Parenting Life Guide

Published: September 3, 2026

How Naps Change by Age, and When They Wind Down

As babies grow, how often and how long they nap gradually shifts. Based on AASM sleep guidelines endorsed by the AAP, here’s an overview of how napping tends to change over time.

Nap Frequency by Age

Many babies shift from two naps a day down to one somewhere around 12 to 18 months. That single daily nap then tends to stick around for a while before disappearing altogether somewhere between ages 3 and 5. Under AASM guidelines endorsed by the AAP, children 1-2 years old benefit from about 11-14 hours of sleep in 24 hours including naps, and children 3-5 benefit from about 10-13 hours.

Nap Environment and Routine

Unlike nighttime sleep, naps don’t need a fully darkened room or unusually quiet surroundings. Napping in a space with typical daytime light and household noise can actually help a child learn the difference between day and night.

When and How to Wean Off Naps

Rather than cutting naps abruptly, it helps to watch whether your child can get through the day without a nap and without much fussiness. Gradually pushing nap time later or shortening it works better for most children than an abrupt change.

How Naps Affect Nighttime Sleep

Naps that run too long or too late in the afternoon can make it harder to fall asleep at night. On the other hand, a child who doesn’t get enough daytime sleep may become more irritable and wake more often overnight.

Caregiving Tip

Repeating a short pre-nap routine, like drawing the curtains partway and reading a quiet book, can help your child anticipate nap time just like a bedtime routine does.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If a child past age 5 still seems unable to function at all without a nap, or wakes unusually often at night for several weeks regardless of napping, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.