Sleep Schedule for 1 year 7 month old (19 months)

Yes, for many 19-month-olds, this is a prime age for transitioning from two naps to a single midday nap. Most children make this switch between 15 and 18 months. Signs they're ready include consistently refusing the second nap, taking very short naps, or having trouble falling asleep at bedtime or waking early, even if they've had two naps. To transition, gradually push their morning nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days until it lands around 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. On days they seem particularly tired, you can offer a slightly earlier nap, but aim for consistency.

Nap refusal at this age is common and can stem from a few factors. It could be due to developmental milestones (like increased mobility, language bursts, or separation anxiety) making them not want to miss out. It might also be undertiredness (if they've completed the two-to-one nap transition and now their single nap needs to be later) or overtiredness (missing the optimal sleep window). Ensure their wake window before the nap isn't too long or too short (typically 5-6 hours for a single nap). Maintain a consistent nap routine to signal it's sleep time, ensure the sleep environment is dark and cool, and stay consistent even if they protest initially.

For a 19-month-old on one nap, the ideal schedule typically involves a single midday nap. Most toddlers this age will take their nap between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. The duration generally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours. Aim for a consistent nap start time each day, as this helps regulate their internal clock. A typical schedule might look like: wake 6:30-7:00 AM, nap 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, bedtime 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The key is to ensure adequate wake windows before and after the nap to support good night sleep.

Short naps at this age can be frustrating. First, ensure they're not overtired or undertired before the nap; adjust their nap start time if needed. The sleep environment is crucial: make sure the room is pitch black, quiet (consider white noise), and cool. If they wake after a short nap, give them a few minutes to see if they resettle independently before intervening. Sometimes, short naps are just their current normal if night sleep is otherwise good and they're not overtly cranky. Consistency with the nap routine and schedule is your best tool. If they've recently transitioned to one nap, it might take a few weeks for the length to consolidate.

If your 19-month-old's nap is impacting night sleep, you'll likely notice consistent difficulty falling asleep at bedtime (taking an hour or more), late bedtimes, frequent night wakings, or very early morning wake-ups. For a 19-month-old, the ideal total nap time is typically between 1.5 to 3 hours. More than 3 hours, or a nap that ends too close to bedtime (e.g., less than 4.5-5 hours before bedtime), can lead to insufficient sleep drive for night sleep. If you suspect this, try capping the nap to ensure they have an adequate wake window (e.g., 4.5-5.5 hours) before their desired bedtime. Adjusting by 15-30 minutes at a time is usually sufficient.