🛌 Sleep: 13–24 Months

🌙 Overview

Toddlers between 13 and 24 months typically sleep through the night and take one or two naps per day. While sleep patterns become more predictable, this stage also introduces new sleep challenges — like bedtime resistance, night wakings, and fears of separation.

Sleep during the toddler years is about routine, reassurance, and consistency.

âś… What to Expect

  • Total sleep: 11–14 hours/day
  • Night sleep: 10–12 hours
  • Naps: Usually 1–2 naps, transitioning to 1 nap around 15–18 months
  • Bedtime becomes more socially influenced — toddlers may delay sleep

🧠 Common Sleep Disruptors

  • Separation anxiety
  • Fear of the dark or imaginary fears
  • Teething molars
  • Overtiredness from missed or short naps
  • Major transitions (moving to a new home, weaning, new sibling)

🧩 Tips for Parents

  • Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends
  • Create a relaxing wind-down routine (bath, story, snuggle, bed)
  • Use a comfort item (blanket, stuffed animal) to ease separation
  • Avoid screen time at least 1 hour before bed
  • Offer choices (“blue pajamas or red?”) to reduce bedtime power struggles

🛏️ Sleep Environment Tips

  • Use blackout curtains and white noise to block out distractions
  • Consider a toddler clock or night light with soft glow
  • Keep toys out of the crib/bed unless they’re for comfort
  • Crib-to-bed transitions typically happen after age 2 — don’t rush unless necessary

⚠️ When to Call Your Pediatrician

  • Frequent night terrors or screaming in sleep
  • Snores loudly or has trouble breathing at night
  • Difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently for more than 3 weeks
  • Unusual sleep positions that seem uncomfortable or alarming

đź“š Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. “Toddler Sleep: What to Expect”
  2. CDC. “Toddler Sleep Needs and Challenges” – cdc.gov
  3. Sleep Foundation. “Toddler Sleep Guidelines (1–2 Years)”