Toddler Sleep Schedule (1–3 Years): Sample Routines by Age

A predictable toddler sleep schedule is the single biggest lever you have for smoother bedtimes, longer naps, and fewer meltdowns. This guide gives you sample schedules for ages 1, 2, and 3 — all built around the sleep needs recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

How Much Sleep Do Toddlers Need?

Sample Schedule: 12–18 Months

Most toddlers this age are on 1 or 2 naps. Many transition to a single midday nap between 14 and 18 months.

• 7:00 a.m. — Wake & breakfast
• 9:30 a.m. — Morning nap (if still on 2)
• 12:30 p.m. — Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. — Midday nap (1.5–2.5 hours)
• 3:30 p.m. — Wake & snack
• 6:00 p.m. — Dinner
• 6:45 p.m. — Bedtime routine
• 7:15 p.m. — Bedtime

Sample Schedule: 18–24 Months

Almost all toddlers this age are on 1 nap. Wake windows are longer, so bedtime often shifts slightly later.

• 7:00 a.m. — Wake & breakfast
• 12:00 p.m. — Lunch
• 12:30 p.m. — Nap (1.5–2.5 hours)
• 3:00 p.m. — Wake & snack
• 6:00 p.m. — Dinner
• 7:00 p.m. — Bedtime routine
• 7:30 p.m. — Bedtime

Sample Schedule: 2–3 Years

Some 3-year-olds start refusing the nap. Replace with a quiet time in the crib or bedroom to protect that midday rest.

• 7:00 a.m. — Wake & breakfast
• 12:15 p.m. — Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. — Nap or quiet time (1–2 hours)
• 3:00 p.m. — Wake & snack
• 6:00 p.m. — Dinner
• 7:00 p.m. — Bedtime routine
• 7:30 p.m. — Bedtime

Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Drop the Morning Nap

• Fighting or skipping the morning nap for 2+ weeks
• Second nap becoming shorter or resisted
• Bedtime getting pushed later and later

Signs Your Toddler Is Not Ready to Drop the Nap

• Meltdowns at 4:30–5:00 p.m.
• Early morning wakings (before 6 a.m.)
• Falling asleep in the car or stroller regularly

Building a Solid Bedtime Routine

A predictable 20–30 minute routine is one of the most evidence-backed sleep tools available. A simple sequence works best:

1. Bath (2–3 nights a week is fine)
2. Pajamas & teeth
3. 2 books in a dim room
4. Song or short cuddle
5. Into the crib awake, lights out

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Contact your pediatrician if your toddler snores loudly, gasps or pauses in breathing during sleep, has extreme daytime sleepiness, or if disruption lasts more than a month. These can be signs of sleep-disordered breathing that benefit from evaluation.

FAQ

When do toddlers stop napping entirely? Most children give up the nap between 3 and 5 years old. Before then, protect quiet time even if they don’t sleep.

Is 7:00 p.m. too early for a toddler bedtime? No. A 7:00–8:00 p.m. bedtime is developmentally appropriate and typically leads to a 6:30–7:30 a.m. wake up.

Written by Dr. Anderson, MD (Pediatrics) | Medically approved by Dr. Ahmed Raza, MD (Pediatrics) | Updated for 2026

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health, sleep, breathing, or development, contact your pediatrician.

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