Toddler sleep schedule chart: How much sleep should your toddler get?

One of the keys to having a happy baby is ensuring they get complete, consistent, and restful sleep. Establishing a regular sleep schedule chart for your toddler is essential.

A well-planned bedtime routine, paired with a consistent sleep and feeding schedule, helps your baby sleep through the night and develop healthy daily habits.

If a baby’s bedtime is too late, they may become overtired, while an early bedtime might lead to early waking and short naps.

So, how can you ensure your toddler gets the right amount of sleep? The best bedtime for each age group depends on their developmental stage and individual sleep needs. Let’s explore the ideal sleep schedule for your toddler.

Toddler sleep schedule chart: How much sleep should toddlers generally need?

Photo by Laura Garcia

Toddlers should sleep between 11 and 14 hours each day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 

Your child can get all those hours with a combination of two 1-2 hour naps during the day (or one longer afternoon nap as she gets closer to age 2) and a full 10 to 11 1/2 hours at night. 

Many kids transition from two naps to one between 12 and 18 months, while others wait until they are two.

What time should you put your baby to bed?

When babies are put to bed around 7:30 or 8 p.m., they often sleep better. Going to bed earlier than usual gives your child the opportunity to get the rest she needs.

Additionally, studies demonstrate that young children who go to bed before 9 p.m. are likely to experience fewer overnight awakenings and better sleep.

Should I train my baby in a toddler sleep schedule chart?

Babies’ needs change as they grow older – the same is true with the amount of sleep and the toddler sleep schedule chart they need. 

Maintaining a schedule will help prevent your significant other from becoming overtired at bedtime by ensuring they get the appropriate amount of sleep. This might lower your risk of experiencing sleep issues or complaints and aid in preventing those dreaded early-morning wake-ups.

Toddler sleep schedule chart: How much sleep baby needs based on their age? 

Photo by Laura Garcia

According to Baby Sleep Site, here’s what 13 months old sleep 18 months old sleep, or whatever age your baby needs.

• Newborn 

  • Total Sleep: 15-18 hours

At this age, babies don’t require a specific bedtime because they need to eat frequently and wake up at all hours to nurse. Pay close attention to your baby’s sleep cues and put them to bed as soon as they show tiredness.

• 1-4 months

1. • Total Sleep: 14-15 hours

Use the later bedtime for younger babies. You can gradually start using the earlier bedtime as your baby begins to sleep through the night for longer stretches by 3 or 4 months.

• 4-8 months toddler sleep schedule chart

1. • Total Sleep: 14-15 hours

Most infants are prepared for a schedule by the time they are 6 months old. During this time, naps are commonplace (4 naps at first, and then gradually moves to 3 naps). Use the early bedtime as you transition from four naps to three to avoid being overtired.

• 8-10 months toddler sleep schedule chart

1. • Total Sleep: 12-15 hours

The majority of neonates take two naps at this age. The sleep regression that began at 8/9/10 months is currently at its height! Use the earlier bedtimes if the regression makes your baby nap less or wake up more at night, which causes overtiredness.

• 10-15 months old toddler sleep schedule chart

1. • Total Sleep: 12-14 hours

Keep the two naps if feasible for 10-13 months old sleep, 14 months old sleep, and 15 months old sleep. 

Most newborns aren’t ready to go from two naps to one until they are between 15 and 18 months old sleep. If your baby has the 12-month nap regression, use the earlier bedtime to make up for lost nap time.

• 15 months old sleep – 3 years old toddler sleep schedule chart

1. • Total Sleep: 12-14 hours

For 15 months old, 16 months old sleep, 17 months old sleep, 18 months old sleep schedule, 19 months old sleep and up. Your child will have adjusted to only needing one afternoon nap by the time they are 18 months old sleep.

The sleep should last two to five hours. Use the earlier bedtime during the transition from two naps to one and during the 18-month and two-year sleep regressions to make up for any lost sleep. Your child should go to bed at the earliest opportunity by the time they are two; younger toddlers should do so around 6:00.

• 3-5 years old toddler sleep schedule chart

1. • Total Sleep: 11-13 hours

Most children stop their afternoon naps at this point. Instead of napping, spend the afternoon relaxing. Try to set the bedtime for kids who are no longer taking naps to get about 12 hours of sleep at night. Use the later bedtime for children who are still getting used to bed later.

Toddle sleep schedule chart: Do baby need to take naps?

Babies frequently take naps and spend a large portion of the day sleeping. Although children’s average nap time decreases as they get older, it’s typical for infants to continue to sleep for at least 2-3 hours each day. Babies frequently take a 3–4 hour nap during the day.

Not only is this napping permissible, but it’s also beneficial. According to a study, having regular naps helps infants cement specific memories. Naps also encourage a more comprehensive memory, which is important for learning and brain growth.

According to Baby Sleep Site, here’s the prescribed toddler sleep schedule chart for baby naps:

Read more about the nap schedules for babies here.

Tips for a successful toddler sleep 

Photo by Lisa Fotios

• Observe a schedule. 

If your child wakes up, naps, and goes to bed at the same time every day, it is more likely that she will be tired when you tuck her in.

• Make the necessary adjustments to your baby’s schedule. 

If your toddler often acts like she’s not tired during naps or at night, or if she starts waking up earlier than normal, it may be time to adjust her nap schedule or put her to bed a bit later.

• Create a comfortable sleep environment

Ensure your toddler’s bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine to block out disturbances.

• Let your toddler play

If they insist that they are not tired, advise them to sing or play quietly with a few stuffed animals until they fall asleep. Your child may find it simpler to go to sleep at night if they believe they have won thanks to the “permission to play” card.

• Establish a routine to support your 16 months old sleep or your baby at any age.

The same is true of the things you do to unwind before going to sleep and napping, as well as how you react to requests for another story, a glass of water, or to get out of bed. If your child is aware of what to expect (and what won’t work), she will be more inclined to adhere to the plan.

• Keep your baby active during day time.

By engaging in a lot of physical activity and being exposed to the fresh air outside, your youngster will become exhausted.

• Limit screen time.

The AAP suggests staying away from screens at least two hours before bedtime and forbidding the use of screen-based technology in your child’s bedroom.

• Check your baby’s sleeping habits. 

If you’ve made various adjustments but your toddler is still rejecting or frequently waking up at night, a more severe sleep training program may be helpful.

• Watch Their Diet

Avoid giving your toddler caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks close to bedtime. Instead, offer a light, healthy snack if they’re hungry.

• Teach Self-Soothing

Encourage your toddler to fall asleep on their own by placing them in their crib or bed when they’re drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep if they wake up during the night.

• Limit Naps

While naps are important, ensure they don’t interfere with nighttime sleep. Avoid late-afternoon naps, and try to keep nap times consistent.

• Be Mindful of Separation Anxiety

If your toddler experiences separation anxiety, provide comfort without creating a dependency. Use a transitional object, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel secure.

• Be Patient and Consistent

Implementing a new sleep routine can take time. Be patient and stay consistent with your approach. It might take a few weeks for your toddler to adjust fully, but persistence will pay off.

These tips can help create a positive sleep environment and establish healthy sleep habits for your toddler, leading to better sleep for the whole family.

Toddler sleep schedule chart: What should you do if your baby doesn’t sleep well at night?

Parents who are concerned about their child’s sleep should speak with a pediatrician first. If you keep a sleep diary to track your child’s sleeping patterns, the doctor may be able to determine whether your baby’s sleep has a regular pattern or may suggest a potential sleeping problem.

It may be useful to enhance sleep hygiene by creating a regular sleep schedule and routine. You can also follow a toddler sleep schedule chart like the one above. Lastly, ensure a calm and quiet environment for sleeping.