Two to one nap transition at 15 months and early wake ups

[SnugTurtle]

We've been stuck in the 2 to 1 nap transition for about a month, and the last week has been the toughest. DC has been waking much earlier than usual, often around 5am.

For example, today DC woke at 5am and couldn’t go back to sleep. By 7am, they were already overtired and crying, so I gave them a short nap before nursery. It felt more like a split night.

We’re constantly switching between one and two naps with no consistent schedule. Last week was full of early wake-ups like this. DC now needs sleep every 4 to 5 hours.

They used to wake at 7am, nap at 10:30am and 3:30pm, and go to bed at 8:30pm. But now that their wake windows are getting longer, everything feels out of sync.

I’ve read that this is the hardest nap transition. Does it get better? I really don't want a 5am rise. DC has always struggled with night sleep, with frequent wakings, so it's been especially challenging.

Sending solidarity. We're also in this transition at the moment!

Have you tried having the second nap, on days when your baby won't make it to a reasonable bedtime, as a 15 min power nap? We've found that to be helpful in keeping bedtime relatively consistent and therefore wake time consistent too

sorry, i never replied. Hope the transition went well for you, we are still battling. Mostly on one nap, but no consistent wake time (it used to be 6.30). And yes, if wake time is too early we do 30 minute nap in the afternoon (second one). Today, we had a 3am wake up.... i hope it stops soon.