Look out world! Your little 15 month old is going through a lot – growing in body, mind, and heart. With these big changes, you might notice shifts in their sleeping habits. This guide will answer your top queries on your 15 month old’s sleep. We’ll talk about nap routines, moving to just one nap, any sleep problems, and more!
Key Takeaways
- The recommended total sleep for a 15-month-old in a 24-hour period is 12-15 hours.
- The aim for daily naps is 2-3 hours for 15-month-olds.
- If your toddler naps twice, the time between naps is 3-4 hours. If they nap once, it could be 4-6 hours.
- At 15 months, some toddlers switch between one long nap and two shorter naps.
- The best bedtime for a 15-month-old is 7:00-8:00 pm.
Understanding 15 Month Old Sleep Needs
By 15 months, your little one’s sleep might change. It’s key to know how their sleep times change. This ensures they sleep well for good growth.
Total Sleep Requirements
Your 15-month-old needs 12-15 hours of sleep in a day. They should sleep most of it at night. Then, take a shorter nap in the day.
Daytime Sleep Duration
A 15-month-old should nap for 2-3 hours a day. They might need one or two naps. It depends on their schedule and needs.
Nighttime Sleep Duration
For a good night’s sleep, bedtime should be between 7:00-8:00 pm. This helps kids sleep through the night. A routine makes bedtime smoother.
Wake Windows for 15 Month Olds
Your 15 month old is growing fast. This shows in their sleep and wake up times. We need to know the right time for naps so they can sleep well.
Wake Window Lengths for Two-Nap Schedule
If your baby is napping twice a day, their awake time is 3-4 hours between naps. They might get sleepy after 3-4 hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- Wake up around 6:30 AM
- Nap 1 from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Nap 2 from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Bedtime around 7:30 PM
Wake Window Lengths for One-Nap Schedule
If your little one is moving to one nap, they might stay awake 4-6 hours. This is longer than with two naps. Here’s a sample schedule for a 15 month old:
- Wake up around 6:30 AM
- Nap from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Bedtime around 7:30 PM
Remember, every child is unique. You might have to try a few things to see what works best. Watch for signs that they’re getting tired, like rubbing their eyes or yawning.
Nap Transitions: From Two Naps to One
Thinking about moving your 15 month old from two naps to one? It’s a big step! To be ready, your kid must stay up 5-6 hours in the morning. Some handle this well, but others find it hard to stay awake.
Signs of Readiness for One Nap
Wondering if your child is ready for one nap? If naptime takes longer than 20 minutes to start or if they skip the second nap, it might be time. Also, if their nap is under 1.25 hours or they wake up too early, they might be ready. These signs usually show for kids over 13 months. For younger ones, watching for a few weeks lets you know if they’re ready.
Navigating the Nap Transition
This switch can take 2-4 weeks. It might get rough, but stay strong! It’s best to move from two naps to one slowly over a few days. Try shifting the nap times little by little and add a short nap in the afternoon. It could take as long as 8 weeks for your child to fully adapt and start napping longer.
For more tips on handling this change, check out my Conquering Naps class. It gives step-by-step advice to make your little one a great napper.
15 Month Old Sleep Schedule
Sample Two-Nap Schedule
At 15 months, some kids still take two naps. Their day might go like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 8:30 – 10:00 AM | First Nap |
| 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Awake Time |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Second Nap |
| 1:00 – 3:00 PM | Awake Time |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime |
Sample One-Nap Schedule
For kids moving to one nap, the day changes. It might look like this:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Nap |
| 2:00 – 7:00 PM | Awake Time |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime |
Ideal Bedtime for 15 Month Olds
I recommend a bedtime between 7:00-8:00 pm for 15 month olds. This is a good time for them to sleep. It helps babies sleep better at night and wake up less. It’s important to have a bedtime routine every night.
Recommended Bedtime Range
Most 15 month olds should go to bed between 7:00-8:00 pm. They need about 11-12 hours of sleep at night. This helps them not be too tired when it’s time to sleep.
Adjusting Bedtime for Daytime Sleep Variations
Sometime, you might need to put your baby to bed before 7:00 pm. This is okay if their naps have been shorter. Or if they stayed up longer during the day and seem very tired.
- Your 15 month old had a shorter than usual nap
- They’ve been awake for an unusually long stretch during the day
- You notice signs of overtiredness like fussiness or difficulty settling
Changing bedtime a little can prevent your toddler from getting too tired. This stops them from waking up a lot during the night or finding it hard to fall asleep.
15 Month Old Milestones and Activities
As your little one hits 15 months, you’ll see a lot of new things happening. There are plenty of milestones to watch for. Plus, fun activities are waiting for your child. Let’s look into what’s coming up for your 15-month-old.
Developmental Milestones
Around this time, your child might start walking and saying words. They could even talk and use gestures together. Most children start with one word, but some might know up to 10 words. Also, about half can walk pretty well by now.
Engaging Activities for 15 Month Olds
For helping your 15-month-old grow, mix in some fun and interesting activities. Use toys that match their age, like blocks and simple shape sorters. Games such as peek-a-boo and basic puzzles are good for their brains and people skills. Don’t forget about outdoor play too. It’s great for their physical development and curiosity.
By focusing on both milestones and play, your toddler will learn a lot and have a blast doing it. This is a special time. Enjoy as you see your child learn and change every day!
