Sleep Schedule for 1 year 10 months old

Yes, many children transition from two naps to one nap between 15 and 18 months, but it's not uncommon for some to still be on two or starting to struggle with the second nap around 22 months. If your child is consistently fighting the second nap, taking a very long time to fall asleep, or if it's significantly impacting their nighttime sleep (e.g., later bedtime or night wakings), they are likely ready. The transition involves gradually shifting to one longer midday nap, typically starting between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM, and extending their morning wake window.

A 22-month-old on a single nap typically needs between 1.5 to 3 hours of daytime sleep. If their nap is consistently less than an hour, it might be due to overtiredness (leading to a 'second wind'), undertiredness (not enough sleep pressure built up), or a developmental leap. Ensure their wake window before the nap is appropriate (usually 5 to 6 hours for their age). Create a consistent pre-nap routine, ensure the sleep environment is dark and quiet, and consider if they are too stimulated before naptime. Sometimes, short naps are a phase related to development, but addressing wake windows and environment can often help lengthen them.

Nap resistance at this age is common and can stem from several factors. It might be due to developmental leaps (e.g., language explosion, increased mobility) where their brain is too busy to settle, or a phase of testing boundaries. Overtiredness (missing their sleep window) or undertiredness (not enough sleep pressure built up due to too short a wake window) are also frequent culprits. Ensure their wake window before the nap is adequate (around 5-6 hours). Stick to a consistent, calming pre-nap routine, offer a quiet, dark sleep environment, and be firm but patient. Avoid giving up too quickly, as consistency is key.

For a 22-month-old on a single nap, the optimal nap time is typically mid-day, usually starting between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. This allows for a good morning wake window (around 5-6 hours) and ensures they aren't going to bed overtired. The nap's timing and length directly impact bedtime. You'll want to ensure there's an adequate wake window between the end of the nap and bedtime, usually 4 to 5 hours, sometimes up to 5.5 hours for high-sleep-needs children. If the nap ends too late, it can push bedtime back; if it ends too early and is too short, your child might become overtired before bedtime, leading to struggles falling asleep or night wakings.

Balancing daytime naps and nighttime sleep is crucial. If your 22-month-old is struggling to fall asleep at night or waking early, their nap might be too long, too late, or both. Too much daytime sleep can reduce sleep pressure needed for a solid night's rest. Consider capping the nap at 2.5 to 3 hours to ensure sufficient sleep drive for bedtime. Also, ensure there's at least a 4-5 hour wake window between the end of the nap and bedtime. If they're waking early from the nap and seem overtired by bedtime, consider moving the nap start time slightly earlier. Experiment with small adjustments to nap length and timing to find the sweet spot that promotes both quality daytime and nighttime sleep for your child.