Is it normal for a 13 month old to drop to 1 nap already?

Moving from two naps to one is a common sleep milestone. For some toddlers, this transition begins around 12–15 months. If your 13 month old is dropping to 1 nap already, you’re not alone—and in most cases, it’s a normal step in their development. Below, we’ll explore why this shift happens, signs of readiness, tips for a smooth transition, and when to seek professional advice.

Why some 13 month olds switch to one nap

Toddlers’ sleep needs and patterns change as their brains and bodies grow. Key reasons for the nap consolidation include:

• Brain development
  As cortical growth accelerates, children’s sleep architecture shifts. Longer stretches of awake time help solidify learning and memory.

• Physical milestones
  Crawling, walking or talking bursts can interrupt naps and push wake windows longer.

• Sleep pressure
  Older infants often can stay alert for 4–6 hours before feeling sleepy again. Two naps of 1–1.5 hours each may no longer fit their internal clock.

• Daytime stimulation
  Increased social interaction, toys, TV/musical play or sibling activity can make it harder to settle twice a day.

Signs your toddler is ready to drop to 1 nap

Watch for these common signals that a 13 month old dropping to one nap may be developmentally on track:

• Resistance at one of the two naps
Your child fights going down or refuses the morning (or afternoon) nap.

• Shortening nap lengths
Both naps shrink to 30–45 minutes, leaving them overly tired by evening.

• Good nighttime sleep
If your toddler sleeps 11–12 hours at night with minimal waking, they may not need two naps.

• Predictable crankiness or dozing off
You spot yawns, eye rubbing or irritability right before one of the naps.

• Longer awake windows
They manage 5+ hours awake without major meltdown when allowed only one nap.

If you see several of these signs, trying a 1-nap schedule for a week can help confirm readiness.

How to transition smoothly to one nap

1. Gradually shift nap times
   • Move morning nap later by 15–30 minutes every 2–3 days until it falls around midday (11:30–12:30).
   • Keep an awake window of 4–5 hours before bedtime initially to prevent overtiredness.

2. Maintain a consistent routine
   • Pre-nap wind-down: dim lights, quiet story, snuggles.
   • Keep mealtimes and bedtime steady to anchor naps.

3. Watch total daytime sleep
   Aim for 2.5–3 hours of daytime rest. Adjust bedtime earlier if needed to compensate for a shorter nap.

4. Create a nap-friendly environment
   • Cool, dark room with white noise.
   • Comfortable sleepwear and minimal stimulation.

5. Be patient and flexible
   • Expect fussiness or nap refusals for up to 1–2 weeks as circadian rhythms reset.
   • If the single nap is too short (<1 hour), try settling them again after 3–4 hours of awake time.

Sample one-nap schedule for a 13 month old

Time
– 7:00 am Wake up
– 8:00 am Breakfast
– 11:45 am Nap start (1.5–2 hours)
– 2:00 pm Wake, lunch, play
– 5:30 pm Dinner
– 7:00 pm Bedtime routine (bath, book, cuddle)
– 7:30 pm Sleep

Adjust by 15–30 minutes based on your child’s natural cues. Some toddlers thrive with an earlier nap at 11:00 am, others at 12:30 pm.

Troubleshooting common challenges

• Nap resistance
– Offer a short quiet time in the crib even if they don’t sleep—rest helps.
– Try a gentle back-rub or soft singing for 5 minutes before giving up.

• Overtired evenings
– Move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes until evenings calm down.
– Offer a brief, quiet pre-sleep activity if they still seem wired.

• Early morning wake-ups
– Ensure blackout curtains block all light by 6 am.
– Delay any stimulation; bounce back into sleep if possible.

• Regressions or teething
– Maintain routine as much as possible.
– Use age-appropriate pain relief if your doctor recommends it.

When to pause or slow down the transition

If your 13 month old dropping to one nap suddenly:

• Loses weight or refuses most feeds
• Has persistent night wakings lasting more than 30 minutes
• Shows extreme irritability that doesn’t improve after 2 weeks
• Develops new health symptoms (fever, rash, coughing)

…consider returning to a two-nap schedule briefly to see if sleep—and mood—stabilizes.

When to seek medical advice

Transitioning to one nap is usually harmless, but sometimes sleep changes reflect underlying issues. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to speak to a doctor promptly:

• Signs of developmental regression (loss of speech, motor skills)
• Breathing difficulties or chronic coughing
• Severe, unrelenting fussiness or constant crying
• Any symptom that worries you

You can also do a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker to get guidance on whether your child’s symptoms may need immediate attention.

Expert-backed resources

Guidelines from pediatric sleep experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend:

• 12–18 months: 11–14 total hours of sleep daily, including 2 naps (for most)
• 15–18 months: some children naturally shift to one nap
• Adjust based on your child’s cues, not strictly by age

Always consider your toddler’s unique rhythms and talk with your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Key takeaways

• It’s common for a 13 month old to drop to 1 nap already—many start between 12–15 months.
• Look for signs of readiness: nap refusal, short naps, long wake windows.
• Transition gradually: shift nap times, keep consistent routines, and adjust bedtime.
• Troubleshoot with earlier bedtimes, quiet rest times, and a calm environment.
• If serious symptoms arise or sleep problems persist beyond 2–3 weeks, speak to a doctor.

Every child is different. With patience, observation, and a flexible plan, most toddlers master the one-nap routine by 15–18 months without lasting sleep disruptions.

Note: For any life-threatening or serious concerns, always contact your healthcare provider right away.