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. 

Sleep fact for 26 month old toddlers 

While not all children go through a 2 year old sleep regression, it’s not uncommon for toddlers to experience sudden sleep challenges due to a variety of factors that may occur around this age. , mastering new motor skills and developmental milestones (including ), big changes at home (like moving or ), , etc. can all lead to a sudden decline in sleep patterns. 

If your child experiences a sleep regression at around 26 months, you may be wondering how long it will last. The short answer is it depends on which factors are contributing to poor sleep and whether new were created during this time. Some developmental regressions (like teething) may resolve on their own after a week or two. On the other hand, if a toddler receives new help to fall asleep during a period of bumpy sleep, they may come to rely on this assistance and become upset when it’s no longer being offered. This new sleep onset association may impact sleep for a prolonged period. 

If you’re feeling stuck and want more assistance when it comes to your toddler’s sleep, with our sleep experts can put together a step-by-step sleep plan that’s customized to your child’s needs and your family’s preferences. 

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. 

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 .