Sleep is a key pillar of healthy development in toddlers. Between 18 to 24 months, your child is growing rapidly – physically, emotionally, and cognitively. At this stage, sleep isn’t just about rest. It directly affects mood, learning, immune function, and daily behaviour.
Yet for many parents, bedtime can become a daily struggle. If you’re dealing with sleep disruptions, resistance, or middle of the night wakeups, you’re not alone. The good news is that this age is also ideal for establishing healthy, lasting sleep habits.
How Much Sleep Does an 18–24 Month Toddler Need?
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, toddlers (children aged 1-2 years) need 11 to 14 hours of total sleep over 24 hours. This will typically include:
- 1 daytime nap (1-3 hours)
- Night-time sleep (10-12 hours)
If a toddler doesn’t get less than the amount of sleep mentioned above consistently, their mood during the day, appetite, and ability to learn will be negatively impacted.
Common Types of Sleep Issues Associated with This Age Group
Several changes in a toddler’s life at this age are likely to affect their sleeping habits:
- Sleep Regression – Many children will go through a phase of temporary sleep regression around the age of 18 months. This will usually occur due to either language acquisition, separation anxiety, or increased physical activity.
- Separation Anxiety – Many children become clingy and fearful of being left alone around this age. They may also develop a fear of bedtime because of it.
- Nighttime Awakening – Some toddlers will wake up during the night because of dreams or sleep pattern changes.
- Nap Transition – It’s not uncommon for children at this age to transition from 2 naps to 1 nap.
- Resistance to Bedtime – As children become more independent, they will test limits by trying to avoid or resist going to bed.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
Here are some suggestions on how to develop consistent and predictable behaviours related to sleep:
1. Set a Sleep Schedule and Stick to It
Keep the bedtime and the time you get up for your toddler the same every day of the week, including weekends. By keeping the same schedule, you are helping your toddler develop a regular internal clock.
2. Devise a Calming Bedtime Ritual
A short, simple bedtime ritual should include bathing your child, putting on and buttoning up their pajamas, brushing their teeth, reading them a story, and then turning out the lights. The objective of the ritual is to create an atmosphere that calms your toddler and also serves as a signal to your toddler that it’s time for bed.
Also Read: How Can I Help My Toddler Fall Asleep? Toddler Basics
3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom
To sleep well, your toddler must have a bedroom that is quiet, cool, and dimly lit. Ideally, this means that the room is dark and free from distractions (e.g., noisy toys, bright nightlights).
4. Provide a Comfort Item
Having a stuffed animal or small blanket will help alleviate any anxiety your toddler may feel after being separated from you at bedtime.
5. Limit Overstimulation in the Hour Before Bedtime
At a minimum, limit your toddler’s screen time (e.g., TV, phone, computer, tablet) at least 60 minutes before bedtime and discourage roughhousing or very active play just before bedtime.
6. Look for Signs Your Toddler is Tired
If your toddler is rubbing their eyes, yawning, or acting cranky, take notice. These behaviours are signals that they are tired, and you should not wait any longer to put them to bed.
7. Avoid Late Afternoon Napping
The earlier in the afternoon a nap occurs, the better it will be for your toddler. If you allow your toddler to nap too late, it may make it harder for them to fall asleep later at night.
8. Restrict What Your Toddler Eats and Drinks in the Hour Before Bedtime
Avoid giving sugary snacks to your toddler close to bedtime and offer water instead of other beverages.
Dealing with Nighttime Awakenings
- Stay Calm: When your toddler wakes during the night, reassure him/her quickly, but do not pick them up or turn on bright lights.
- Keep Interactions to a Minimum: Gently pat or say a few quiet words to help your toddler find his/her way back to sleep.
- Don’t Create New Sleep Associations: Do not give your toddler a bottle, rock him/her, or take him/her out of the room to settle.
When to Speak With a Pediatrician
You may benefit from speaking with a pediatrician if your child:
- regularly sleeps less than 10 hours per night
- resists going to bed greatly
- wakes up often and cannot settle himself/herself.
Your child’s inability to sleep well may be due to an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Sleep Apnea
- Reflux
- The effects of allergies on his/her ability to sleep.
Cultural Considerations for Indian Families
The presence of extended family members and joint households may affect your toddler’s sleep routine. When there is an extended family, the entire household should be involved in creating a consistent routine for the child so that they provide the child the message that everyone is part of the same routine.
What Not to Do:
- Let Bedtimes Vary Too Much from Weekday to Weekend
- Allow Requests After Lights Out
- Use Screen Time to Unwind
- Ignore Sleep Disruptions and Make No Adjustments for Weeks
Also Read: Make your kid’s bedtime trouble-free
Everything Else is Only Improved When Sleeping Well
If your toddler is sleeping well, it will naturally lead to healthier eating habits, improved moods, and longer attention spans for parents, too. This may even make it easier for them to sleep well!
Establishing Good Sleeping Habits Between 18 and 24 Months Helps Your Toddler’s Long-Term Health! It also allows you some time to relax in the evenings and lower your stress levels when raising your child. You don’t have to be perfect, it just takes determination and persistence.
FAQs
- What time should my 18-month-old go to bed?
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Depending on nap and wake schedules).
- Do I need to remove the nap if my toddler has trouble going to sleep?
Not yet! First, try adjusting the time they take their naps. Most toddlers need naps until at least 3 years of age.
- Is it wrong to co-sleep at this age?
Not necessarily! The important thing is that you and your toddler are both safe and getting enough quality sleep.
- How long until my toddler can sleep train?
It depends, but with consistency from parents, most toddlers adapt to the new schedule within 1-2 weeks.
