Everything you Need to Know about One-Zero Nap Transition

The one-to-zero nap transition is a significant milestone for parents and children alike. It marks the shift from one nap per day to no naps at all. However, with some planning and a bit of patience, you can make the transition smoothly and set your child up for better sleep patterns in the long run. 

When does the one-to-zero nap transition happen?

Most children make the one-to-zero nap transition around 3-5 years of age. However, this is can vary depending on the child. Some children may drop their nap earlier (starting from 2.5 years old), while others may take longer to make the transition.

What are the signs that your child is ready for the transition?

There are a few signs that your child is ready to make the transition from one nap to no naps. The child might experience 1 or more of the following: 

• Your child is consistently taking longer time to fall asleep for the nap

• Your child is fighting or resisting the nap for a consistent amount of time (at least 2 weeks) 

• Your child is consistently taking short naps during the day (30 minutes)

• Bedtime is pushed later 

• Long nightwakings at night 

If you notice these signs, it may be time to start the one-to-zero nap transition.

How do you make the transition?

This will depend on what signs your child is encountering: 

1-If the child is still taking the nap nicely but it is pushing bedtime late or the child is experiencing long nightwakings, then start by gradually shortening your child's nap by 15-30 minutes every other day until they are no longer napping at all. 

2- Yet, if the child is dropping the nap by resisting it consistently, then no need to do any changes to the nap, but you might need to bring bedtime a little earlier so that the child is not super tired. 

It's important to keep in mind that some children may still need a nap even after they have dropped it. 

Successfully dropped the nap, now what?

Congratulations you have passed all the nap transitions successfully :) it is always helpful to replace nap time with what we call “quiet time” for 1 hr, by creating a quiet setup in the room with some books or low-profile activities to calm down from running around all day long. 

If you need help figuring out any nap transitions, feel free to book 1 HR Consultation to help you through this.