Sleep Schedule for 1 year 10 months (22 months)

It's very common for toddlers around this age to start resisting naps. This can be due to a few reasons, including developmental leaps, increased mobility and independence, and simply not being tired enough. To address this, try to maintain a consistent nap routine, even if it's shorter. Ensure the room is dark and quiet, and avoid overly stimulating activities right before naptime. You might also consider if they are getting enough physical activity during the day and if their bedtime is appropriate. If resistance persists for more than a week or two, you might consider a slightly later bedtime and a single, consistent nap, but consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Most 1 year and 10 month olds are transitioning to a single nap per day. This nap typically lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Some toddlers may still manage two shorter naps, but a single consolidated nap is more common at this stage. The key is to observe your child's cues. If they are consistently waking up too early from a nap or struggling to fall asleep at night, their nap schedule might need adjustment.

A 30-minute nap can indicate a 'nap regression' or that they are not falling into a deep enough sleep. Common causes include being overtired (leading to fragmented sleep), being undertired (not quite ready to sleep), or external disruptions like noise or light. Try to ensure the sleep environment is optimal: dark, quiet, and cool. Also, review their daytime activity and ensure they are getting enough physical exertion. If this is a new pattern, it may resolve on its own, but consistency with a nap routine is crucial.

For most toddlers at this age, the ideal time for a single nap is roughly 5-6 hours after they wake up in the morning. This often falls between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. However, this is a guideline, and the most important factor is to watch your child's sleepy cues. If they are consistently showing signs of tiredness around the same time each day, aim to start the nap routine then. A consistent nap time helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle.

Skipping an afternoon nap occasionally is not necessarily a cause for alarm at this age, especially if they are still managing to get enough sleep overall and aren't excessively cranky. This can be a sign that they are transitioning to one nap a day. However, it's generally recommended to still offer a nap, even if it's shorter. Maintaining the nap routine helps solidify the body's sleep rhythm. If they consistently skip naps and seem overtired, it might be time to adjust their bedtime earlier. If skipping naps becomes the norm and is impacting their mood and behavior, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.