Planning your baby’s sleep schedule is a normal part of new parenthood. If you’ve ever said no to multiple Saturday events – or canceled at the last minute because your baby was still napping, you’re not alone. You may be looking forward to your baby taking only one nap a day. But when will that be?

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer, because every child is unique,” he says Nilong Vyas, MDa pediatrician in New Orleans. That said, there are some general guidelines based on your baby’s age and how well he sleeps at night and during the day that can signal whether he’s ready—or not.

When do babies fall asleep?

Although it’s not a one-size-fits-all recommendation, babies most often sleep in one nap around 12 to 18 months, according to a pediatric nurse. Violet Giannone, RN. She also notes that sleep-trained babies who sleep regularly through the night can transition to one nap as early as 10 months.

Signs that your baby is ready to transition to one sleep

Figuring out the perfect sleep schedule for your baby can be more of an art than a science. If your baby seems to be sleeping well – and you’re not noticing any sleep problems or disturbances, their current nap schedule is probably just fine. However, if sleep has been a struggle for more than a week, your child may be ready to switch to one nap a day, Giannone says. Here are some pointers to look out for:

• Bedtime (and sleep) becomes a battle: If your baby is crying excessively, resisting putting down, or even just taking a long time to fall asleep at their usual bedtime or nap time, it may be time for a nap, says Giannone. All of these behaviors are indicators that your baby may be meeting his sleep quota in other ways – either sleeping too much during the day (if bedtime is a struggle), or getting enough sleep at night to be ready for a nap (if bedtime is a struggle).

• He wakes up super early in the morning: Babies are only capable of sleeping a certain number of hours in a 24-hour period, so if they are gaining also they sleep a lot during the day, sleep less at night. If you take a nap, your baby’s bedtime may shift to the night hours.

• They don’t nap, period: If your baby is happy to play in his crib (or scream at the top of his lungs for what seems like forever) instead of napping at bedtime, Dr. Vyas says it can be another sign that your baby is ready to jump and take a nap.

• Bedtime is too late: Another sign Giannone points to is a progressively later bedtime, say 8:30 p.m. or later. If the babies are sleeping also a lot during the day, this will eventually affect their readiness for sleep at night, and they will not be ready for sleep until much later than usual.

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• Both sleeps are very short: Whether the first or second nap is very short (20 to 30 minutes, for example), Giannone says a shortened nap time is another sign that your baby may be ready to give up the second nap of the day.

What are some signs that your baby needs two more naps?

Moving to one sleep is an exciting milestone. You’ll have more flexibility in your schedule and no more rushing home to avoid napping in the car. Some babies stick to two sleep schedules longer than others and may not be ready to switch from a morning nap to an afternoon nap. If your baby sleeps well with your two-nap schedule, there’s no need to make a change.

If you’ve started extending your wake windows to prepare for the transition to one nap, and your baby is showing any of these signs, she may not be ready to give up another nap in the day:

• Their sleep signs correspond to a two-sleep schedule: If your baby seems tired before the new wake window is over, she probably still needs two naps. Watch for signs of sleepiness such as staring without blinking or rubbing your eyes.

• They are always nervous: If your previously happy baby seems to be constantly cranky after you extend the wake-up windows, it could be a sign that the new sleep routine isn’t going to work, Giannone says.

• In the morning they fall asleep: If you notice that your previously happy baby is heading off to nursery in the morning, it could be a sign that she isn’t getting enough sleep and could still benefit from that second nap during the day.

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• they are sick: If your baby is sick, wait until he is better before changing his sleep schedule. They may need more rest when they’re sick, so it’s hard to tell if they’re really ready for one nap.

Is 12 months too young for a sleepover?

Some babies will be ready for one nap earlier than others. Parents should not be concerned if their baby has smoothly transitioned to this new milestone well ahead of schedule. In fact, she had seen babies change before 10 months since their sleep is so peaceful at night. On the other hand, remember that it’s okay if your baby is 12 months old and not yet ready for one nap.

How to switch to one sleep

Even if your baby seems ready to transition to just one nap a day, knowing how to do it can be a little daunting. Here’s how to make a smooth transition from two naps to one.

• Stick to the schedule: When your baby is going through a significant change (ie, taking a nap), one of the most helpful things parents can do is stick to a schedule. This means, put your baby to bed and sleep at the same time every day and wake him up at the same time every day.

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• Create or maintain a sleep routine: That relaxation routine you worked hard to get your baby used to will come in handy as you make the changes. Things like a bath (before bed), reading a book, singing a song, and dimming the lights can help your baby understand that playtime is over and it’s time to rest.

• Pay attention to the signs of sleep: As you settle into your new waking window, watch for signs of sleepiness from your baby, Giannone says. Staring without blinking, disconnecting from play, grumpiness or rubbing the eyes are some signs that your baby is tired and ready for sleep.

• give time: While we often want transitions to go smoothly, there can certainly be a bump or two along the way. “The best advice is to give it time,” says Giannone. “It can take up to several weeks for a baby to adjust to tolerating longer periods of wakefulness.”

Ultimately, your child’s sleep needs will continue to change throughout his life, from the days of infancy, even into the early years and beyond. As long as you prioritize rest—whether it’s at nap time or through the night—you’ll be one step closer to sweet dreams for the whole family.

The holiday season may be over, but the chilly weather isn’t going anywhere for a while yet. If you’ve been spending nights in layers and shivering—even in your thickest pajamas and socks—your bedroom could probably work harder to keep you warm.

So grab your favorite hot drink and a blanket and get ready for a more comfortable night’s sleep. We spoke to heating experts, who are here to share exactly how to warm a bedroom in winter, with or without a heater.

Use Cozy Textiles

Having a nice warm cocoon to snuggle into at the end of the day is a must during the winter season, and by using one of George Crew’s favorite techniques, you can style, decorate and warm your bed at the same time.

“Layering textiles is one of the easiest ways to warm up a bedroom,” says Crew. “Adding a thick rug will feel great on your feet in the morning and help insulate the room as a whole. Cover the bed itself with cozy blankets and throws and create an irresistibly warm bed using flannels sheets, a woolen blanket or a plush duvet to keep your body warm.”

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Use heating pads and hot water bottles

Nothing is more inviting than a warm and cozy bed in winter, and you can make your sleeping space even cozier by turning up body heat. Textiles like flannel sheets work well, but personal heat sources can take winter warmth to the next level.

“A hot water bottle placed between you and your bed before you get between the sheets will create an enclosed area of ​​warmth that will stay with you for many hours,” says Crew. “Heating pads and electric blankets can also give you targeted warmth on those very cold nights.”

Hang thermal curtains

“If you haven’t already, you should hang floor-to-ceiling thermal curtains in your bedroom to create a barrier between the cold window and the room and prevent heat loss,” says Jon Gilbertson, president of Chris Heat & Cooling.

Thermal curtains can be very effective when paired with central heating or space heaters, but they should not be used in bedrooms where a radiator is placed directly under a window – the heat will end up trapped between the curtains and the window, keeping your radiator from heating the rest of the room.

Place space heaters wisely

Space heaters can be the most efficient way to heat a bedroom. So if you have one or are able to invest in one, it’s important to make sure you place your heater in a space that allows it to do its job as well as possible.

“A general rule of thumb is to place the space heater in the center of the room to ensure proper airflow and even heat distribution throughout the room,” says Gilbertson. “But if your bedroom is poorly insulated and you notice cold drafts near walls or electrical outlets, it’s best to install a heater nearby to prevent cold air from entering.”

Set the direction of the ceiling fan

It may seem counterintuitive to turn on a ceiling fan to warm a bedroom, but these devices don’t actually create a cold temperature—they simply circulate the air in the room, whether it’s warm or cool. HVAC expert Simon Benrath says that changing the direction of the fan when the weather gets colder can do wonders to spread the heat evenly throughout the space.

“Putting a ceiling fan on reverse can help circulate the air gently in the room and prevent the heat from just accumulating at the top of the room, making it warmer,” he says.

Use a humidifier

“Check the humidity in your bedroom and increase it if necessary,” says Gilbertson. “A room with dry air will feel about 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than a room with 45-50% humidity, even with thermostats set to the same temperature.”

According to Bernath, the perfect humidity level for a bedroom is between 30 and 45 percent, which can also help with warmth and overall comfort in the colder months.

“A humidifier will help you maintain ideal humidity levels, which can make a room feel more comfortable, especially since the air can sometimes be drier in the winter,” he says.

Isolate the room

“Think less about how to add heat and more about how to keep it in,” says Gilbertson. “A well-insulated bedroom doesn’t need much heating, and often not even a space heater.”

To prevent drafts on doors and windows, our experts recommend winterizing your windows, installing weatherstripping or plastic sheeting, and using door stops or draft guards.

As a free alternative, you can also roll up old towels and blankets on blankets to block any cracks along the windowsill and under your bedroom door.

Open (or close) the door

After implementing all these tips and techniques, you may be tempted to keep your bedroom door closed at night to ensure that the heat stays in your bedroom. But according to Benrath, an open door may actually be your best bet—depending on the heat source in your room.

“Keep the room door closed if you’re using a space heater and/or humidifier to keep the warm air in,” he says. “However, instead you’ll want to keep the door open at night if you’re relying on central heating,”

Navigating childcare options can be a headache, and that’s before you even get around to paying for everything. And, unfortunately, finding affordable childcare became even more complicated after that Child Care Stabilization ProgramOpens a new window expired, cutting $24 billion in funding for child care services across the country.

As a parent, you’re probably already aware of the daunting task of finding reliable and affordable childcare for your children. “The current state of child care costs can best be described as a silent crisis affecting working families across the country,” says Dennis Shirshikov, professor of finance, economics and accounting at the City University of New York.

Families using full-time childcare pay an average of $320 a week for one child — $16,686 a year, according to the BabyCenter study. These expenses drastically affect the financial goals of most families (84%), with more than half saying they cannot save (54%).

“Essentially, the struggle to afford quality childcare has led many parents to make difficult compromises, such as leaving the workforce, jeopardizing career growth, or accepting substandard care,” adds Shirshikov.

As discouraging as it may sound, there are many legitimate ways to save money on childcare, and there are more options for help and support. Experts share how to build a childcare budget and ways to save on childcare costs.

Strategies to save money on childcare

To save on childcare, you need to understand what options are out there, pool your resources and think creatively – experts share some tips:

Cooperative childcare arrangements

In a shared childcare arrangement, you and a group of parents rotate childcare responsibilities. This approach requires trust and camaraderie between parents, as well as top-notch scheduling. However, this does not work well for every business. “It does require a time commitment, but it can be a godsend for those with a flexible schedule,” says Shirshikov.

“I’ll occasionally watch my best friend’s kids while she’s at work, and then when I’m at work she’ll occasionally watch mine,” says one BabyCenter mom.

Nanny shares

Nanny or nanny shares are when two families share the same nanny, which usually results in a lower rate for each family. Crissi Cole, CEO and Founder Penny FinanceOpens a new windowshe says the role of nanny was invaluable to her when she needed to cut costs to afford childcare. By switching to a nanny from kindergarten, she realized her savings of 40%.

Remote work

If possible, discuss the idea of ​​remote or hybrid work with your employer. While the flexibility of telecommuting doesn’t replace the need for childcare, it can reduce the time and money you need to commute. In turn, this can reduce the amount you need to spend on childcare, as well as give your budget an extra cushion. Telecommuting is also useful when your kids are sick and daycare isn’t an option.

It takes a village and a lot of brains to figure out childcare.

– Crissi Cole, CEO and Founder of Penny Finance

One BabyCenter mom says, “I work from home and two days of my work schedule I will keep the kids at home and use part-time childcare instead of full-time.”

Family help

Not everyone has the possibility of family assistance, and not all family members are available to help. But even a few hours of extended family help can reduce your childcare costs—plus, it’s an opportunity to bond and make memories.

“We have my sister watch (my daughter) instead of our previous daycare and we pay her about half of our previous costs,” says one BabyCenter mom.

Another BabyCenter mom says, “Right now, we use grandparent childcare, but they still have appointments, get sick, and have their own lives. We mostly do, but when we have problems, it also puts a strain on the personal relationship.”

Dependent’s Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

“A dependent care FSAOpens a new window allows parents to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover eligible childcare costs for children under 13, such as day care, summer day camps and after-school programs,” says Ellis. You can contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year, reducing your taxable income, which reduces your overall tax liability.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Parents with children under the age of 13 may be entitled to tax relief for childcare costs. “Child and Dependent Care Tax CreditOpens a new window can get you up to 35% of qualifying expenses up to $3,000 for one child or up to $6,000 for two or more children,” explains Shirshikov.

State aid programs

There are several government income-based assistance programs that aim to help families afford childcare. This includes programs like Head StartOpens a new window and state-funded subsidies. “To take advantage of these benefits, visit your state’s child care assistance website or contact your local social services office for application guidelines,” recommends Ellis.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

It’s always a good idea to check with your employer or human resources department to find out what childcare assistance options are available there. Many companies offer childcare subsidies or partnerships with local childcare providers at discounted prices, says Shirshikov. “I’ve seen some companies even offer on-site childcare facilities,” he says.

One BabyCenter mom takes advantage of this benefit, sharing, “My company offers 30 days of back-up care, which includes daycare and home care. The babysitters are great.”

In addition to the nanny share, Cole says she used a combination of tools to keep childcare costs down, including working from home, family help and student babysitters, who charged significantly lower rates than daycares.

“No matter what, it takes a village and a lot of brain power to figure out childcare,” says Cole. “In most cases, just being aware of your finances and day-to-day expenses helps you naturally find ways to fund childcare and childcare.”

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What is the story?

NAUGHTY & NICE punishes rough-and-tumble Los Angeles radio host Pepper (Tilky Jones) after his on-air behavior offends a major advertiser. After his suspension, the company sends him to a romantic advice show in a small Colorado town. The place is populated by decent and honest people, including its sweet host, Sandra Love (Haylie Duff). Never has a jerk been more obviously in need of a good woman’s help. They take an immediate dislike to each other and romance blossoms from there.

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Is it good?

Our review:

Parents say :
Not rated yet

children say:
Not rated yet

This movie is a pointless rehashing of a tired old plot that will not appeal to children. A nice girl meets a rude and angry guy, meets the real person beneath his insidious layer of protection, and falls deeply in love with him, all in 89 minutes. This DJ’s snark won him rave reviews in LA, but earned him the ire of his new co-host in rural Colorado. “You’re smug, rude and using people’s lives to get a cheap laugh. We don’t do that on my show,” the psychology doctor tells the new guy. But, oops, she says it into a live microphone, and the on-air conflict also boosts her show’s ratings. Of course, she’s shocked when she quotes Christian scriptures to help a kid who forgot her lines in a Christmas pageant, a plot used to humanize the demons of Big City. So expect references to “lying in a manger,” “glory to God,” and “many hosts of heaven.” Because Naughty & Nice is made for television, has a lot of blackouts for commercials.

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Talk to your kids about…

• Families can discuss how first impressions can sometimes be wrong. Why do you think some people like to present themselves as tougher than they really are on the inside?

• Do you think the fact that Sandra’s mother likes Pepper affects Sandra’s feelings about the guy? Mom mentions that Pepper looks a lot like Sandra’s dad. Do you think people look for famous people when trying to find friends?

• Is this a typical holiday story? Why or why not?

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Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children
proposing a diversity update.