The 3–2 Nap Transition:

Signs Your Baby Is Ready

The 3–2 nap transition is one of the first major changes to your baby’s day sleep, and for many families, it can feel confusing. Naps that once worked suddenly fall apart, bedtime shifts, and nights can become more unsettled.

This transition is very common between six and eight months, though some babies show signs earlier or later. Understanding what is happening developmentally can help you navigate the transition without jumping too early or creating unnecessary overtiredness.

What is the 3–2 nap transition?

The 3–2 nap transition refers to the gradual shift from three daytime naps down to two.

As babies grow, their awake windows lengthen and their ability to tolerate longer periods of wakefulness improves.

Rather than needing three shorter naps to manage the day, babies begin consolidating sleep into naps.

This transition does not usually happen overnight. It is a gradual process that often includes a period of adjustment.

When does the 3–2 nap transition happen?

Most babies move through the 3–2 nap transition somewhere between six and eight months of age.

Some babies are ready closer to six months, while others need longer with three naps, especially if naps are still inconsistent or nights are unsettled.

The key indicator is not age alone, but whether your baby can comfortably tolerate longer awake windows.

Signs your baby may be ready

Common signs that your baby may be moving toward the 3–2 nap transition include:

The third nap becomes harder to achieve
Bedtime is being pushed later and later
Your baby starts refusing the last nap
Naps shorten or become inconsistent
Early morning rising begins to appear
Night waking increases despite adequate feeds
Your baby is wakeful for a longer period overnight

These signs often overlap, rather than appearing all at once.

Signs your baby may not be ready

It can also help to know when the timing might be a little early. Some babies show a few transition signs temporarily, especially during development leaps or after disrupted nights.

You may choose to hold onto three naps a little longer if:

Your baby can still take a third nap easily most days
Bedtime is still landing comfortably without getting pushed very late
The first two naps are still consistent
Longer awake windows lead to overtiredness quickly
Early mornings and night waking improve when the third nap happens

If you are unsure, the goal is not to rush. It is to respond to the overall pattern across a week or two, not one tricky day.

How awake windows fit into the transition

One of the biggest drivers of this transition is changing awake windows. As sleep needs shift, babies need more awake time between naps to build enough sleep pressure.

If awake windows are no longer long enough, naps may shorten or be resisted altogether. This is often a sign that it is time to increase awake windows gradually.

Small adjustments can make a big difference during this stage.

What about catnapping?

Many families notice a return of short naps during this transition. This is very common.

As awake windows stretch and sleep pressure redistributes, naps may temporarily shorten. This does not mean the transition has failed or that your baby is not ready.

Understanding catnapping can help reduce the urge to rush the transition or make large changes too quickly.

Can the 3–2 transition affect night sleep?

Yes. Day sleep and night sleep are closely connected.

During the transition, some babies experience:

More frequent night waking
Early morning rising
Difficulty settling at bedtime

If nights become more broken, it is often linked to changes in daytime sleep rather than a new night-time issue.

Looking at frequent night waking as part of the full 24-hour picture can help identify whether the transition is contributing.

Early mornings during the transition

Early morning waking is another common sign during the 3–2 nap transition.

This often occurs when:

Bedtime has been pushed too late
Awake windows are slightly off
Overtiredness is building across the day

Reviewing naps and bedtime timing can help reduce early starts, which is explored further in early morning rising.

What does the transition look like in practice?

Most babies move through a phase where:

The third nap becomes very short
Bedtime moves earlier temporarily
Days feel a little inconsistent

Some babies benefit from a short third nap for a period of time, while others cope better with dropping it sooner and using an earlier bedtime.

How this looks day to day depends on your baby’s sleep needs and temperament.

A realistic day structure during this stage is outlined in the 6 month sleep routine, which supports families navigating this transition.

You can see some examples below:

Reducing that third nap as your baby progresses.

And finally:

Common mistakes during the 3–2 nap transition

Some common challenges include:

Dropping the third nap too early
Stretching awake windows too quickly
Trying to force a clock-based routine before your baby is ready

Gradual changes tend to support smoother transitions than sudden shifts.

Supporting your baby through the transition

Helpful strategies during the 3–2 nap transition include:

Adjust awake windows slowly
Accept temporary nap inconsistency
Use earlier bedtimes if needed
Avoid making multiple changes at once

This transition is not about perfection. It is about allowing sleep to consolidate naturally as development allows.

Looking ahead

Once the 3–2 nap transition settles, many families find naps become longer and nights more predictable again.

Understanding this stage helps set the foundation for future transitions and sleep changes as your baby grows.

The 5–24 Month Infant Course provides step-by-step guidance through nap transitions, routines, awake windows, and night waking, supporting families through every stage of infant sleep with clarity and confidence.

The Smarter Way to Invest in Better Sleep

Sleep changes quickly in the first two years, naps shift, routines evolve, and regressions and transitions are part of normal development.

If you want guidance that grows with your baby beyond the newborn stage, the 5 to 24 Month Infant Course supports families as sleep continues to evolve through infancy and toddlerhood.