You feel like you have your baby’s/toddler’s schedule down and then all of a sudden they begin resisting one of their naps. This is surprising to you because this is normally a nap that they take every day consistently and it’s the time that you are guaranteed a little break to yourself… but not anymore. Your baby/toddler used to be on a consistent and predictable schedule and now everything is thrown out of wack!
“What is going on?!”
When this happens, there is usually a good chance that your baby/toddler is ready to drop a nap. Today I want to walk you through the tell-tell signs of when your baby/toddler is telling you that it’s time to drop a nap, and when you will typically (on average) see a nap transition occur.
What are the signs?:
There are four signs that red flag me that a baby/toddler is ready to drop a nap:
- There is resistance shown at one particular nap during the day. (Usually shown at the last nap of the day.)
- The baby/toddler takes longer than usual to fall asleep for this particular nap. (Usually takes 5-10 minutes to fall asleep, but it is now taking 30-45 mins and the baby is playing and not acting tired during those 30-45 minutes in the crib before falling asleep.)
- If the baby/toddler falls asleep at the nap they take a short nap (30-45 minutes long) when normally they take a consolidated nap lasting at least an hour and fifteen minutes.
- The baby/toddler is consistently resisting the nap altogether. Never going to sleep.
When you see these signs playing out in your baby/toddler’s schedule you need to start thinking about dropping a nap. My rule of thumb for dropping a nap is if they show the resistance or the signs listed above towards that particular nap for 7 consecutive days, it’s time to adjust the schedule and drop the nap. Adjusting means your baby’s wake window will become a little larger and they have and will have an earlier bedtime during the transition.
When will you typically see naps drop?:
Use this chart as a guide. It’s hard to give an exact time for each nap transition, but I can give you a general idea.
Remember, there is no need to drop a nap if your baby/toddler is not showing the signs! Keep those naps as long as you can!
Ultimately let your baby/toddler “tell you” when it’s time to drop a nap. That’s the best way to go!
Are you ready to set up your FREE consultation with me, to discuss how I can support your family on your journey to FINDING REST? Fill out the consultation request form on my website.
I look forward to working with you!
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