One of the most common questions parents face as their babies grow, is when to expect changes in their nap schedule. Understanding these transitions is crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep routine for both parent and child. From the early months of multiple naps to the eventual dropping of naps altogether, each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for adjustment.
In this blog, we'll explore when babies typically drop naps, why these changes occur, and how technology can support in managing these transitions smoothly.
Recommended Nap Schedule by Age
Age (months) | Recommended number of naps |
0-4 | 4-6 |
4-6 | 3-4 |
6-9 | 2-3 |
10-12 | 2 |
13-18 | 1-2 |
Source: Baby Sleep Site - Baby Nap Chart: Learn How Long Baby Should Nap, and How Many Naps Baby Needs
How many naps should my baby have between 0-4 months old
During the first few months of life, babies have irregular sleep patterns characterised by frequent naps throughout the day and night. Newborns may nap anywhere from 4 to 6 times a day, with each nap lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours. At this stage, their sleep-wake cycles are still developing, and they require frequent rest to support their rapid growth and development.
How many naps should my baby have around 6 months old
Around 4 to 6 months of age, babies start to consolidate their naps into a more predictable schedule. This often means transitioning from multiple short naps to fewer, longer naps. For example, a baby who previously took five short naps may begin to nap three times a day, with each nap lasting closer to an hour or more. As they grow up, their body clock gets more settled, and this change is a part of that.
How many naps should my baby have after their first birthday?
As babies approach their first birthday and enter toddlerhood, they typically undergo another significant nap transition: dropping to just one or two naps a day. This usually occurs between 12 to 18 months, although the exact timing can vary from child to child. The morning nap tends to be the first to go, with the afternoon nap becoming more prolonged to compensate. Eventually, most toddlers transition to a single, longer nap in the early afternoon, which they may continue until around age 3 or 4.
Utilising technology for babies routine changes
Managing these nap transitions can be challenging for parents, especially as they navigate their own busy schedules. However, technology can offer a helpful solution. Onoco, a parenting app designed to assist with baby sleep routines, utilises artificial intelligence to predict and adapt to changes in your child's nap schedule with just one click. Unlike manual adjustments, The Onoco AI Routine can anticipate shifts in your baby's sleep patterns and make gradual, natural changes to their routine, reducing the risk of disruption and ensuring a smoother transition for all of the family.
Unlike our AI nap predictor tool that uses our own Onoco AI integration, the Routine Builder is leveraging ChatGPT AI technology. With AI Routine, Onoco provides parents with recommendations for adjusting their baby's nap routine, taking into account factors such as age, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones.
You can download Onoco for free in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.