Toddler Sleep Schedule: How Much Sleep Does Your Toddler Need?

As your baby transitions to toddlerhood, sleep needs and patterns change. The good news? Many of the unpredictable newborn and infant sleep challenges are behind you. The challenge now is navigating nap transitions, bedtime battles, and new developmental milestones.

Understanding what's normal for toddler sleep can help you create a schedule that works for your family.

How Much Sleep Do Toddlers Need? AAP

Total sleep needs by age:

| Age | Total Sleep | Nighttime | Naps |
|-----|-------------|-----------|------|
| 12-18 months | 11-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 1-2 naps (2-3 hours) |
| 18-24 months | 11-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 1 nap (2-3 hours) |
| 2-3 years | 11-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 1 nap (1-2 hours) |
| 3-4 years | 10-13 hours | 10-12 hours | 0-1 nap (0-1 hour) |

Important notes:

• These are ranges—individual needs vary
• Some toddlers need more sleep, some need less
• Total sleep includes nighttime + naps
• Nap needs decrease as children get older

Sample Toddler Schedules NSF

12-18 months (2 naps or transitioning to 1):

*Two-nap schedule:*

• 6:30 AM - Wake
• 9:30 AM - Nap 1 (1-1.5 hours)
• 2:00 PM - Nap 2 (1-1.5 hours)
• 7:00 PM - Bedtime

*One-nap schedule:*

• 6:30 AM - Wake
• 12:00 PM - Nap (2-3 hours)
• 7:00 PM - Bedtime

18-24 months (1 nap):

• 6:30 AM - Wake
• 12:30 PM - Nap (2-2.5 hours)
• 7:30 PM - Bedtime

2-3 years (1 nap):

• 7:00 AM - Wake
• 1:00 PM - Nap (1.5-2 hours)
• 8:00 PM - Bedtime

3-4 years (nap or quiet time):

• 7:00 AM - Wake
• 1:00 PM - Nap or quiet time (1 hour)
• 7:30-8:00 PM - Bedtime

Adjust based on your child's cues and your family's routine.

Wake Windows for Toddlers AAP

Wake windows (time awake between sleeps) continue to lengthen:

12-15 months:

• Before first nap: 3-4 hours
• Between naps: 3-4 hours
• Before bedtime: 3.5-4.5 hours

15-18 months (transitioning to 1 nap):

• Before nap: 4.5-5.5 hours
• Before bedtime: 4.5-5.5 hours

18-24 months:

• Before nap: 5-6 hours
• Before bedtime: 5-6 hours

2-3 years:

• Before nap: 5.5-7 hours
• Before bedtime: 5-6 hours

Watch your toddler's cues:

• Rubbing eyes, yawning
• Crankiness, clinginess
• Decreased coordination
• Hyperactivity (counterintuitively)

The Nap Transition NSF

When do toddlers drop to one nap?

• Usually between 12-18 months
• Most common around 15-18 months
• Transition can take 2-4 weeks
• Some days may need two naps, others one

Signs ready for one nap:

• Fighting second nap consistently
• Second nap too late and interferes with bedtime
• Taking over an hour to fall asleep for one nap
• Ready for one long midday nap

How to transition:

• Gradually push morning nap later
• Aim for a nap around 12:00-1:00 PM
• Use earlier bedtime during transition
• Accept that it's messy at first

Dropping the nap entirely:

• Usually happens between 3-5 years
• Average age to stop napping: 3-4 years
• Replace nap with quiet time
• May need earlier bedtime

Bedtime for Toddlers AAP

Ideal bedtime range:

• 12-24 months: 6:30-7:30 PM
• 2-3 years: 7:00-8:00 PM
• 3-4 years: 7:00-8:00 PM

What affects bedtime:

• Nap length and timing
• Wake time in the morning
• Family schedule
• Toddler's individual sleep needs

Signs bedtime is right:

• Falls asleep within 15-30 minutes
• Sleeps through night (mostly)
• Wakes at appropriate time
• Happy and well-rested during day

Signs bedtime is too late:

• Takes forever to fall asleep (overtired)
• Night wakings
• Wakes very early
• Cranky during day

Signs bedtime is too early:

• Not tired at bedtime
• Takes over 30 minutes to fall asleep
• Wakes in middle of night (undertired)
• Very early morning waking

Consistency Is Key NSF

Why routine matters for toddlers:

• Toddlers thrive on predictability
• Routine reduces bedtime battles
• Body clock adjusts to regular timing
• Reduces anxiety about sleep

Create consistency with:

• Same wake time each day (within 30 minutes)
• Same nap time each day
• Same bedtime routine each night
• Same bedtime (within 30 minutes)

Weekend flexibility:

• Try to keep roughly same schedule
• Sleeping in an hour is okay
• Big schedule changes disrupt sleep
• Get back on track quickly

Common Toddler Sleep Schedule Issues

Too short nap:

• Is toddler overtired or undertired?
• Is sleep environment optimal?
• Is schedule appropriate for age?
• Some toddlers naturally take short naps

Nap is fine but bedtime is a battle:

• May need to adjust nap (earlier, shorter)
• Check wake window before bed
• Is routine calming enough?
• May be developmentally normal resistance

Early morning waking:

• Try later bedtime (paradoxically, earlier often helps)
• Is room dark enough?
• Check if nap is too long
• Normal wake time: 6:00-7:00 AM

Night wakings:

• How are you responding? (Consistency matters)
• Is toddler overtired?
• Any developmental changes? (Walking, talking)
• Check environment (temperature, noise)

Creating the Right Sleep Environment AAP

Essential elements:

• Dark room (blackout shades)
• Cool temperature (68-72°F)
• White noise (optional but helpful)
• Safe sleep space

Toddler-specific considerations:

• If transitioning to toddler bed, ensure room is safe
• Nightlight is okay if needed (dim red/orange)
• Comfort object is appropriate and helpful
• Clock for "okay to wake" (for older toddlers)

When to Worry AAP

Normal toddler sleep:

• Some resistance to sleep is developmentally normal
• Occasional night waking
• Transition periods (new sibling, moving, travel)
• Preference for parents at bedtime

See your pediatrician if:

• Snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping
• Very restless sleep consistently
• Difficulty waking in the morning despite adequate sleep
• Extreme behavioral issues related to sleep
• Sleep problems affecting daytime function significantly

What Other Parents Ask

Q: My 18-month-old still takes two naps. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. Some toddlers need two naps until closer to 2 years old. If it's working, don't change it. Transition when your toddler shows signs they're ready.

Q: Should toddlers have the same schedule every day?
A: Consistency helps, but flexibility is okay. Try to keep within 30-60 minutes of regular times. Big deviations (sleeping in until 9 AM) will affect the rest of the day. NSF

Q: My toddler won't nap in crib anymore. What do I do?
A: Some toddlers need the transition to a toddler bed or sleep space. Others are just going through a phase. Make sure room is dark, routine is consistent, and give it a week before making changes.

Q: Is it okay to let my toddler skip the nap some days?
A: Occasional missed naps are fine. Consistent nap skipping may mean toddler is ready to drop the nap. Watch for overtiredness signals and adjust bedtime as needed.

Q: How do I handle daylight saving time?
A: Adjust by 15 minutes every few days before the change, or adjust all at once and expect a few rough days. Toddlers usually adjust within a week. AAP

The Bottom Line

Toddlers typically need 11-14 hours of total sleep, including one daytime nap. Schedules shift as toddlers grow—naps shorten and eventually disappear, while nighttime sleep remains important. Consistency in routine helps toddlers sleep better.

Key points:

• 11-14 hours total sleep is typical for toddlers
• Most toddlers transition to one nap between 12-18 months
• Consistent wake times and bedtimes help regulate sleep
• Watch for overtiredness (earlier bedtime often helps)
• Naps usually stop between ages 3-5
• Every toddler is different—follow your child's cues

Clara is here to help you create a sleep schedule that works for your toddler.