Sleep in the Early Years
Welcome to our guide on the importance of sleep in the early years. Sleep is a fundamental component of a child's growth and development, influencing everything from brain function to emotional regulation. To provide you with expert advice and practical tips, we have teamed up with Shanaz Begum from Mummy Sleep Coach (mummysleepcoach.co.uk), a renowned sleep consultant specialising in infant and child sleep. In this guide, you'll find essential information on why sleep is crucial for your child's development, safe sleep practices for babies, how sleep impacts mood and daily functioning, and the overall benefits of a good night's sleep.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep is crucial for your child's brain development, particularly for the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. During sleep, the hippocampus processes and consolidates new information, helping your child retain and understand what they've learnt throughout the day. Ensuring your child gets enough sleep supports their cognitive development and ability to learn effectively.
Safe Sleep
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress in a cot free of soft bedding, pillows, and toys. The sleep environment should be free of any potential hazards that could obstruct their breathing. Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature and using a sleep sack instead of blankets can also promote safe sleep.
Mood and Function
Adequate sleep is essential for regulating your child's mood and daily functioning. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, tantrums, and difficulty managing emotions. Ensuring your child gets enough rest helps them wake up refreshed and better able to cope with daily challenges, interact positively with others, and enjoy their day-to-day activities.
Developmental Impact
Sleep plays a vital role in your child's physical, emotional, and social development. During sleep, growth hormones are released, which are critical for physical development. Additionally, well-rested children tend to have better social skills and emotional resilience, aiding in their overall well-being and ability to form healthy relationships. Prioritising consistent sleep routines can support your child's comprehensive growth and development.
When do babies drop to one nap?
Written by Shanaz Begum
When Do Babies Drop to One Nap?
It might feel like not long ago your child started taking two naps a day, but you're probably curious about when they'll switch to just one nap. Generally, babies shift to a single nap between 12 to 18 months, with the majority making the change around 14 to 15 months of age.
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Signs Your Baby is Ready for One Nap
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Difficulty with the Second Nap: If the morning nap causes them to struggle with the second nap, pushing it later into the afternoon and affecting bedtime.
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Skipping the Afternoon Nap: The morning nap may satisfy their sleep needs for the day, leading to the complete omission of the afternoon nap, which can cause overtiredness due to the long wake window until bedtime.
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Resisting the Morning Nap: If they fight the first nap or aren't ready to sleep at the usual time, causing a delay that impacts the second nap.
For most babies, the clearest sign is when they can stay awake comfortably longer than the usual 2.5-3 hours from morning until their first nap.
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Is 12 Months Too Early for One Nap?
While it’s uncommon, some babies drop to one nap as early as 11 months. However, it’s crucial to ensure your baby is genuinely ready and not just refusing to sleep out of stubbornness.
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Which Nap Disappears?
Typically, the morning nap is the one that disappears. However, during the transition, there may be days when a short morning nap (a “bridging nap”) is still needed to help them reach the main afternoon nap.
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When to Drop the Morning Nap?
The transition period can last several weeks. It’s important to keep the morning nap as long as possible, even if reduced to 10 minutes, to help manage sleep pressure and prevent the main nap from happening too early in the day.
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What Should a One-Nap Schedule Look Like?
Once fully transitioned, the single nap should ideally occur post-lunch and last around 2 hours, though this can vary from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The nap should finish 4 to 4.5 hours before bedtime. For example, on a 7-7 routine, the nap might start around 12:30/1 pm and end by 3 pm.
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What If My Child Cannot Last Until After Lunch for Their Nap?
If your child struggles to stay awake until after lunch, gradually push the nap later while avoiding excessive overtiredness. Engage them in morning activities and fresh air to help them stay awake. An earlier bedtime may also be necessary to counteract evening exhaustion.
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Is There a Sleep Regression Due to the Nap Transition?
A sleep regression can occur during nap transitions, often due to overtiredness from longer awake periods. This may lead to night wakings and early mornings. It's common to see disruptions in sleep patterns during this transition.
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How Long Will They Remain on One Nap?
Most toddlers continue with one nap until around 2.5 to 3 years of age. However, this varies, and some may drop the nap slightly earlier. Enjoy the midday nap while it lasts, as it can end sooner than expected.
"The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences"
- Loris Malaguzzi (Reggio Emilia Approach)