When/how to go from 3 tp 2 when naps are 45 min.

[Lace]

Hi, I have a ds who is 6.5 months and had been a 45 min napper for as long as I can remember. I have tried extending them but nothing has ever made them remain longer consistently. I know eventually I need to move to two naps and I am hoping this may make naps longer, but I don't know when I should start working to this and how if he only naps 45 min. It is so hard because he gets tired and cranky and acts like he needs another nap. I think he would be fine if he had two longer naps though. Please offer any advise in reference to both issues. Thanks!

[Keren]

Chantelle

My lo didn't move to 2 naps until he was 8 months old because he was a 30min napper. Eventually he just refused that last nap. Even going for a drive in the car he would just cry instead of going to sleep so I knew then we had to drop it. There were a lot of days that were very long and cranky but he made it and now he will do at least 1 hour in the morning and usually 30mins in the afternoon.

I would let your lo tell you when they are ready. I tried to push him to 2 naps around 6 months and it didn't go down well at all. So don't rush him.

HTH
Cheers
Keren

[tylersmommy]

We moved Tyler to 2 naps at 6 mo, and yes, it did fix his 30 min naps...BUT we were totally sure he was ready before we did it. He started skipping his 3rd catnap every now and then and was difficult to put down for naps and bedtime. I think those are your best indicators of whether or not your DS is ready! If he is, be prepared for some rough days, early bedtimes, or still offering the evening catnap! Good luck!