15 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule
Updated Mar 17, 2025
At 15 months, every day may look different when it comes to sleep. It’s normal for children to take 2 naps one day and only 1 the next as they move towards a consistent 1-nap schedule. The 2-1 nap transition can take a while since it requires they stay awake around 5 hours between sleep periods, which can be a lot for kiddos!
In this article, we’ll help you navigate evolving 15 month sleep schedules, give you advice for nap transitions, and give you tips for smoother bedtimes at this age.
Editor's note
The recommendations listed in this article represent the average amount of sleep typically needed at this age. However, please note there is a wide range of normal as some children have lower or higher sleep needs. For premature babies, we go by their adjusted age for sleep development.
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How much should a 15 month old sleep?
At this age, we recommend aiming for about 13 hours of total sleep over a 24-hour period. This often looks like a minimum of 11 hours at night, and 2 - 3 hours during the day, split between 1 or 2 naps.
However, there’s a range of what's considered normal and appropriate — every child has unique sleep needs. The recommended hours are just that, recommendations. We suggest keeping an eye on your toddler's mood and energy levels too when determining if your child is getting the rest they need.
Here's a quick overview of what you may expect when it comes to 15 month olds and sleep. Note that these figures are averages and should be used as guidelines.
| Average total sleep | 13 hours |
| Number of naps | 1 - 2 |
| Goal daytime sleep | 2 - 3 hours |
| Wake windows | 5 hours if 1 nap, 3.25 - 4 hours if 2 naps |
Top sleep tip for 15 month olds
It’s not uncommon for 15 month olds to be overtired during the 2-1 nap transition, especially since it may take a week (or more) for the one daily nap to lengthen to 2 - 3 hours. If your little one’s nap is under 2 hours, try your best to extend it. If that doesn’t work, consider offering an early bedtime (but no earlier than 6:00 PM) to limit overtiredness, which can contribute to more sleep challenges.
Sleep fact for 15 month olds
Did you know that light exposure helps regulate a person’s body clock? Light entering your child’s eyes sets their circadian rhythm signaling their body it’s time to wake up [1]. To use this in your favor and help your child get on a more predictable schedule, wake them within 30 minutes of your desired wake-up time every day (unless you’re working on correcting early rising). Be intentional about light exposure and start your child’s day with bright light upon waking (natural light is best), and get outside during the day when possible. At the end of the day, we recommend avoiding screen time in the hour before bed and keep lights dim [2]. Electronic devices such as TVs, tablets, and phones emit blue light, which interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep [3].
Sample 15 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 nap: 5 hours
Nap: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (2.5 hour nap)
Get ready for bed: 7:00 PM
Asleep: 8:00 PM
Naptime schedule for a 15 month old
Those 15 month olds who have transitioned to a will need the nap in the middle of the day. We recommend between 5 and 5.5 hours of awake time before their nap in order to allow an appropriate amount of wake time before bed. Most 15 month olds who are taking 2 naps per day sleep best with about 3.25 - 4 hours of awake time before the first nap and about 3.75 - 4 hours of awake time before their afternoon nap.
How long should a 15 month old nap?
At 15 months, we hope to see 2 - 3 hours of daytime sleep. For children who haven’t transitioned to 1 nap per day, consider capping naps at 90 minutes to avoid a late afternoon nap that might push bedtime late and interfere with night sleep
How many naps for a 15 month old?
By 15 months of age, many children have outgrown their 2-nap schedule in favor of one daily nap around lunchtime. Other toddlers this age still need 2 naps per day. If your schedule allows it, kiddos may also switch between 2- and 1-nap days for a few weeks during this transition as they get used to staying awake long enough to fully transition to one daily nap.
By 18 months most children typically complete the transition to a 1-nap schedule, but there’s no need to rush it. Dropping a nap too early can contribute to more sleep challenges due to overtiredness.
Signs that your child is ready to drop a nap include:
Taking very short naps
Resisting one or both naps
Consistently sleeping less than 10 hours a night
2-nap schedule
| Morning rise | 7:00 AM |
| 1st nap | 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM (1.25 hour nap); 3.25 hours of awake time before 1st nap |
| 2nd nap | 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM (1 hour nap); 3.75 hours of awake time before 2nd nap |
| Get ready for bed | 7:15 PM |
| Asleep | 8:15 PM; 4 hours of awake time before bedtime |
1-nap schedule
| Morning rise | 7:00 AM |
| Nap | 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM (2.5 hour nap); 5 hours of of awake time before nap |
| Get ready for bed | 7:00 PM |
| Asleep | 8:00 PM; 5.5 hours of awake time before bedtime |
Bedtime for a 15 month old
Aiming for a consistent bedtime can help promote better sleep at this age, but we know this isn’t always easy — especially during a nap transition. As your child adjusts to a new sleep schedule, some nights may be trickier than others. To help minimize bedtime meltdowns and overtiredness, focus on creating a predictable routine and be sure you’ve factored in sufficient wind-down time. Some toddlers need about 45 minutes to settle down before bed.
For example, your child’s nightly bedtime routine may include a warm bath, massage, changing into sleep clothes, and cuddling up for story time and songs. Even after a calming bedtime routine, it’s normal for your child to need 10 - 20 minutes to fall asleep once the lights are off. It takes a bit for those active minds to settle into sleep mode!
What time should a 15 month old go to bed?
At this age, the goal is 10 - 12 hours of nighttime sleep, depending on nap patterns. Toddlers that are starting to outgrow their 2-nap schedule may only be able to sleep 10 hours per night, while a kiddo who fully transitioned to 1 nap may need a full 12 hours. To get there, you’ll want to base bedtime on the length of time your child has been awake and your desired wake-up time. For example, if your goal is for your 15 month old to wake up at 6:30 AM and they take one nap, their bedtime should be between 6:30 - 7:30 PM.
Why does my 15 month old keep waking up at night?
Some 15 month olds experience a new bout of night waking around this age. Factors that may be at play include:
Falling asleep with assistance and desiring the same support overnight
Dropping to 1 nap prematurely
Needing a schedule adjustment
Mastering milestones
Hunger
If you’re looking for more sleep support, consider submitting for a personalized, step-by-ste Sleep Plan via .
Is there a 15 month old sleep regression?
Although there isn’t a predetermined , it’s not uncommon for children to experience sleep challenges around this age. If your little one has been sleeping well then goes through a period of bumpy sleep (calling out overnight, resisting or skipping naps, etc.), we’d consider this a sleep regression. However, every toddler is different and not all children will sleep poorly at this age.
Can my 15 month old sleep with a pacifier?
Pacifiers can be used during sleep and awake times at 15 months. Your 1 year old can likely replace their own paci if it falls out during sleep. To increase the likelihood of this, we recommend putting a couple in their crib after they fall asleep so they can easily find one and pop it back in instead of calling out for you to help. Make sure you’re checking pacis over time to be sure they haven’t turned color or torn over time, especially if your little one has teeth. It’s best to replace old binkies if you see signs of wear and tear.
Can I sleep train a 15 month old?
Sleep training can be a useful tool if you’re looking to remove parent-led sleep associations (e.g. rocking or feeding to sleep) and teach your child to fall asleep on their own. If you’re worried about “cry it out” methods, note that there are many . Some are slower and more gradual while others are faster and prioritize results. Caregivers should decide which method fits their family.
What are the developmental milestones for a 15month old?
At , your baby is likely working on exciting new things like walking and talking. Here’s a checklist of milestones your baby may be trying at this age:
Says (or tries to say) 1 to 3 other simple words
Can take steps on their own
Stacks two blocks or other objects
Points or gestures to ask for something
Copies you or others when playing
Gives kisses and/or cuddles
Claps when happy or excited
Can identify 1 to 6 body parts
Tries to use things the “right” way (e.g., trying to brush their hair with the brush)
Does a 15 month old need to eat during the night?
At this age, most babies don't need to eat overnight. If you suspect your child is waking up overnight or early in the morning due to hunger, try to ensure they’re getting enough calories throughout the day. Also consider the timing of dinner. If they're eating on the early side, try moving it a little closer to bedtime or offering a healthy snack before bed.
Takeaway
At this age, we recommend aiming for about 13 hours of total sleep over a 24-hour period. This often looks like a minimum of 11 hours at night, and 2 - 3 hours during the day, split between 1 or 2 naps.
Many children have outgrown their 2-nap schedule in favor of one daily nap around lunchtime at this age. Other toddlers this age still need 2 naps per day and that's OK too. Most kiddos transition from 2-1 naps per day between 14 - 18 months.
Signs that your child is ready to drop a nap include taking very short naps, resisting one or both naps, and/or consistently sleeping less than 10 hours a night.
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.
15 month old baby sleep FAQ
Q: Is there a 15 month sleep regression?
A:
You may already be familiar with the more commonly known sleep regressions, typically around 4 and 8 months, but some parents are surprised to learn that toddlers can experience sleep regressions, too. At 15 months, some children are beginning to feel the effects of the upcoming “18 month sleep regression,” which can result in sudden night wakings. However, if naps are the area of concern, you’re likely feeling the effects of the nap transition. During this transition, it’s not uncommon for 15 month olds to take short naps or fight them entirely.Q: My child only naps once at daycare, and then typically falls asleep in the car on the ride home; what can I do?
A:
Many daycares transition children to a 1-nap schedule when they move to the toddler room, even though not all 15 month olds are ready to drop a nap. We understand how difficult it can make evenings when your child falls asleep during the car ride home from daycare and wakes up 10 - 15 minutes later super fussy! Worst of all, these dreaded catnaps can sometimes throw off bedtime, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. To help your child stay awake in the car, you might try playing upbeat children’s songs and singing out loud. Interactive songs such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” and “Old McDonald” are especially engaging. Another tip is to keep your child busy by putting cereal (or another dry snack) in a container where your child has to reach through the lid to get them out. When weather permits, rolling down the car window can help as well.Q: My child often wakes up 45 minutes after falling asleep at bedtime. How do I put a stop to these night wakings?
A:
Sometimes children will treat the first part of night sleep as a nap, waking up less than an hour after falling asleep. If this sounds familiar, the first thing you’ll want to consider is how your child is falling to sleep at bedtime. If it occurs during a feeding, while being rocked/held, or with a parent in the room, it is not uncommon for them to wake up fully between sleep cycles and need help falling back to sleep. In this case, you’ll want to begin weaning away from parent-dependent sleep associations. If your child already falls asleep on their own, consider if they may be going to bed too late or too early, since both under-tiredness and overtiredness can result in night wakings.Share article:
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.
