Two Naps to One: How Toddlers Make the Switch at Daycare

Most toddlers move from two naps to one somewhere between 12 and 18 months, often around 15 months. At daycare, the switch usually lines up with the move from the infant room to a toddler room, where the whole group naps once, after lunch.

The first few weeks can be tiring. Here is how to tell your child is ready, how daycare usually handles it, and how to keep evenings from falling apart.

Signs your toddler is ready for one nap

• They fight or skip the morning or afternoon nap several days a week.
• The morning nap gets later and later, pushing the second nap into the evening.
• A long morning nap means they will not sleep in the afternoon.
• Bedtime gets harder or later because of the second nap.
• They can stay happy until about 11:30 AM or noon without falling apart.

One off week is not a pattern. Look for these signs over two weeks or more.

How daycare usually handles the switch

Infant rooms follow each baby's own sleep schedule. Toddler rooms usually have one group nap after lunch, often for about two hours. Teachers know that moving up can mean an adjustment, so many centers ease children in:

• Lunch may come a bit earlier for new toddlers so they can nap sooner.
• A child who is very tired may be allowed a short morning rest during the first weeks.
• Teachers watch for tired signs and share how your child slept in the daily report.

Ask how the center handles toddlers who are still adjusting, and when your child is likely to move up. See preparing your baby for the toddler transition.

What the switch looks like at home

Many children nap well at daycare on one nap before they do so at home. Group routines, seeing friends lie down and a set nap time all help. Our post on why kids nap at daycare but not at home explains why.

To keep home and daycare in step:

1. Ask for the daycare nap time and use the same time on weekends when you can.
2. Serve lunch before the nap, as daycare does.
3. Keep the nap routine short and the same: diaper, sleep sack or blanket for older toddlers, a song, then into the crib.
4. Move bedtime earlier for a few weeks. A 6:30 or 7:00 PM bedtime helps a tired toddler catch up.

Getting through the tired weeks

The first two to four weeks on one nap often mean a cranky late afternoon. That is normal. Some ideas:

• Plan a calm pickup and a simple dinner. This is not the week for errands.
• Offer a snack in the car on the way home.
• Avoid a car nap after pickup, which can push bedtime late.
• If your child falls asleep at dinner, an early bedtime is fine.

When to wait

If your child is under a year, still needs two naps to make it through the day, or is sick or teething, it is fine to keep two naps at home a bit longer. Talk with teachers about what they are seeing during the day. Children are different, and the switch can take a few weeks.

What about dropping the nap completely?

Most children keep one afternoon nap until about age 3 to 5. In preschool rooms, children who no longer sleep usually rest quietly instead. See daycare for 1-year-olds for more on this stage.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do toddlers go to one nap?

Usually between 12 and 18 months, often around 15 months.

How long should a toddler nap at daycare?

Group naps at daycare are often around two hours. Some toddlers sleep less, and that can be fine if they are rested.

Should I keep two naps on weekends?

If your child already does one nap at daycare, matching it on weekends usually makes Mondays easier.

My toddler won't nap at daycare. What should I do?

Give it a few weeks. Share your home routine with teachers and send a familiar comfort item if the center allows it.

Toddler naps at Children's Land

Babies in our infant program nap on their own schedule, following your home routine. From 15 months, children move to our toddler program. Ask your location about the toddler room's daily schedule, or contact us to book a visit.

Related reading: Creating the Perfect Nap Routine for Infants.