Sleep Schedule for 1 year 1 month old

At 13 months, many babies are in the process of transitioning from two naps to a single, longer midday nap. Some might still be thriving on two shorter naps, especially if they are early risers or have shorter wake windows. If your baby is on one nap, a typical schedule might involve waking around 6:30-7:00 AM, a single nap around 12:30-1:30 PM for 1.5-3 hours, and bedtime between 6:30-7:30 PM. If still on two naps, they might have a morning nap (e.g., 9:30-10:30 AM) and an afternoon nap (e.g., 2:00-3:00 PM), with earlier bedtimes.

Yes, this is a very common sign of readiness for the 2-to-1 nap transition! Other signs include: the second nap becoming very late, pushing bedtime too late; consistently shorter second naps; or waking up happy from two naps but then resisting bedtime. If you see these signs, it's likely time to transition. Start by gradually stretching the morning wake window to push the single nap later, aiming for a nap around 12:00-1:00 PM. It might take a few weeks for your baby to fully adjust.

For a 13-month-old on a single nap, the typical wake window before the nap is usually 5-6 hours. This means if they wake at 7:00 AM, their nap might start between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. The wake window after the nap usually ranges from 4-5 hours before bedtime. Aim for the single nap to be around 1.5-3 hours long. Consistency is key, so try to offer the nap at roughly the same time each day, ideally around midday (e.g., 12:30-1:30 PM).

Short naps or early waking can be frustrating! Common culprits at this age include: developmental leaps (like learning to walk or talk, which can be distracting), teething discomfort, mild illness, needing to drop a nap (if they are still on two and fighting them), or being slightly overtired or undertired for their single nap. Try adjusting their wake window by 15-30 minutes if they're overtired (nap earlier) or undertired (nap later). Ensure a consistent nap environment: dark room, white noise, and a consistent pre-nap routine.

Consistency is paramount. Establish a predictable pre-nap routine (e.g., diaper change, story, lullaby, into bed) that signals sleep is coming. Ensure the nap environment is conducive to sleep: dark room (blackout blinds are great), cool temperature, and consistent white noise. Offer the nap at a consistent time each day, aligning with their wake windows and tiredness cues. Give them a chance to self-settle, but don't force it if they are truly resisting. Sometimes, a short car ride or stroller nap might be needed on tough days, but prioritize a crib nap when possible.