bedtime after a single longer nap
Short “catnap days” leave evenings wired and nights fragmented

Week plan

Days 1–2
Alternate days, don’t cold-turkey
Keep a classic 2-nap day, then try a 1-nap day with lunchtime sleep (~12:00–13:00 start) and bedtime 45–60 minutes earlier. Alternating protects total sleep while testing stamina.
Days 3–4
Slide the single nap later
On 1-nap days, aim for a midday nap starting ~12:30–13:30 after a solid morning of play and a proper lunch. Cap the nap by ~15:30–16:00 so night pressure builds.
Days 5–6
Rescue with early bed, not a sneaky second nap
If the single nap is short (under ~1 hour), bring bedtime forward instead of adding a late afternoon nap that wrecks night sleep. Outdoor morning time helps the long first window.
Day 7
Choose your default week
If most 1-nap days end calmly, make one nap the default and use a rare bridge nap only after travel, illness, or a disastrous morning. If meltdowns dominate, stay on 2 naps another 2–4 weeks.

Sample day · before

07:00Wake + breakfast / milk
10:00Nap 1 (~1–1.25 hr)
12:30Lunch + play
14:00Nap 2 (~1–1.5 hr)
16:00Snack + outdoor time
18:30Dinner
19:00Wind-down
19:45Bedtime

Sample day · after

07:00Wake + breakfast
09:30Active play / parkLong morning window
11:30Early lunch
12:30One nap (~1.5–2.5 hr)Start ~5–5.5 hr after wake
15:00Snack + calm playCap nap by ~15:30–16:00
17:30Dinner (earlier if needed)
18:30Bath + books
19:00–19:30BedtimeEarlier than old 2-nap bedtime at first

FAQ

When do babies drop to one nap?: Often between 13 and 18 months. Many 12-month-olds still need two naps. Dropping too early is a common cause of overtired nights and early rising.
Should the one nap be in the morning or at midday?: Midday works best for most toddlers — roughly five to six hours after morning wake. A morning-only nap leaves a huge afternoon window and usually wrecks bedtime.
How long does the 2 to 1 nap transition take?: Plan on 2–6 weeks of mixed days. Use early bedtime as your main rescue. If nights fall apart for more than a week, return to two naps temporarily and retry later.

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Educational guidance only — not medical advice. For illness or persistent sleep issues, consult your pediatrician.