Sleep Schedule for 1 year 2 months old (14 months)

Around 14-18 months, many toddlers transition from two naps to one. Signs your 14-month-old might be ready include consistently fighting or refusing their second nap, taking a long time to fall asleep for the second nap, having very short second naps, or experiencing late bedtimes/early morning wakings even with two naps. To manage the transition, gradually push their first nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days. The goal is to consolidate both naps into one longer midday nap, typically starting between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM, lasting 2-3 hours. This will mean a longer awake window in the morning (around 5-6 hours). Be prepared for some overtiredness during the transition and adjust bedtime earlier by 30-60 minutes to compensate for the lost nap. Consistency is key.

Nap resistance at this age is common and can be frustrating. Common culprits include developmental leaps (like walking, talking, or new cognitive skills), teething discomfort, separation anxiety, or simply being ready to transition from two naps to one (if they haven't already). They might also be slightly undertired or overtired, making it harder to settle. To help, ensure a consistent pre-nap routine (e.g., diaper change, book, cuddle, dark room), which signals it's sleep time. Observe their sleepy cues (yawning, eye rubbing) and try to put them down within their optimal wake window (typically 3-4 hours if on two naps, or 5-6 hours before a single nap). Ensure the sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Offer comfort and reassurance, especially if separation anxiety is a factor, but stick to your routine.

While some short naps can be normal, especially if they are well-rested overall, consistently short naps (under an hour) often mean they aren't getting restorative sleep. This can lead to overtiredness later. Common reasons for short naps include being put down undertired (they wake up quickly because they weren't tired enough to consolidate sleep) or overtired (adrenalin makes it hard to stay asleep). Check your child's wake windows; aim for the 'just right' amount of awake time. Ensure the sleep environment is pitch black, quiet (consider white noise), and cool. For a 14-month-old, if they are on one nap, it is important that this nap is a good length (at least 1.5-2 hours) to avoid overtiredness. If they wake early, try going in quickly to resettle them back to sleep before they are fully awake.

A typical 14-month-old needs about 11-14 hours of total sleep, with 1.5-3 hours coming from naps. * **If still on two naps (less common at this age, but possible):** * Morning Nap: Around 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (approx. 1 hour). Awake window before nap: 3-3.5 hours. * Afternoon Nap: Around 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (approx. 1 hour). Awake window before nap: 3-3.5 hours. * Awake window before bedtime: 3.5-4 hours. * **If on one nap (most common at this age):** * Single Midday Nap: Around 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM (approx. 2-3 hours). Awake window before nap: 5-6 hours. * Awake window before bedtime: 4-5 hours. The most crucial aspect is consistency. Stick to similar nap times daily, and adjust bedtime earlier on days with short or skipped naps to prevent overtiredness.

Difficulty falling asleep for naps often points to an imbalance in their schedule or environmental factors. * **Wake Windows:** The most common culprit is being either undertired (put down too early) or overtired (put down too late). Find their 'sweet spot' awake window for their age and individual needs. * **Environment:** Ensure the room is completely dark (blackout curtains are essential), quiet (white noise can block out distractions), and a comfortable temperature. * **Pre-Nap Routine:** Is your routine calming enough? Avoid stimulating activities right before nap time. A brief, consistent routine (e.g., diaper change, story, lullaby) helps signal sleep. * **Developmental Leaps/Teething/Illness:** New skills can be exciting and distracting, while discomfort from teething or illness can make settling difficult. Offer extra comfort and patience during these times. * **Separation Anxiety:** Your toddler might resist separating from you. Acknowledge their feelings, offer reassurance, and then stick to your routine. Adjusting awake times and ensuring a calm, consistent pre-nap routine in an ideal sleep environment are usually the most effective first steps.