As your baby grows, their sleep needs change — and so will their nap schedule. These transitions can feel tricky, but they’re completely normal. Here’s what to expect and how to help your baby adjust.
3 Naps to 2 Naps: Around 8–9 Months
Most babies follow a 3-nap pattern from around 4 to 8 months:
- Morning nap
- Midday nap
- Short afternoon catnap
Around 8 to 9 months, that third nap is often dropped.
Signs your baby is ready to drop the third nap:
They resist or skip the third nap several days in a row They start waking more at night or fighting bedtime The last nap pushes bedtime too late
How to support the transition:
Drop the third nap and move bedtime earlier for a few weeks (as early as 5:30pm) Expect some crankiness at first — your baby will adjust Stick with the new rhythm for at least 3–5 days to help it settle
2 Naps to 1 Nap: Typically 14–18 Months
This transition happens later — ideally between 14 and 18 months — though some babies make the switch earlier.
Signs your baby may be ready:
They consistently play through the morning nap or skip it They start skipping the second nap (less common) They fight bedtime because naps are too late in the day
How to support the transition:
Merge the two naps into one midday nap, starting around 12:00–12:30pm Gradually shift nap time earlier or later based on how tired your baby seems Offer an early bedtime during the adjustment period Avoid squeezing in a second nap “just in case” — consistency helps
Will the app handle these changes automatically?
Yes! The Smart Sleep Coach app uses your baby’s sleep data to dynamically adjust the schedule, including when it’s time to drop a nap.
If it doesn’t feel quite right or you’re unsure, you can always reach out to our support team and we’ll take a look with you.