As your baby grows and develop, you will notice a change in routine. This growth affects so many things -- including sleep!
Here are 5 signs to look for when you are trying to decide if it’s time to drop a nap:
1) Your Baby is Getting Older: A growing baby will have changing sleep needs. Below is a guideline to help determine if your babies sleep needs match their biological age
4 – 5 months: 3 to 4 naps
7 – 8.5 months: 2 to 3 naps
9 – 17 months: 1 to 2 naps
18 months +: 1 nap
2) Bedtime has Become a Battle: If your baby used to be great at bedtime, and is now yelling or laying awake in their crib for a long time- it may actually mean that they are getting TOO much sleep during the day! Your little one may need more time awake, BUT don’t move that bedtime later- drop the last nap of the day and keep that early bedtime (or even earlier bedtime)!
3) Baby is Fighting Naps: If your little one does not seem tired at nap, or is having a tough time falling asleep it may be time to drop a nap. Other indicators could be if your baby all of a sudden (and consistently) is laying awake in their bed, or screaming. Remember* this is for great nappers and should be a noticeable and consistent change! If you have a tough napper or are struggling with sleep, contact me for more information & help!
4) Early Mornings are Becoming the Norm: If your little one is all of a sudden and consistently waking up early in the morning, it can be a sign that your little one is ready to drop a nap! Remember- normal wakings are between 6am-8am for your littles.
5) Naps are Becoming Short: If naps are all of a sudden, and consistently becoming short (say 30-40 minutes) and your baby was previously a wondernapper- they may be ready to drop a nap. Again, they may be getting too much sleep and their body is now telling them to spend more time awake!
If you decide to drop a nap, but don’t know how to go about it- keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming blog- 8 Simple Steps to Drop a Nap