Transitioning Your Baby from 4 Naps to 3 Naps

Nap transitions and how the heck to you do it? This is a pretty common topic when working with families and nap transition from 4 naps to 3 typically happens somewhere around the 5-6 month mark. This is a good sign that sleep is consolidating, naps are lengthening and there is simply just not enough time in the day for more than 3 naps. Naps in general aren’t always predictable until this age either so there is a quite a bit happening here.

Why is the Transition Important?

This transition is a significant one in your baby’s sleep and routine. Now is the time that you can begin to track naps and start gauging naps around a clock and not so much on wake windows. Sleep is more predictable, and your routine will fall into place. Your baby is also able to handle more awake time during the day.

When is the Right Time to Transition?

You will notice around 5-6 months some changes that will signal it is time to start the transition. While every baby is different, it is generally in this time.

• Extended Wake Windows: Your baby can stay awake for longer stretches without becoming overtired. They may be able to stay awake for 2-2.5 hours between naps.

• Consistent Naps: Your baby’s naps are starting to fall into a more predictable schedule, making it easier to plan your day around them.

• Shortened Fourth Nap: If your baby is consistently taking shorter fourth naps or resisting them altogether, it may be time to eliminate one of them.

What to do now that the signs are there?

Slowly start pushing those awake windows without going into complete over tired. The first few weeks will be a bit tricky watching for sleepy cues, because your baby will give them to you. Their body clock is still adjusting that is why gradual pushes are important. Try pushing your awake windows by 10 minutes at a time. You will have some naps that aren’t great and a 4^th cat nap at the end of the day may be necessary at first, some days you may need to bump up bedtime to also avoid over tired. It will take your baby about a month to really fall into their new 3 nap schedule, so be patient.

Your schedule will look something like this:

7:00 am – Wake up, eat and playtime

8:00 am – Breakfast. Some may choose to introduce solids around 6 months (if instructed by pediatrician)

9:30 am – Nap #1 in the crib

11:00 am –Wake up, feed, tummy time and free play

12:00 pm –Lunch – if you are starting solids

1:40 pm – Nap #2

2:30 pm – Wake up, feed, go to the park, playtime

5:00 pm – Nap #3 (this may just be a little cat nap)

5:30 pm – Wake up, feed and family play time

6:30 pm – Start bedtime routine & full feed before bed

7:30 pm – Bedtime

Are you still feeling a bit unsure? Book a call with me to walk you through the process and make this transition as smooth as possible.