At 18 months, your little one is stepping into the toddler world. This phase is full of adventure and play. But, it also has some challenges with sleep. Your child might start showing more independence and getting anxious when you’re not around. This can make the 18 month sleep schedule tougher to manage.
In our guide, we cover all you need to know for a healthy sleep routine. You’ll learn about nap times, bedtime habits, and how to train them gently to sleep better. If your toddler is skipping naps, waking up a lot at night, or finds it hard to rest, we have tools and tips for you. Our aim is to help your 18 month old get the sleep they deserve.
Key Takeaways
- 18 month olds need 12-14 hours of total sleep per day, with 10-12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day.
- Transitioning to a single, 2-3 hour nap around 11 AM is typical for this age.
- The ideal bedtime for an 18 month old is between 7-8 PM to establish healthy sleep patterns.
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for helping your toddler wind down and prepare for sleep.
- The 18 month sleep regression is normal and can be managed through patience and consistency.
Understanding the Sleep Needs of 18 Month Olds
Your 18-month-old is starting to need less sleep at night but more during the day. They still need about 13 to 14 hours of sleep daily. Most of this sleep should be at night. They should also take a 2 to 3-hour nap during the day.
Sleep is very important for your child’s health and growth. It helps with their learning, memory, and how they act.
Total Sleep Requirements
Every child is different. So, some may need more sleep or less sleep than others. Paying attention to your toddler’s energy and mood can tell you if they are getting enough rest.
Daylight vs. Nighttime Sleep
Children this age should sleep at least 11 hours at night and have a 2 to 3-hour nap. A common schedule for naps is one during the day. It should last 2 to 3 hours. It’s important to balance nighttime and daytime sleep for your toddler’s health.
18 Month Old Sleep Schedule
At 18 months, toddlers usually wake up around 6:00 AM. They take a long nap from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Then, bedtime is set between 6:00-8:00 PM. This way, they get 5-6 hours of play before the nap. They also enjoy 4-5 hours of fun before going to bed at night. Remember, every kid is different. Your child’s sleep routine might change a bit. They might like going to bed earlier or later. Or they might need a nap that’s shorter or longer. So, it’s okay to adjust to what works best for them.
Sample Schedules
Here’s a common sleep schedule for an 18 month old:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up |
| 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Nap (2-3 hours) |
| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Bedtime |
Adjusting for Individual Differences
Every child is unique, so this schedule is just a starting point. Your 18 month old might do best with a different bedtime or nap. It’s vital to be flexible. Adjust the schedule to meet their personal sleep needs. This ensures your child gets the right amount of sleep. Plus, it helps keep their days and nights strong and healthy.
Napping Strategies for 18 Month Olds
Nap Duration and Timing
At 18 months, most kids only need one nap a day. This nap usually lasts 2-3 hours. Try to have this nap start about 5 hours after your child wakes up in the morning. Doing this each day can make naps better and help your child sleep well at night too.
Creating a Conducive Environment for Napping
Make a peaceful place for your 18 month old to nap. Use blackout curtains to keep light out. Play soft white noise to drown out other sounds. Also, make sure the room isn’t too warm, aiming for temperatures between 68-72°F. If your child doesn’t nap well, check if hunger, too much activity, or the room’s temperature is bothering them.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Having a 18 month old bedtime routine is very important. It helps your little one know it’s time to sleep. The hour before bed should be quiet and easy. Try things like taking a bath, reading, or cuddling. Try to stay away from games and screens. They can stop the body from making sleep hormones.
Benefits of a Consistent Routine
Doing the same things in order every night helps your 18 month old know what to expect. This repeating the same steps helps them sleep better and wake up less at night.
Components of an Effective Bedtime Routine
Experts say there are key things to do in a calming pre-bed activities routine. For 18 month olds, this may include brushing teeth, reading, or singing. They should also have time to cuddle. It’s best to stay away from screens before bed. Screens give off light that stops the body from making sleep hormones.
Creating a steady, calming bedtime plan helps your 18 month old sleep deeply all night. Be ready to change things to fit what works best for your child. Their needs and likes should be part of your routine.
Dealing with the 18 Month Sleep Regression
Your 18 month old might start to not sleep well. This could show as trouble taking naps, waking up a lot at night, or difficulty falling asleep on their own. Don’t worry. This is normal. It is called the 18-month sleep regression. It happens because your child is growing.
This change is often due to wanting more independence, teething pain, and fear of being away from you.
Understanding the Causes
The 18-month sleep regression is usual for kids between 16 and 20 months old. At this stage, kids start to worry more when they are not with you. This can make it hard for them to sleep. Also, their growing minds and bodies can mess up their sleeping.
Strategies for Managing the Regression
Handling the 18-month sleep regression can be tough, but sticking to bedtime routines can help. Try not to adopt short-term sleep tricks. These can make things worse. Remember, a consistent sleep schedule and a cozy sleep place are important.
This stage usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Being patient and keeping to good sleep practices will help. Soon, your child’s sleep will improve.
Transitioning to One Nap
Around 18 months, most toddlers are ready to transition from two naps to one. This change usually happens between 13-18 months, but some kids keep two naps a little longer. Look for signs your 18 month old is ready. These signs could be not wanting the second nap or having trouble at bedtime.
When transitioning 18 month old to one nap, try for a single midday nap of 2-3 hours. Be ready to change bedtime to make sure your toddler sleeps enough. It might take a few weeks to get this down. Managing the nap transition needs patience and an eye for what’s best for your child.
| Typical Age for Transitioning from 2 to 1 Nap | Desired Wake Windows During Transition | Timing of Single Nap |
|---|---|---|
| 13-18 months | 4-6 hours | 5-6 hours after waking in the morning |
Every child is different, so you might need to change the plan. This is to make sure your 18 month old gets enough rest during this big change.
18 month old sleep schedule
A sample schedule for an 18-month-old might look like this. They wake at 6 AM. Then, they take a 2-3 hour nap from 11 AM to 1 PM. Bedtime is between 6:30-7:30 PM. But, each child is different. They may need changes to their sleep schedule.
Some toddlers might nap and go to bed earlier or later than this. They could need more or less sleep during the day. It’s all about what suits your child best. Being flexible is key.
Sleep Training Tips for 18 Month Olds
As your 18 month old grows, they might need help with sleep training. This can teach them to sleep on their own. Using gentle methods like the chair technique or sleep fading is good now. You get to be close and help them feel safe as they learn to sleep by themselves.
Gentle Sleep Training Methods
For 18 month olds, gentle sleep training techniques are key. The chair method means you sit by your child’s bed as they sleep. You slowly move away. Sleep fading teaches them to fall asleep alone. You leave the room for longer periods before they sleep.
Creating a Positive Sleep Association
Positive sleep associations are important for your 18 month old. This means making connections between sleep and things like a special stuffed animal or calming music. Having a regular bedtime routine also helps. These steps make your child feel safe and happy as they learn to sleep on their own.
It’s important to stay patient and keep at it. Your child is learning a new skill. With your help and time, they will develop good sleep habits. These habits will be good for them now and in the future.
Addressing Common Sleep Issues
Even with a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine, 18 month olds may still have sleep troubles. Issues such as waking in the night or putting up a fight at bedtime are common. These happen because they might be hungry, uncomfortable, or just want more of your attention. Make sure to meet your toddler’s needs before sleep. You can also think about using sleep training methods to teach them how to comfort themselves.
Night Wakings
Night wakings are often seen with 18 month olds and can be a challenge for parents. Your little one might wake up because they’re hungry, not comfy, or need you. Make sure to take care of their needs before bedtime. This might mean giving them a healthy snack or ensuring the room is the right temperature. Tactics like the chair technique or sleep fading can encourage them to soothe themselves back to sleep.
Bedtime Battles
Heading to bed can also be tough for 18 month olds. They may not be ready to settle down and might try to stretch bedtime out. To tackle this issue, stick to a steady and soothing bedtime routine. Cut down on exciting activities an hour before sleep. Try not to give in to asking for more stories or playtime, as it might make things harder. Stay calm but firm, offering comfort when necessary as they drift off to sleep.
