14 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule

Updated Feb 23, 2024
14 month old baby sleep 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.

Editor’s note

The recommendations listed below represent the average amount of sleep typically needed at this age. However, please note there is a range of normal as some children have lower or higher sleep needs. Your child’s schedule may vary, and that is normal.


IN THIS ARTICLE:

How much should a 14 month old sleep?

Sample 14 month old sleep schedule

Naptime schedule for a 14 month old

Bedtime for a 14 month old

14 month old baby sleep FAQ


At this age, we recommend aiming for about 13.25 hours, which is well within the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s guidelines 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.]

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.

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

Huckleberry 14 month old sample sleep and nap schedule

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

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.

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

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.

Morning rise7:00 AM
First nap10:15 AM - 11:30 AM (1.25 hour nap); 3.25 hours of awake time before 1st nap
Second nap3:15 PM - 4:15 PM (1 hour nap); 3.75 hours of awake time before 2nd nap
Get ready for bed 7:30 PM
Asleep 8:00 PM; 3.75 hours of awake time before bedtime
Morning rise 7:00 AM
Nap11:45 AM - 2:00 PM (2.25 hour nap); 4.75 hours of awake time before nap
Get ready for bed 6:45 PM
Asleep 7:15 PM; 5.25 hours of awake time before bedtime
14 month old sleep routine and sleep schedule

Mistiming bedtime can often cause issues when it’s time to sleep. 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. Bedtime routines 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.

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.

14 month old baby sleep FAQ

Q: How can I get my child to let my partner put them to sleep?

A:

Children often go through phases when they favor one caregiver over the other. This is very common and can be so difficult for parents. It can take a lot of patience and parental persistence for a child to “accept” being put to sleep by someone other than the current favored caregiver. In this situation, it can be helpful for both caregivers to take part in the sleep routine at first. Next, the less favored caregiver can take over specific parts of the sleep routine, such as bathing, putting on pajamas, pre-bedtime massage, or reading books. Once your child is comfortable, the favored caregiver can leave the room for short periods while the other carries out their part(s). When it’s time for the other caregiver to put the child to bed on their own, both caregivers should express confidence. Resist the urge to “rescue” your child if they’re unhappy with the change.

Q: How can I stop my child from pooping during naps?

A:

Many 14 month olds will poop when put down for a nap or wake early from a nap because they’ve pooped. To encourage your child’s bowels to fully empty after breakfast, you can try feeding them “p” foods (peaches, pears, and prunes) at breakfast. Getting some physical activity in about an hour before naptime can also help produce a bowel movement before it’s time to sleep. If you suspect your child isn’t falling asleep due to a dirty diaper, we recommend taking your child out of their crib and changing the diaper. After a diaper change, it can be helpful to bring your child into another room for 20 - 30 minutes before trying for the nap once more. Be sure to do at least part of your nap routine again to signal to your child that it is time to sleep.

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.