14 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule

Around 14 months old, some children are beginning to show signs of dropping their second nap, while others may continue to need 2 naps per day for another few months.

This stage in your child’s sleep development can be rather confusing as you try to figure out if they’re ready to make the transition to 1 nap and how to adjust bedtime accordingly. Read on to learn how to navigate your 14 month old’s sleep schedule, what you can expect, and how to build healthy sleep habits.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

How much should a 14 month old sleep?

At this age, we recommend aiming for about 13.25 hours, which is well within the of 11 - 14 hours of total sleep over a 24-hour period. This includes a minimum of 11 hours of nighttime sleep and 2 - 3 hours during the day between 1 or 2 naps.

Baby and toddler sleep can be complex, and every kiddo has unique needs. Don't worry about adhering to a specific number of hours — the suggested sleep is just a general guideline. It's equally important to monitor your baby's mood and energy levels as it is the amount of sleep they get, to ensure they're getting the rest they require.

[Note: for children who were born early, we go by their adjusted age for sleep development.]

Here's a quick overview of what you may expect when it comes to 14 month olds and sleep. Note that these figures are averages and should be used as guidelines.

Top sleep tip for 14 month olds

14 month olds are known for testing boundaries. Offering choices can help give your toddler a sense of control at bedtime. Presenting choices such as: “Do you want to read the kitty cat book or the truck book?” or, “Would you like to wear your blue pajamas or your red pajamas?” can help make them feel their opinions are valid.

One thing they shouldn’t have control over is the timing of bedtime. Even though they may test their boundaries every now and then, knowing what happens at bedtime is ultimately a comfort to 14 month olds.

Sleep fact for 14 month olds 

Pediatric sleep experts recommend 14 month old’s sleep at least 11 hours per night for the ideal amount of rest. Night and maturation of the brain’s executive function, which manages working memory and impulse control.

Sample 14 month old sleep schedule

Note: Sleep needs vary by child, and this chart should be viewed as an example.

• Morning rise: 7:00 AM

• Wake window before first nap: 3.25 hours

• First nap: 10:15 - 11:30 AM (1.25 hour nap)

• Wake window before second nap: 3.75 hours

• Second nap: 3:15 - 4:15 PM (1 hour nap)

• Get ready for bed: 7:30 PM

• Wake window before bedtime: 3.75 hours

• Asleep: 8:00 PM

Naptime schedule for a 14 month old

Most 14 month olds who have transitioned to a 1-nap schedule will need approximately 5 hours of awake time between sleep periods in order to be tired, but not too tired. Those who are taking 2 naps per day should have approximately 3.25 hours of awake time before their morning nap and about 3.5 - 3.75 hours of awake time before their afternoon nap.

How long should a 14 month old nap?

We expect children who are on a to sleep for a solid 2 - 3 hours. While still taking per day, your 14 month old’s naps may be 1 - 2 hours each.

How many naps for a 14 month old?

Nap requirements vary at this age, with some 14 month olds needing just 1 nap per day, while others do best taking 2 naps per day. Most toddlers will transition to 1 nap between 14 and 18 months old.

Signs that your child is ready to drop a nap include very short naps, resisting 1 or both naps, or consistently sleeping less than 10 hours a night. When this happens, parents often wonder if their child is experiencing another sleep regression. Thankfully, it just means they’re ready for longer awake periods.

If your child is still doing well on a 2-nap schedule, there is no need to rush the transition. Dropping a nap too early can lead to irritability and chronic overtiredness.

2-nap schedule

1-nap schedule

Bedtime for a 14 month old

Mistiming bedtime can often cause . While under-tiredness often leads to stalling or difficulty falling asleep, overtiredness usually results in tears at bedtime. At this age, “sleepy cues” tend to become less reliable because 14 month olds may not show that they’re tired, even when they are.

While you’ll want to take your child’s sleepy cues into consideration, basing bedtime on the period of wakefulness is ideal. at this age tend to be a bit longer (30 - 45 minutes) and should allow sufficient time for your child to unwind. Make the 30 minutes before bedtime calm and relaxing by reading stories and singing.

What time should a 14 month old go to bed?

To allow for sufficient sleep overnight, it is best for your 14 month old’s bedtime to occur 12 - 13 hours after waking for the day. While bedtimes vary depending on the family’s desired morning wake time and the time they can begin getting their child ready for bed, most 14 month olds have a bedtime between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A bedtime of no later than 9:00 PM is generally better for a toddler’s body clock.

If you're curious about what lies ahead in the coming month, glimpse into the future to see what you might experience once your baby is on a . Also check out a to see how far your little one has come.