What time should an 18-month-old go to bed?
The recommended bedtime for an 18-month-old can vary depending on their specific sleep needs and family schedule. However, as a general guideline, most toddlers this age typically go to bed between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM.
It’s also important to ensure they’re getting an adequate amount of sleep overall. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 1 to 2 years should get 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. Therefore, if an 18-month-old takes one or two naps during the day, their bedtime might be adjusted accordingly.
How long should an 18-month-old nap for?
At 18 months, a child often transitions from two naps to one nap a day. The length of this nap can vary widely but it’s typically between 1-3 hours. In general, the total amount of sleep (including naps) for this age group should be between 11 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It’s important to remember that the exact timing and duration of naps can vary greatly from child to child. The key is to watch for signs of sleep readiness (like fussiness, yawning, or rubbing eyes), and to establish consistent sleep routines.
Again, if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep habits, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician.
How long should 18 month old be awake before bedtime?
At around 18 months, a child’s awake window – the period of time they can comfortably stay awake between sleep periods – generally extends to about 4 to 6 hours. This means that an 18-month-old may be ready for bed approximately 4 to 6 hours after waking from their afternoon nap.
For instance, if a child wakes from their nap at 2:30 PM, they might be ready to go to sleep for the night between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. However, these times can vary greatly from child to child, and it’s essential to adjust these times based on your child’s unique sleep needs and cues.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help signal to your child that it’s time to go to sleep, making this transition easier. This routine could include activities like a bath, reading a story, and saying goodnight to everyone.
Is 18 months too early to drop nap?
Most children continue to need at least one nap a day until they are around 2.5 to 3 years old. At 18 months, many children are still in the process of transitioning from two naps to one. It’s generally not recommended to eliminate naps entirely at this age.
That said, every child is different, and there may be some 18-month-olds who seem ready to drop their nap. If your child consistently refuses their nap, is not overly grumpy or tired during the afternoon and evening, and sleeps well at night, they might be ready to stop napping.
However, often what seems like readiness to drop a nap can be a temporary phase or regression. If an 18-month-old suddenly starts refusing naps they previously took, it could be due to other factors like teething, illness, or a disruption in routine. In such cases, it’s usually recommended to continue offering the nap for a few weeks to see if the phase passes.
If you’re considering dropping naps for your 18-month-old and are unsure, it’s a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric sleep consultant. They can provide advice tailored to your child’s specific needs and situation.