Ask Dr. Mona

It definitely sounds like your little one is on the cusp of transitioning from two naps to one. Around 14 to 18 months is when most toddlers make that shift, but like all transitions, it doesn’t always happen cleanly overnight. The signs you’re seeing, like resisting naps, taking two short naps instead of one solid one, or being generally out of rhythm are classic cues.

Here’s what can help the transition go more smoothly:

• Watch for sleepy cues and gradually push the first nap later. This helps their body adjust to a longer wake window and sets them up for a more consolidated midday nap.

• Know that one nap might start short, and that’s okay. At first, that single nap may last just 45 minutes to 1 hour, which can make the day feel long. But with time and consistency, many toddlers naturally stretch that nap to 1.5 hours or more as their body adjusts. This rocky in-between phase is part of the process.

• Earlier bedtime helps. While they’re adjusting to the new rhythm, a bedtime between 6:30–7:30 p.m. can help prevent overtiredness and support better overnight sleep.

• Stick to predictable routines. A consistent nap and bedtime routine helps their brain recognize what’s coming next. Keep the wind-down simple: diaper, sleep sack, book, snuggle, sleep.

Some days may still need two naps or a short reset nap in the afternoon, and that’s okay. Trust your instincts. You’re reading your child well, and that flexibility is part of helping them find their new rhythm.

The Toddler Sleep Guide in the Toddlers & Tantrums Course includes more details on nap transitions, bedtime battles, and setting up a routine that works for your family. For extra tips on toddler sleep, check out this YouTube video on toddler bedtime routines and sleep tips.

Feeding struggles can feel so personal–and exhausting. You’re not alone in this, and you haven’t messed anything up.

At this age, many toddlers stick to a few familiar foods because it feels safe and predictable. When a child resists new foods so strongly, it’s not usually about the food, but more about the overwhelm. And if mealtimes feel like a lot for you? They probably feel like a lot for him too.

Instead of focusing on whether he eats something new, try focusing on exposure without pressure. Let him see it, smell it, maybe even touch it, but don’t push a bite. You can say, “This one’s just for looking today,” and move on. That keeps the experience low-stakes and builds familiarity over time.

It’s also okay to lean on those pouches for nutrition while using pretend play outside of meals to build comfort with veggies. Let him “cook” with real vegetables, play grocery store, or set up a play kitchen. These low-pressure moments help new foods feel more familiar and less intimidating.

You’re showing up. You’re offering. That matters. If you’re starting to wonder if there’s more going on, like frequent gagging, steady weight loss, or eating fewer than 15–20 foods, it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician or a feeding specialist. They can help rule out anything else and give you more tools if needed.

For a step-by-step, shame-free approach, check out the Picky Eating Playbook for more on scripts, strategies, and how to reduce mealtime stress.

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