SleepSchedule

13-18 Months Old

Target Daytime Sleep: 2-3 hours

Wake Windows: 3-4 hours

Around this age, many children begin transitioning from two naps to one nap. Some toddlers continue thriving on two naps, while others begin showing signs that they are ready for a single midday nap.

The schedules below are intended as general guidelines. Every child is different and may need adjustments based on temperament, sleep needs, and developmental stage.

Sample two-nap schedule: 

7:00 AM              Wake, open blinds, feed, change diaper, get dressed

7:30 AM              Breakfast

8:00 AM              Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

9:45 AM              Prepare for nap

10:00-11:30 AM   Nap #1 (1.5 hours)

11:30 AM            Wake, snack or lunch

12:30 PM            Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

2:15 PM              Prepare for nap

2:30-4:00 PM       Nap #2 (1.5 hours)

4:00 PM              Wake

5:30 PM              Dinner

6:15 PM              Start bedtime routine

7:00 PM                Bedtime

Sample one-nap schedule: 

7:00 AM                  Wake, open blinds, feed, change diaper, get dressed

7:30 AM                  Breakfast

8:00 AM                 Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

10:15 AM                Early lunch or snack

10:45 AM                Prepare for nap

11:00-2:00 PM         Nap (2-3 hours)

2:00 PM                  Wake

2:30 PM                  Late Lunch/Snack

3:00 PM                      Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

5:15 PM                  Dinner

6:15 PM                  Start bedtime routine (bath, pajamas, brush teeth, books, cuddles)

7:00 PM                    Bedtime

*Children on one nap often tolerate wake windows closer to 4-6 hours

Sample Transition Schedule: 

7:00 AM                  Wake, open blinds, feed, change diaper, get dressed

7:30 AM                  Breakfast

8:00 AM                 Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

10:15 AM                Snack

10:30-12:30 PM       Nap # 1 (2 hours)

12:30 PM                Wake

1:00 PM                  Lunch

2:00 PM                  Age-appropriate activities, time outside, build sleep pressure

4:00-4:30 PM           Cat Nap (30 minutes)

5:15 PM                  Dinner

6:15 PM                  Start bedtime routine

7:30 PM                     Bedtime

This schedule can be helpful for toddlers who are beginning the transition from two naps to one nap but are not yet ready to comfortably stay awake until bedtime. The cat nap serves as a temporary bridge while wake windows gradually increase and is typically phased out as your child adjusts to a one-nap schedule.

What signs will my child show when needing to transition to 1 nap?

• Fighting one of their naps
• Taking a long time to fall asleep at nap time
• Taking a long time to fall asleep at bedtime
• Frequently skipping one nap
• Shortening one nap while maintaining a good mood and energy level
• Resisting the second nap for 1-2 weeks or longer
• Early morning waking despite an age-appropriate schedule

Important: These signs should occur consistently for at least 1-2 weeks, not just occasionally or during illness, travel, teething, or developmental milestones.

Need help creating a personalized schedule or sleep plan? Schedule a 15-minute consultation!