26 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedules

Now that a couple of months have passed since your child’s second birthday, you may wonder how and when their sleep schedule will change as they grow and develop. This may be especially true if your toddler is doing what 2 year olds often do — testing boundaries and throwing tantrums at naptime. Rest assured this is normal, expected behavior, and chances are your little one probably isn’t actually ready to stop napping completely at this age. (Whew!) 

In this article, we’ll provide you with information on how much your 26 month old should sleep, give you ideal wake windows for 26 months, and provide answers to frequently asked questions about toddler sleep. 

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

How much should a 26 month old sleep?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 11 - 14 hours [] of total sleep per day for 2 year olds. For many children at 2, this may look like 10 - 11 hours of nighttime sleep and around 1.5 - 2.5 hours of daytime sleep. Keep in mind every child is different and some toddlers may need more or less sleep than others — and that’s OK!

Here's a quick overview of what you may expect when it comes to 26 month olds and sleep. Note that these figures are averages and should be used as guidelines.

Top sleep tip for 26 month olds

• We recommend continuing to offer a daily nap to 26 month olds, despite any occasional nap resistance or strikes your child may have. Bumpy toddler sleep (hello, “”!) is normal at this age. However, children typically aren’t quite ready to completely at 26 months. 

• If you find your little one is resisting sleep, try experimenting with how long their morning wake period is before a nap. Toddlers tend to do well with 5.5 hours of awake time before their afternoon nap, but your child may do better with slightly more or less awake time. Also, ensure that your child has a full tummy before their nap (it’s hard for little ones to sleep when they’re hungry!) and that their sleep space is cool and dark. Following a may help too. 

Sample 26 month old sleep schedule

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

Naptime schedule for a 2 year old

At 26 months, most children will continue to . We find that 2 year olds typically need about 5.5 hours of awake time before their afternoon nap. 

How long should a 2 year old nap?

At 26 months, you may expect your little one to nap for an average of around 1.5 - 2 hours per day. Keep in mind all children are different and have unique sleep needs. If your toddler is sleeping more or less than this, that’s OK too!  

How many naps for a 2 year old?

Most 26 month olds are on a . This typically looks like a midday nap each day after 5.5 - 6 hours of awake time in the morning. 

1-nap schedule

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

1-nap schedule with short nap/early bedtime

If your child takes a short nap or skips a nap, consider moving bedtime earlier that day to avoid overtiredness. It’s often harder for overtired toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep.  

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

Bedtime for 26 month olds

Have you been having more with your little one? You’re not alone! Temper tantrums are developmentally appropriate [] at 2 and meltdowns are not uncommon in the evening when they’re testing boundaries and tired too. Your 26 month old may refuse to put on their pajamas, throw a fit over brushing their teeth, cry for more bedtime stories, etc. While frustrating, you can try to minimize bedtime resistance by setting boundaries so your child feels secure and confident and knows what to expect. Also, consider offering two reasonable choices [] (“Do you want to wear the blue PJs or green PJs tonight?”) to give your little one a sense of control. 

What time should a 26 month old go to bed?

At 26 months, we recommend aiming for a consistent bedtime that allows for approximately 6 hours of wake time after your child’s nap (on most days) and ensures at least 10 to 11 hours of sleep at night. For instance, if your child typically wakes at 6:00 AM, you’ll probably want to target a bedtime between 7:00 - 8:00 PM.  A regular bedtime helps regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and more restful sleep. 

It’s okay to maintain the same bedtime, even if your child’s nap lengths fluctuate a bit. However, if your child skips their nap completely, they may have difficulty making it to bedtime without becoming overtired. You may find it helpful to offer an earlier bedtime on skipped nap days. Likewise, if your toddler’s nap patterns change you may need to reevaluate bedtime to ensure that there’s typically an appropriate amount of wake time before bedtime. . When evaluating if your child is getting enough rest, it can be helpful to look at their overall mood and energy levels, as well as the number of hours they’re sleeping per day. 

Why does my 26 month old keep waking up at night?

Around age 2, toddlers experience significant growth and development in many areas — physical, emotional, and cognitive. These exciting changes can sometimes disrupt their sleep. Common factors contributing to night wakings at 26 months include:

• Seeking independence

• Mastering new milestones

• A need for a schedule adjustment

• Parent-led sleep associations

• Discomfort from illness or teething

• Travel

• Big life changes, like starting daycare or welcoming a new sibling

If you’re looking for more sleep support, consider submitting for a personalized, step-by-step Sleep Plan via .

Is there a sleep regression at 26 months?

Sleep regressions can happen at any age and aren't tied to a specific timeframe. However, around 26 months, many toddlers face new sleep struggles, such as refusing naps, waking up earlier, or waking up more often during the night often tied to factors like milestone development and life changes. Although you might hear about a "," not every toddler will experience it.

Can I sleep train a 26 month old?

As children grow, evolves and may involve different approaches compared to babies, but the goal stays the same. Techniques often shift to include better communication, establishing routines, and using positive reinforcement, but it's all about encouraging your child to fall asleep on their own. Once they adapt, both the quality and amount of sleep typically improve!

Can my 26 month old sleep with a pacifier?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that extended pacifier use can affect dental development, but it's also important to consider your child's sleep routine []. At 26 months, many toddlers still depend on a pacifier to fall asleep, and removing it too early may lead to resistance at nap time or even cause them to drop naps altogether, which could create new sleep issues at night.

If your child is still using a pacifier for sleep, we generally recommend waiting until after age 3 to take it away, when their sleep habits are more consistent and they’re better able to cope without it.

Can a 26 month old sleep on their stomach or side?

By 26 months, if your child is able to roll over and adjust their position independently, it’s generally safe to allow them to fall asleep on their side or stomach if that’s how they naturally settle.

What are the developmental milestones for a 26 month old?

At , your little one is likely reaching some exciting milestones and may be saying and doing new things! However, it’s important to keep in mind that all children develop at their own pace, and it’s OK if your child isn’t quite there yet. Kiddos are all unique and they’ll hit each milestone in their own time.

• Walks and runs well 

• Can walk up the stairs with or without assistance 

• Turns a single page of a book 

• Holds and crayon and scribbles spontaneously

• Stacks 4 blocks by 24 months and 10 blocks by 36 months 

• Says 200 - 1,000 words by 3 years old 

• Uses short sentences and phrases 

• Starting to name body parts and animals 

• Expresses a range of emotions

• Notices when other people are upset or hurt 

• Says “no!” frequently and has temper tantrums 

• Engages in parallel play with other children 

• Enjoys being around kids

• Starts to sort shapes and colors 

• Engages in early make-believe play

Does a 26 month old need to eat during the night?

Night feedings are typically . With a consistent sleep routine and enough nutrition during the day, most toddlers can sleep through the night and wait until breakfast for their next meal. If your toddler wakes up hungry, consider offering a small snack before bed, such as string cheese or peanut butter with crackers, to help them stay full overnight.

Takeaway

• At 26 months, most children will sleep around 11 - 14 hours per day. This usually looks like 10 - 11 hours of overnight sleep and one daily nap. 

• Toddlers typically sleep for 1.5 - 2.5 hours during the day at 2. However, it’s not uncommon for toddlers to resist sleep and temporarily skip naps or stop napping. Typically children are not quite ready to give up napping entirely at this age, so recommend continuing to offer a daily nap at 26 months. 

• Most 2 year olds will benefit from a consistent bedtime that allows for around 6 hours of wake time after their nap, adjusting as needed when nap patterns change.

If you're curious about what lies ahead in the coming month, glimpse into the future to see what you might experience when your little one is on a . Or take a look back at a .