Nap Transitions: When to Drop from 3 Naps to 2

It’s 5 p.m. in your Singapore home, and you’re trying to rock your baby for their third nap of the day. Instead of drifting off, your little one is wide-eyed, babbling, or even crying in protest. You wonder: Do they still need this nap? Or is it time to adjust their baby nap schedule? 

As a certified sleep sense consultant and infant sleep trainer, I often get questions like this:

When do I know my baby is ready to drop from 3 naps to 2? 

Nap transitions are a big milestone in your infant nap guide—and they can feel tricky. But with the right timing and approach, you can make the shift smooth for both you and your baby. 

Understanding the Baby Nap Schedule 

A baby nap schedule isn’t about rigid timing but about aligning sleep with your baby’s natural rhythms. At around 6–9 months, most babies are ready to move from 3 naps to 2 naps. 

This transition helps babies consolidate longer stretches of daytime sleep, while also paving the way for more consistent nighttime sleep. It’s an important step in sleep training a baby, because overtiredness and short naps often make bedtime more challenging. 

Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Drop a Nap 

Not sure if your baby is ready? Look for these signs in your infant nap guide: 

• Third nap resistance: Baby takes a long time to fall asleep or skips it altogether. 

• Bedtime battles: The last nap pushes bedtime too late, disrupting the baby nap schedule. 

• Night wakings: Extra naps may leave your baby undertired, making it harder to sleep through the night. 

• Longer awake windows: Your baby is comfortably staying awake for 2.5–3 hours without getting cranky. 

Baby Nap Schedule: From 3 Naps to 2 

Here’s a sample infant nap guide for transitioning from 3 naps to 2: 

Age Range	Nap Pattern	Awake Window	Example Baby Nap Schedule
6–7 months	3 naps (transition begins)	2–2.5 hours	Nap 1: 9:00–10:00 a.m.  Nap 2: 12:30–2:00 p.m.  Nap 3: 4:30–5:00 p.m.
7–9 months	2 naps (solidify)	2.5–3 hours	Nap 1: 9:00–10:30 a.m.  Nap 2: 1:30–3:00 p.m.
9+ months	2 naps fully established	3–3.5 hours	Nap 1: 9:30–11:00 a.m.  Nap 2: 2:00–3:30 p.m.

This infant nap guide gives you a flexible structure while helping you spot when your baby is ready for fewer naps. 

How Nap Transitions Affect Sleep Training a Baby 

Nap transitions are closely linked to sleep training a baby. Here’s why: 

• Babies with an age-appropriate baby nap schedule fall asleep faster at night. 

• Dropping a nap too early often causes overtiredness, leading to night wakings. 

• Dropping too late causes bedtime struggles because the last nap stretches the day too long. 

The goal is balance—enough daytime sleep to avoid overtiredness, but not so much that it disrupts nighttime rest. 

Tips for a Smooth Transition 

As your baby sleep coach, here’s how I guide parents in Singapore through this milestone: 

1. Stretch Awake Time Slowly 

2. Add 10–15 minutes between naps every few days. 

3. This prevents overtiredness while adjusting the baby nap schedule. 

4. Cap the Last Nap (During Transition) 

5. If baby still needs a 3rd nap occasionally, keep it short (20–30 minutes). 

6. Adjust Bedtime Earlier 

7. During the transition, bedtime may need to move earlier to prevent overtiredness. 

8. Stay Consistent 

9. Stick with the new infant nap guide for at least a week before making changes. 

10. Watch Sleep Cues, Not Just the Clock 

11. Yawning, rubbing eyes, or crankiness are signs it’s time for sleep—even if the “schedule” says otherwise. 

Final Thoughts from Debra, Baby Sleep Coach in Singapore 

Transitioning from 3 naps to 2 is a big milestone in your baby’s sleep journey. With the right baby nap schedule, consistency, and patience, this change can bring more restful nights and predictable days. 

Remember, every baby is unique. While guides and schedules are helpful, listening to your baby’s cues is just as important. 

If you’re struggling with nap transitions or sleep training a baby, you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

👉 Explore my services page and let’s create a personalised infant nap guide for your family in Singapore. 

FAQs 

When do babies drop from 3 naps to 2 ?

Most babies drop the third nap between 6–9 months, depending on their baby nap schedule and sleep needs. 

How do I know my baby is ready for 2 naps? 

Signs include resisting the third nap, longer awake windows, and bedtime struggles

What happens if I drop a nap too early ?

Baby may become overtired, leading to short naps, night wakings, and crankiness.

Can I combine nap transitions with sleep training a baby? 

Yes. In fact, aligning your infant nap guide with sleep training helps reinforce healthy sleep habits.