18 month old sleep schedule
One nap in the middle of the day is standard. Around 18 months, growing independence, language and separation anxiety commonly bring bedtime resistance (the "18 month regression").
- Naps
- 1
- Wake window
- 4.5–6 h
- Total sleep / 24 h
- 11–14 h (incl. naps)
- Night
- 11–12 h in bed
- Daytime sleep
- 1.5–2.5 h
- Bedtime
- 7–8pm
Adjust this 18 month old schedule
Your day at a glance
- 7:00amWake up for the day
- 12:00pm–2:00pmNap 1 · 2 h
- 7:30pmBedtime · start routine 7:00pm
A flexible guide built from typical ranges. Watch your baby's sleepy cues and shift by 15–30 minutes as needed. Every sleep: on the back, in a clear, flat crib (AAP).
Sample 18 month old schedule
1-nap day, 7am wake-up
| 7:00am | Wake up for the day |
| 12:00pm–2:00pm | Nap 1 (2 h) |
| 7:30pm | Bedtime |
Wake windows: 5 h, 5 h 30 min.
What helps at this age
- Offer limited choices at bedtime (this pajama or that one) to give a sense of control.
- Keep the routine the same order every night.
- Toddlers still need a crib; most climb out later. Lower the mattress as they grow.
See the 18 month sleep regression guide.
These are typical ranges. If your baby seems unusually sleepy, is hard to wake, snores loudly, pauses in breathing, or isn't feeding or growing well, talk to your pediatrician.
18 month old sleep questions
How many naps should a 18 month old take?
Typically 1 naps a day, adding up to about 1.5–2.5 h of daytime sleep.
What is the wake window for a 18 month old?
Usually 4.5–6 h. The first wake window of the day tends to be the shortest and the stretch before bedtime the longest.
How much sleep does a 18 month old need?
About 11–14 h (incl. naps) in 24 hours, with 11–12 h in bed. This matches the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendation endorsed by the AAP.
What time should a 18 month old go to bed?
7–8pm. Pick a bedtime that falls one full wake window after the end of the last nap.