Is it normal for my 10-month-old to still take 2 naps?

Yes. Most babies this age still take 2 naps a day, and there is no need to rush to one nap. Babies generally need about 12-16 hours of total sleep over 24 hours including naps, but each baby is different. If your baby seems rested and naps are fairly consistent, holding 2 naps is reasonable.

How do I know if my baby is ready to drop a nap?

Look for a steady pattern over a couple of weeks rather than one off day. Signs can include consistently fighting one nap or a nap that regularly pushes bedtime very late. Teething, illness, and travel can disrupt naps temporarily without meaning a nap should be dropped. If you are unsure, ask your pediatrician.

My baby's naps got shorter this week. Should I change the schedule?

Not necessarily. Short-term changes from teething, illness, travel, or a developmental leap are common and often pass on their own. Keep wake, nap, and bedtimes consistent and adjust bedtime slightly earlier if your baby seems overtired. If shorter naps continue for weeks or you are worried, talk with your pediatrician.

Sleep · 10 months

10-month sleep: holding the 2-nap schedule

At 10 months, most babies still do well on 2 naps a day, and you can usually hold that schedule rather than dropping to one nap. Babies this age generally need about 12-16 hours of sleep over 24 hours, including naps, though every baby is different and the exact amount your child needs is a conversation for your pediatrician. If naps stay reasonably consistent and your baby seems rested, there is no need to change anything yet.

3 min read Sleep Updated June 2026

What a 10-month sleep day often looks like

Two naps a day is common at this age: a morning nap and an afternoon nap, with night sleep making up the largest block. The total across day and night usually falls within the broad range babies need, but the split between naps and night sleep varies a lot from child to child.

Use your baby's behavior, not a clock alone, to judge how things are going. A baby who wakes up calm, plays well, and falls asleep without a long struggle is usually getting enough rest on the current schedule.

Morning nap after a few hours awake
Afternoon nap in the early-to-mid afternoon
The longest stretch of sleep at night

How to hold the 2-nap schedule

Consistency helps most. Keep wake-up time, nap times, and bedtime roughly the same each day so your baby's body learns when to expect sleep. A short, predictable wind-down before each nap and before bed signals that sleep is coming.

If a nap is short or skipped, you can shift the rest of the day a little or move bedtime slightly earlier so your baby does not become overtired. One rough day does not mean it is time to drop a nap.

Signs it may be more than a rough patch

Most 10-month-olds are not ready to drop to one nap. Before changing the schedule, look for a steady pattern over a couple of weeks, not a single off day. Teething, illness, travel, or a developmental leap can disrupt naps temporarily without meaning the schedule needs to change.

If sleep changes are persistent or you are worried, talk with your pediatrician. They can help you decide whether to adjust naps and rule out anything else affecting sleep.

One of the two naps becomes a consistent fight for many days
The afternoon nap regularly pushes bedtime very late
Night sleep is steadily getting shorter or more broken over weeks

Keep sleep safe

Safe sleep guidance still applies at 10 months. Place your baby on the back to sleep, in their own crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Keep soft objects, loose bedding, pillows, and bumpers out of the sleep space.

If your baby falls asleep somewhere else, move them to a safe sleep surface when you can. If you have questions about your baby's sleep setup, your pediatrician can review it with you.

Quick answers

Is it normal for my 10-month-old to still take 2 naps?: Yes. Most babies this age still take 2 naps a day, and there is no need to rush to one nap. Babies generally need about 12-16 hours of total sleep over 24 hours including naps, but each baby is different. If your baby seems rested and naps are fairly consistent, holding 2 naps is reasonable.
How do I know if my baby is ready to drop a nap?: Look for a steady pattern over a couple of weeks rather than one off day. Signs can include consistently fighting one nap or a nap that regularly pushes bedtime very late. Teething, illness, and travel can disrupt naps temporarily without meaning a nap should be dropped. If you are unsure, ask your pediatrician.
My baby's naps got shorter this week. Should I change the schedule?: Not necessarily. Short-term changes from teething, illness, travel, or a developmental leap are common and often pass on their own. Keep wake, nap, and bedtimes consistent and adjust bedtime slightly earlier if your baby seems overtired. If shorter naps continue for weeks or you are worried, talk with your pediatrician.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.