Is Your 10–12-Month-Old Fighting Their Naps?

Is Your 10–12-Month-Old Fighting Their Naps?

If your 10-, 11-, or 12-month-old has suddenly started fighting their first or second nap, you may be wondering: “Is it time to transition to one nap?”

This is a common concern I hear from families.

Some babies can manage one nap as early as 9, 11, 12, or 13 months, but that isn’t the norm. Most babies are still developmentally ready for two naps until approximately 15–18 months.

Why Is Your Baby Resisting Their Nap?

Nap refusal doesn’t always mean your baby is ready for one nap. It may be related to:

• A developmental leap

• Learning to crawl, walk, or become more mobile

• Teething or illness

• Separation anxiety

• Increased curiosity and independence

• Changing sleep needs

• A schedule that needs a small adjustment

Around 12 months, babies are experiencing many exciting changes. They may be learning new skills, becoming more aware of their surroundings, and wanting to practise their new abilities instead of settling down for sleep. These changes can temporarily affect naps without meaning your baby is ready to drop one.

Developmental Changes Around 12 and 18 Months

Developmental changes around 12 months—and again around 18 months—can have a significant impact on sleep.

At 12 months, your baby may be learning to stand or walk, developing stronger preferences, and experiencing more separation anxiety. At 18 months, toddlers are often becoming increasingly independent while also navigating big emotions, language development, and new physical skills.

All of this can lead to nap resistance. It’s important to remember that nap refusal during a developmental stage does not automatically mean it’s time to transition to one nap.

When Is It Time to Transition to One Nap?

Most children are ready to transition closer to 15–18 months. Signs may include:

• Consistently refusing one of their naps

• Taking a very long time to fall asleep for naps

• Happily staying awake for a longer stretch

• Having disrupted nighttime sleep because they are not tired enough during the day

• Resisting naps consistently for several weeks—not just occasionally

If your baby is only fighting a nap from time to time, it may be better to make a small schedule adjustment rather than moving immediately to one nap.

You don’t have to rush the transition. Your child’s sleep needs will guide you, and many children benefit from staying on two naps a little longer.

What Can You Do?

Before transitioning to one nap, look at the bigger picture:

• Is your child resisting both naps or just one?

• Are they sleeping well overnight?

• Are they still becoming tired before their usual nap times?

• Is the nap resistance happening alongside a developmental milestone, illness, or teething?

• Have you tried adjusting their awake time slightly?

Sometimes a small change to the timing of naps is all that’s needed. Other times, your child may be showing you that their sleep needs are beginning to change.

There is no single timeline that works for every baby. Some children transition earlier, while others need two naps well beyond their first birthday.

Need Support?

If you’re unsure whether your infant or toddler is ready to transition to one nap, my Full-Bloom Support package offers personalized guidance for infants and toddlers.

Together, we’ll look at your child’s sleep needs, schedule, development, and overall routine so you can move forward with a gentle plan that works for your family.

Learn more about Full-Bloom Support.