--- title: Transitioning From 3 to 2 Naps description: The transition away from the third nap is a milestone in your baby's sleep pattern as it indicates that your baby is growing and their sleep needs are changing. image: https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/juan-encalada-Uvlir2v-dXE-unsplash.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps#main-content) [![Mellow Kids](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/logo-white-2.svg)](https://www.mellow.kids) - [Home](https://www.mellow.kids) - [Resources](https://www.mellow.kids/resources) - [Blog](https://www.mellow.kids/blog) - [The Team](https://www.mellow.kids/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.mellow.kids/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.mellow.kids) - [Resources](https://www.mellow.kids/resources) - [Blog](https://www.mellow.kids/blog) - [The Team](https://www.mellow.kids/about) - [Contact Us](https://www.mellow.kids/contact-us) - [Personal Sleep Support](https://www.mellow.kids/personal-sleep-support) [Personal Sleep Support](https://www.mellow.kids/personal-sleep-support) [All posts](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/all) [Blog](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/all) / [Sleep by Age](https://www.mellow.kids/topics/sleep-by-age) / Transitioning From 3 to 2 Naps # Transitioning From 3 to 2 Naps 1 minute read  ·  Updated July 22, 2026 ![Baby sitting up](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/juan-encalada-Uvlir2v-dXE-unsplash.jpg) ![Picture of Daiany Nascimento](https://www.mellow.kids/hs-fs/hubfs/Daiany%201-1.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=Daiany%201-1.jpg) Written By Daiany Nascimento Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist ![Picture of Mary Ann Nero](https://www.mellow.kids/hs-fs/hubfs/Mary%20Ann-1.png?width=50&height=50&name=Mary%20Ann-1.png) Medically Reviewed By Mary Ann Nero Clinical Advisor | Registered Nurse (Pediatrics & Obstetrics) In this article The transition away from the third nap is a milestone in your baby's sleep pattern as it indicates that your baby is growing and their sleep needs are changing. This usually occurs between 6 to 9 months of age. It's an important step towards a more consolidated sleep schedule. Here’s a brief guide on how to manage this transition smoothly: ## Signs is time to transition to 2 naps: - **Difficulty falling asleep** or taking short naps (when this wasn't a problem previously). - **3rd nap is getting too late**, interfering with bedtime, requiring a bedtime after 8:00 pm. - **Early morning wakings** begin to manifest (because the baby is getting too much daytime sleep) - **Baby doesn't seem tired at nap time**- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. ## Transitioning Steps: 1. **Gradually Extend Wake Times:** Gradually extend the time your baby is awake between the first and second naps. Start by pushing each nap later by 15 to 30 minutes. Eventually, there isn’t time for the third nap. 2. **Early Bedtime:** Adjusting to an earlier bedtime may help avoid overtiredness while transitioning away from the third nap. During this phase, your baby's bedtime may shift to between 6:00 and 6:30 pm, gradually extending it until reaching the age-appropriate bedtime of 7:00-8:00 pm. This is typically the most effective time for helping babies fall asleep quickly and minimizing night wakings. 3. **Be Consistent:** Maintaining consistency is crucial while aiding your baby in adjusting to a new sleep routine. This transition can take 2-4 weeks for many babies. Practice patience and continue progressing steadily. ## Related posts [![Baby Crying](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/3927-1.jpg)](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/how-does-responding-immediately-to-babys-cries-affect-sleep) [Sleep by Age](https://www.mellow.kids/topics/sleep-by-age) ### [How does responding immediately to a baby’s cries affect sleep and emotional development?](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/how-does-responding-immediately-to-babys-cries-affect-sleep) How parents respond to their baby’s cries can have a significant impact on their baby’s ... [![Toddler paiting](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/kelli-mcclintock-I-os0eGoxhg-unsplash%20%281%29.jpg)](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-nap-time-to-quiet-time) [Sleep by Age](https://www.mellow.kids/topics/sleep-by-age) ### [Transitioning from Nap Time to Quiet Time](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-nap-time-to-quiet-time) As your toddler grows, their sleep needs may change, and it might be time to transition ... [![Toddler bed](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-05-22%2013.47.00%20-%20A%20cozy%20child%E2%80%99s%20room%20with%20a%20Montessori%20toddler%20bed.%20The%20bed%20is%20low%20to%20the%20ground%2c%20designed%20for%20easy%20access%20and%20independence.%20The%20room%20is%20decorated%20with-1.webp)](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/toddler-bed-transition-guide) [Sleep by Age](https://www.mellow.kids/topics/sleep-by-age) ### [Toddler Bed Transition Guide](https://www.mellow.kids/blog/toddler-bed-transition-guide) Avoid Toddler Sleep Problems by Delaying the Move to a Toddler Bed. [See all Sleep by Age articles](https://www.mellow.kids/topics/sleep-by-age) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps) Our articles are written and medically reviewed by qualified specialists, but they're for informational purposes only and don't replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with any questions about your child's health, sleep, or development. Read our full [disclaimer](https://www.mellow.kids/disclaimer) and [editorial policy](https://www.mellow.kids/editorial-policy). [![Mellow Kids](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/logo-white-2.svg "Mellow Kids")](https://mellow.kids) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/mellow.kids.sleep/) [Follow us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mellowkids/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mellow_kids_sleep/) [![tiktok](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@mellow_kids_sleep) [Follow us on Medium](https://medium.com/@hello_83644) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/@MellowKidsParenting) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.pinterest.com/mellowkids/) **Pages** [Home](https://www.mellow.kids/) [Blog](https://www.mellow.kids/blog) [Resources](https://www.mellow.kids/resources) [About](https://www.mellow.kids/about) [Contact us](https://www.mellow.kids/contact-us) **Legal** [Disclaimer](https://www.mellow.kids/disclaimer) [Terms & conditions](https://www.mellow.kids/terms-of-use) [Privacy policy](https://www.mellow.kids/privacy-policy) [Editorial policy](https://www.mellow.kids/editorial-policy) Copyright © 2026, Mellow Kids ✦ Support your child through every stage × [![Mellow Kids app](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/app.svg) Personalized support as your child grows Get started for free](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6758853440) [![Sleep schedule tool](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/schedule-1.svg) See your child’s ideal sleep schedule](https://sleep.mellow.kids) [![Temperament assessment](https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/temperament.svg) Understand how your child experiences the world](https://temperament.mellow.kids/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "description" : "Child sleep and development guidance for parents of children 0 to 2.", "legalName" : "Mellow Kids AB", "logo" : "https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/mellow-kids-logo.png", "name" : "Mellow Kids", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.instagram.com/mellow_kids_sleep/", "https://www.facebook.com/mellow.kids.sleep/", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mellowkids/", "https://www.tiktok.com/@mellow_kids_sleep", "https://www.youtube.com/@MellowKidsParenting", "https://medium.com/@hello_83644", "https://www.pinterest.com/mellowkids/" ], "url" : "https://www.mellow.kids" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "jobTitle" : "Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist", "name" : "Daiany Nascimento", "url" : "https://www.mellow.kids/blog/author/daiany-nascimento" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-22T08:42:07+0000", "datePublished" : "2024-05-08T12:36:58+0000", "description" : "The transition away from the third nap is a milestone in your baby's sleep pattern as it indicates that your baby is growing and their sleep needs are changing.", "headline" : "Transitioning From 3 to 2 Naps", "image" : [ "https://144523544.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/144523544/juan-encalada-Uvlir2v-dXE-unsplash.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mellow.kids/hubfs/logo-white-2.svg" }, "name" : "Mellow Kids" }, "reviewedBy" : { "@type" : "Person", "jobTitle" : "Registered Nurse (Pediatrics & Obstetrics)", "name" : "Mary Ann Nero" }, "url" : "https://www.mellow.kids/blog/transitioning-from-3-to-2-naps" } ```