The 3 to 2 Nap Transition
Updated
Quick answer: Most babies move from 3 naps to 2 between 6 and 8 months. Signs include refusing the third nap, shorter naps, and bedtime getting pushed past 8 pm. On 2 naps, wake windows are usually about 2½–3½ hours, with an earlier bedtime while your baby adjusts.
Signs your baby is ready
- Your baby refuses the late-afternoon catnap several days a week.
- The first two naps get shorter.
- Bedtime drifts past 8 pm on 3 naps.
- Your baby copes with 2½ hours or more awake without meltdowns.
How to make the switch
- Push the first nap 15 minutes later every few days until it starts about 2½–2¾ hours after waking.
- Move the second nap later so it starts in the early afternoon.
- Drop the third nap and bring bedtime earlier — as early as 6–6:30 pm at first.
- Over 1–3 weeks, bedtime can drift back to its usual time.
Sample schedules: before and after
Based on a 7:00 am wake-up.
3 naps (7 months)
| Time | Event | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Wake up | |
| 9:15 am – 10:15 am | Nap 1 | 1h (after 2h 15m awake) |
| 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm | Nap 2 | 1h (after 2h 30m awake) |
| 4:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Nap 3 | 30m (after 2h 30m awake) |
| 7:30 pm | Bedtime | after 2h 45m awake |
2 naps (7 months)
| Time | Event | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Wake up | |
| 9:30 am – 10:45 am | Nap 1 | 1h 15m (after 2h 30m awake) |
| 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Nap 2 | 1h 30m (after 3h 15m awake) |
| 7:00 pm | Bedtime | after 3h 30m awake |
Common questions
What is a good 2-nap schedule for a 7-month-old?
For a 7 am wake-up: first nap around 9:30 am, second nap around 2 pm and bedtime around 7 pm. Use the calculator for your own times.
Is 6 months too early for 2 naps?
Some babies are ready at 6 months, but many need 3 naps until 7 or 8 months. Follow the signs rather than the calendar.