13–24 Month Sleep Schedule: The Shift to One Nap and Stubborn Bedtimes

Moving to one daytime nap

Most children drop from two daytime naps to one between 13 and 18 months — usually a single, long nap in the early afternoon. The change doesn't happen overnight: for several weeks, 'two-nap' and 'one-nap' days may alternate.

At this age, total sleep is usually 11–14 hours a day. Keeping the nap from drifting too late in the day is the key to protecting bedtime.

The 'I don't want to go to bed' phase

Between one and two, a child's will begins to blossom — and it shows up most of all at bedtime. One more glass of water, one more story, one last hug… Testing limits is this age's job; meeting it with consistency rather than frustration gives the best results.

A short, fixed, and predictable bedtime routine (e.g., get changed → brush teeth → book → lights out) gives your child a sense of control: knowing what comes next reduces resistance.

Still waking at night — is that normal?

Yes, occasional night wakings still happen at this age — teething, illness, new skills, dreams, and big daytime events (a new sibling, starting daycare) all find their way into sleep. If a regular, serious disruption persists, talking with your pediatrician is always the right step.

• ✓ Ending the nap before 3:00–3:30 p.m. protects the night
• ✓ A screen-free, calm evening wind-down makes settling easier
• ✓ During phases of repeatedly climbing out of bed, calmly and matter-of-factly returning your child is the most effective approach

Other guides