Most babies drop to one nap sometime during the second year of life, usually between about 12 and 24 months. There is a wide range of normal, so some children transition earlier and others later depending on their sleep needs and routine.
As babies grow, their total daytime sleep gradually decreases and becomes more consolidated. By around 12 months, many are taking two naps, but over the following months the morning nap often shortens or disappears, leaving a single afternoon nap. This shift happens as wake periods get longer and nighttime sleep becomes more stable.
It is also normal for sleep patterns to vary. Factors like development, environment, and daily schedule can influence when this change happens. Some toddlers may still need two naps for a while, while others do better with one longer nap earlier in the second year.
If a child is resisting one of their naps, having trouble falling asleep at night, or waking very early, it may be a sign they are ready to transition. If there are ongoing sleep concerns, it is best to discuss them with a pediatrician rather than making major changes on your own.