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.

  Advertisement | page continues below

• 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.

  Advertisement | page continues below

• 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.

  Advertisement | page continues below

• 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.