Sleep Schedule for 1 year 11 months

It's very common for toddlers around this age to start resisting naps. This can be a sign of them transitioning to a single nap. Look for cues like shorter nap durations, difficulty falling asleep for naps, or waking up earlier than usual from naps. While some still need two naps, many are ready to drop to one. It's important to continue offering a nap, even if it's shorter, as sleep deprivation can actually make bedtime harder and lead to more overtiredness.

At 1 year and 11 months old, many children are transitioning from two naps to one. However, every child is different. Some may still comfortably manage two naps (often a longer morning nap and a shorter afternoon nap), while others are showing signs of being ready to drop to a single, longer afternoon nap. Pay attention to your child's individual cues, such as whether they're having trouble settling for their second nap, waking up too early from it, or seeming to have plenty of energy in the late afternoon/early evening.

If your 1 year 11 month old is still taking two naps, the morning nap might be around 1-1.5 hours, and the afternoon nap could be 45-60 minutes. If they've transitioned to one nap, this single nap should ideally be 1.5 to 2.5 hours long. Consistent nap timing is more important than the exact duration. A nap that is too short can lead to overtiredness, while a nap that is too long might interfere with bedtime.

Early waking from naps can be frustrating. Ensure the nap environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Rule out any discomfort like hunger or needing a diaper change. Sometimes, it's a developmental phase related to transitioning to one nap or testing boundaries. Try to keep them in their crib for a set amount of time even if they wake early, and then try to resettle them. If they consistently wake early and seem refreshed, it might be a sign they are ready to drop a nap altogether.

If your 1 year 11 month old is moving to one nap, a common schedule involves waking around 7:00 AM, having their single nap between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and then having bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The key is to have the nap fall roughly in the middle of their awake time. Watch your child for sleepy cues (rubbing eyes, yawning, decreased activity) to help determine the optimal nap start time. Consistency with the nap window is crucial during this transition.