Getting a toddler to sleep can sometimes feel like a nightly negotiation. One day your child may happily follow the bedtime routine, and the next day they may refuse a nap, fight bedtime, wake at 5 AM, or suddenly start waking several times during the night.
The good news is that a toddler sleep schedule does not have to be complicated. The goal is not to make every child sleep at exactly the same time. Instead, it is about creating a predictable rhythm that provides enough total sleep while fitting your child’s age, temperament and family routine.
Children between 1 and 2 years generally need 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. Children aged 3–5 years generally need 10–13 hours per 24 hours, including naps. These are recommended ranges rather than rigid targets, because individual sleep needs can vary.
So, what does a good toddler sleep schedule look like? Below is a simple toddler sleep schedule by age, including sample nap times, bedtime routines and practical tips for common sleep problems.
How Much Sleep Does a Toddler Need?
The amount of sleep a toddler needs changes gradually as they grow. A 1-year-old may still need two naps, while an older 2-year-old will usually have one daytime nap. By age 3, some children continue napping while others are ready for quiet time instead.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
| Age | Recommended Total Sleep | Typical Daytime Sleep |
|---|---|---|
| 12–18 months | 11–14 hours | 1–2 naps |
| 18–24 months | 11–14 hours | Usually 1 nap |
| 2 years | 11–14 hours | Usually 1 nap |
| 3 years | 10–13 hours | 0–1 nap |
| 4–5 years | 10–13 hours | Usually no regular nap |
These totals include both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
It is also important not to judge your toddler’s sleep solely by another child’s schedule. Two healthy toddlers of the same age can have somewhat different sleep patterns.
Toddler Sleep Requirements at a Glance
As a general starting point:
- 12–18 months: Often 1–2 naps and a longer nighttime sleep.
- 18–24 months: Usually one midday nap.
- 2 years: Usually one daytime nap.
- 3 years: May need one nap or may be ready for quiet time.
- 4–5 years: Most children no longer need a daily nap, although individual needs differ.
The most useful question is not simply, “What time should my toddler sleep?” but rather, “Is my child getting enough sleep over the entire 24-hour period?”
Toddler Sleep Schedule by Age
There is no single perfect toddler sleep schedule. The following schedules are examples that parents can adapt according to their child’s natural sleep pattern, daycare schedule, family routine and bedtime needs.
12–15 Month Sleep Schedule
At 12–15 months, some toddlers are still comfortably taking two naps, while others are beginning to resist the second nap. This makes the 1 year old sleep schedule particularly flexible.
A typical schedule might look like:
- 7:00 AM: Wake up
- 10:00–11:00 AM: Morning nap
- 2:30–3:30 PM: Afternoon nap
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime
Some children may instead begin moving toward one longer midday nap.
Sample 12–15 Month Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM | Morning nap |
| 11:00 AM | Wake |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30 PM | Afternoon nap |
| 3:30 PM | Wake |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime routine |
| 7:30 PM | Sleep |
At this age, watch your child’s behavior rather than forcing a nap simply because the clock says it is time.
If your toddler consistently refuses the second nap, takes a long time to fall asleep at bedtime, or sleeps well with one longer nap, they may be beginning the transition to a one-nap schedule.
15–18 Month Sleep Schedule
The 15 month old sleep schedule is often a transition period. Some toddlers continue with two naps, while others are ready for one longer nap.
A one-nap schedule could look like:
- 7:00 AM: Wake
- 12:00–2:00 PM: Nap
- 7:00–7:30 PM: Bedtime
The exact timing is less important than creating a predictable pattern.
If your toddler is still taking two naps, you may gradually shorten the morning nap and move the afternoon nap earlier or later as needed.
Healthier Together notes that younger toddlers may have two naps and that, by around 18 months, most toddlers have moved toward one daytime nap.
18–24 Month Sleep Schedule
By 18 months, most toddlers are following a one-nap schedule.
A practical 18 month old sleep schedule could be:
- 7:00 AM: Wake up
- 12:30–2:30 PM: Nap
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime
Sample Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM | Outdoor play |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | Nap |
| 2:30 PM | Wake |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime routine |
| 7:30 PM | Bed |
Try to avoid allowing a long nap to run too late into the afternoon if it consistently makes bedtime difficult. Some pediatric sleep guidance recommends keeping naps sufficiently early so that a child can build enough sleep pressure for nighttime.
2-Year-Old Sleep Schedule
So, what is a good sleep schedule for a 2-year-old?
Most 2-year-olds do well with one daytime nap and a consistent nighttime sleep period. Children aged 1–2 years are generally recommended to get 11–14 hours of total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
A sample 2 year old sleep schedule could look like:
- 7:00 AM: Wake
- 1:00–2:30 PM: Nap
- 7:30–8:00 PM: Bedtime
Sample 2-Year-Old Routine
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 10:00 AM | Active play |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Nap |
| 2:30 PM | Wake |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Bath and bedtime routine |
| 7:30–8:00 PM | Bedtime |
If your 2-year-old takes a very long afternoon nap and then refuses to sleep at night, consider discussing the timing and duration of the nap with your pediatrician or adjusting the routine gradually.
3-Year-Old Sleep Schedule
By age 3, children need approximately 10–13 hours of total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
This is also the age when sleep needs can begin to look very different from one child to another.
Some 3-year-olds still benefit from a daytime nap, while others sleep better at night without one.
3-Year-Old Schedule With a Nap
- 7:00 AM: Wake
- 1:00–2:00 PM: Nap
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime
3-Year-Old Schedule Without a Nap
- 7:00 AM: Wake
- 12:30 PM: Quiet time
- 7:00 PM: Bedtime
If your 3-year-old skips their nap but becomes extremely irritable, falls asleep unexpectedly in the evening or struggles to stay awake through dinner, they may still need daytime sleep.
On the other hand, if your child consistently refuses naps but remains happy and sleeps well at night, quiet time may be a better alternative.
What Does a Good Toddler Sleep Schedule Look Like?
A good toddler sleep schedule usually has several predictable anchors:
- A relatively consistent wake-up time
- Age-appropriate daytime naps
- Regular meals and active daytime play
- A calm period before bedtime
- A predictable bedtime routine
- A consistent bedtime
- Enough total sleep across the entire 24-hour period
Consistency is generally more useful than trying to make your toddler sleep at exactly 7:00 PM every night.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular daily routines, including consistent waking, meals, naps and bedtime.
Think of the schedule as a framework rather than a strict timetable.
If your toddler normally sleeps at 7:30 PM but falls asleep at 7:15 PM after a busy day, that does not mean the schedule has failed.
How to Create a Toddler Bedtime Routine
A predictable toddler bedtime routine helps children understand that the active part of the day is ending and sleep is approaching.
A simple routine could include:
Bath → Pajamas → Brush teeth → Story → Cuddles → Bed
The American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the simple Brush, Book, Bed approach: brush teeth, read a book and then go to bed at a regular time.
The 30-Minute Toddler Bedtime Routine
Try:
- 5–10 minutes: Bath or wash-up
- 5 minutes: Pajamas and brushing teeth
- 10 minutes: Books or quiet conversation
- 5 minutes: Cuddles, goodnight phrase and lights out
The routine does not need to be elaborate.
In fact, a simple routine that you can repeat every night is often easier for both parents and toddlers.
The NHS recommends starting a winding-down routine around 30 minutes before bedtime and keeping it consistent.
Toddler Nap Schedule: How Many Naps Does Your Toddler Need?
A toddler nap schedule changes considerably between 1 and 3 years.
12–18 Months
Many toddlers are transitioning from two naps to one.
Some may have:
- Morning nap
- Afternoon nap
Others may start taking one longer midday nap.
18–24 Months
Most toddlers are moving toward one daytime nap, often lasting one to three hours.
Healthier Together notes that by around 18 months, most toddlers have one daytime nap.
2–3 Years
Most children still take one nap, although the length can vary.
A midday nap can be helpful if your child becomes tired or irritable in the afternoon.
3+ Years
Some children still nap, but others are ready to replace the nap with quiet time.
If a daily nap makes bedtime very difficult, consider whether your child is naturally beginning to outgrow it.
Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Drop a Nap
Parents often wonder when should a toddler stop taking naps?
There is no universal age when every child should stop napping.
Instead, look for patterns such as:
- Regularly refusing the nap
- Taking a very long time to fall asleep at nap time
- Taking longer to fall asleep at bedtime
- Staying cheerful and energetic without the nap
- Sleeping longer or better at night when the nap is skipped
- Consistently staying awake throughout the usual nap period
However, skipping one or two naps does not necessarily mean your toddler is ready to stop napping.
You can experiment with a shorter nap or quiet time while watching nighttime sleep and daytime behavior.
Signs Your Toddler May Be Overtired
An overtired toddler does not always look sleepy.
Instead, you may notice:
- Irritability
- Frequent tantrums
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty settling
- Crying around bedtime
- More frequent night waking
- Early-morning waking
- Short or restless naps
Sometimes parents assume that keeping a toddler awake longer will make them sleep better at night. That does not always work.
If your toddler becomes increasingly difficult to settle after a late bedtime, try returning to an earlier, more predictable routine rather than continually pushing bedtime later.
Why Is My Toddler Fighting Bedtime?
Why is my toddler fighting bedtime? This is one of the most common toddler sleep questions.
Several factors can contribute, including:
Too-Late or Too-Long Nap
A late afternoon nap can reduce your child’s sleepiness at bedtime.
Inconsistent Bedtime
If bedtime changes significantly from night to night, your toddler may have difficulty knowing when the day is ending.
Too Much Stimulation
Rough play, exciting games or highly stimulating activities immediately before bed can make winding down harder.
Separation Anxiety
Some toddlers strongly resist bedtime because they do not want to separate from their parents.
Developmental Changes
New skills, language development, independence and changing emotions can temporarily affect sleep.
Travel or Changes in Routine
Holidays, visitors, daycare changes or moving rooms can disrupt an established sleep routine.
Testing Boundaries
Toddlers are learning independence. Asking for another story, drink, toy or hug can become a way of delaying bedtime.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a quiet bedtime routine, consistency and avoiding active play immediately before bed.
Toddler Waking Up at Night: What Parents Can Do
Night waking can be frustrating, especially when it happens repeatedly.
If your toddler is waking up at night, try keeping your response calm and predictable.
You can:
- Keep the room dark.
- Speak quietly.
- Avoid turning the interaction into playtime.
- Offer reassurance.
- Return your child to bed calmly.
- Avoid introducing exciting activities.
- Maintain the same general bedtime routine.
The NHS recommends keeping nighttime interactions as boring and unstimulating as possible and leaving the lights off when a child wakes.
A toddler waking occasionally during the night does not automatically indicate a sleep problem. The bigger concern is persistent disruption that affects the child’s daytime functioning or the family’s well-being.
Toddler Waking Too Early: How to Fix It
Why does my toddler wake up at 5 AM?
Early waking can have several possible causes.
Consider:
- Is bedtime too early or too late?
- Is the afternoon nap too long?
- Is the bedroom becoming bright too early?
- Is there environmental noise?
- Is your toddler hungry?
- Has early waking become a learned habit?
- Is your child’s overall sleep schedule inconsistent?
Before making major changes, track your child’s sleep for several days.
Look at:
Wake time → Nap time → Nap duration → Bedtime → Night waking → Morning waking
This can help identify patterns.
For example, if your toddler takes a long late-afternoon nap and consistently wakes very early the next morning, the nap timing may be worth discussing with your pediatrician or adjusting gradually.
Toddler Sleep Schedule and Screen Time
Screens can make it harder for children to wind down before sleep, particularly when the content is stimulating.
Try creating a screen-free bedtime routine.
Instead of television, tablets or phones, choose:
- Books
- Puzzles
- Coloring
- Quiet toys
- Bath time
- Singing
- Cuddling
- Simple conversations
The NHS advises avoiding phones, tablets and laptops during the 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
A predictable screen-free period can become an important part of your toddler’s sleep routine.
How to Fix an Irregular Toddler Sleep Schedule
If your child’s sleep schedule has gradually shifted, avoid trying to change everything in one night.
Instead:
1. Choose a Realistic Wake-Up Time
Start by establishing a consistent morning wake time.
2. Anchor the Morning Routine
Breakfast, sunlight, outdoor activity and regular daytime activities can help create structure.
3. Adjust the Nap
If the nap is too late or too long, gradually shift it earlier when appropriate.
4. Move Bedtime Gradually
If your toddler is used to sleeping very late, move bedtime earlier in small increments.
The NHS recommends gradually moving the bedtime routine earlier rather than making a large change overnight.
5. Keep the Bedtime Routine Consistent
Use the same sequence every night.
For example:
Bath → Pajamas → Brush → Book → Bed
6. Keep Weekends Reasonably Consistent
A large difference between weekday and weekend schedules can make returning to the normal routine harder.
7. Give the New Schedule Time
A toddler sleep schedule may take several days to settle.
Avoid changing the plan every night because of one difficult evening.
8. Make One Change at a Time
Changing bedtime, nap timing, room arrangement and bedtime habits simultaneously can make it difficult to understand what is helping.
Toddler Sleep Schedule for Daycare or Preschool
A daycare schedule can make sleep routines more complicated.
Your child may nap earlier or later than they do at home, or they may sleep longer at daycare.
Try to keep the following anchors reasonably consistent:
- Morning wake time
- Main nap window
- Dinner
- Bedtime routine
- Bedtime
If your toddler takes a long daycare nap and struggles to sleep at night, talk to the daycare provider about whether the nap can be adjusted if appropriate.
On days when your toddler misses a nap, an earlier bedtime may work better than trying to keep them awake until their normal bedtime.
The goal is not to create a completely identical weekday and weekend schedule. Instead, aim for enough consistency to give your child predictable sleep cues.
Toddler Sleep Schedule While Traveling
Travel can temporarily disrupt even a well-established toddler sleep schedule.
During travel:
- Keep familiar bedtime items nearby.
- Follow the usual bedtime routine as closely as practical.
- Bring a favorite book or comfort item.
- Maintain familiar sleep cues.
- Avoid expecting perfection during travel days.
- Gradually return to your normal schedule after reaching home.
If traveling across time zones, shift your child’s schedule gradually when practical rather than expecting an immediate adjustment.
For car or air travel, remember that a nap during transit may change the timing of bedtime. A flexible approach is often more realistic than trying to follow the exact home schedule.
The AAP also recommends creating sleep routines that can be used wherever you are, which can make travel easier for children.
When Should You Talk to a Pediatrician About Toddler Sleep?
Most toddler sleep challenges can be addressed with consistent routines and time, but some symptoms deserve professional attention.
Talk with your child’s pediatrician if your toddler has:
- Frequent or loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Labored or unusual breathing at night
- Persistent severe sleep problems
- Significant daytime sleepiness
- Major daytime behavior changes associated with poor sleep
- Ongoing difficulty getting enough sleep despite a consistent routine
- Other symptoms that concern you
Sleep problems can sometimes be related to medical or developmental conditions, so persistent concerns should not simply be dismissed as a “phase.”
A pediatrician can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate. The American Academy of Pediatrics also encourages parents to discuss sleep concerns with their child’s doctor.
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
Toddler Sleep Schedule FAQs
What time should a toddler go to bed?
There is no single bedtime that works for every toddler. A bedtime around 7:00–8:00 PM works well for many toddlers, but the best bedtime depends on the child’s wake time, nap schedule and total sleep needs.
How many hours should a 1-year-old sleep?
Children aged 1–2 years generally need 11–14 hours of total sleep in 24 hours, including naps.
How many hours should a 2-year-old sleep?
A 2-year-old generally needs 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including daytime sleep.
How much sleep does a 3-year-old need?
A 3-year-old generally needs 10–13 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps if the child still takes one.
Does a 2-year-old need a nap?
Many 2-year-olds still benefit from one daytime nap. However, the exact duration varies. If a nap consistently makes nighttime sleep difficult, you may need to adjust its timing or duration.
What time should a 2-year-old nap?
Many 2-year-olds do well with a midday nap, often beginning around 12:30–1:00 PM. The exact time should fit the child’s wake-up time and nighttime sleep.
When should a toddler stop napping?
There is no universal age. Many children gradually stop napping during the preschool years. Look for consistent signs that your child can comfortably stay awake during the day and sleep well at night without a nap.
Is 9 PM too late for a toddler?
For many toddlers, 9 PM may be later than ideal, particularly if they need to wake early. However, bedtime should be considered together with wake time, naps and total sleep. If your child sleeps well and gets enough total sleep, the schedule may still work for your family.
Why does my toddler fight bedtime?
Toddlers may fight bedtime because of inconsistent routines, late naps, overstimulation, separation anxiety, developmental changes or a desire for independence. A predictable and calming bedtime routine can help.
Why does my toddler wake up at night?
Night waking can happen for many reasons, including normal developmental changes, illness, discomfort, environmental factors, changes in routine or difficulty settling independently. Persistent or concerning night waking should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Why does my toddler wake up so early?
Early waking may be related to bedtime timing, naps, environmental light or noise, hunger, routine or individual sleep needs. Track your child’s schedule for several days before making major changes.
How do I reset my toddler’s sleep schedule?
Start with a consistent wake time, establish predictable nap timing, create a calming bedtime routine and move bedtime gradually when necessary. Avoid making large changes overnight.
Should toddlers sleep in complete darkness?
A dark, comfortable sleep environment can support sleep, but some toddlers may feel more comfortable with a dim nightlight. If you use one, keep it low and avoid bright or stimulating light.
Should toddlers have screen time before bed?
It is better to avoid screens close to bedtime. The NHS recommends keeping phones, tablets and other screens out of the 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
Toddler Sleep Schedule Printable: Quick Reference
Use this simple toddler sleep schedule by age as a starting point:
| Age | Total Sleep | Typical Nap Pattern | Example Bedtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–15 months | 11–14 hours | 1–2 naps | 7:00–7:30 PM |
| 15–18 months | 11–14 hours | Transitioning to 1 nap | 7:00–7:30 PM |
| 18–24 months | 11–14 hours | Usually 1 nap | 7:00–8:00 PM |
| 2 years | 11–14 hours | Usually 1 nap | 7:00–8:00 PM |
| 3 years | 10–13 hours | 0–1 nap | 7:00–8:00 PM |
Remember that these are sample schedules, not strict rules. Your toddler may naturally need more or less daytime sleep, and bedtime may vary depending on wake time and nap duration.
The most important goal is to create a predictable routine that gives your child enough sleep across the entire 24-hour period.
A consistent toddler sleep schedule, age-appropriate naps, a calming bedtime routine and a flexible approach can make sleep easier for the whole family. And when something stops working, you do not necessarily need to start over—small, gradual adjustments can often make a big difference.
Medical & Evidence Note: Sleep recommendations in this article are based primarily on guidance from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics/HealthyChildren.org and NHS sources. Individual sleep needs vary, and parents should consult their child’s pediatrician for persistent or concerning sleep problems.
