How many naps should a 1-year-old take?

Most 1-year-olds still need two naps per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, totaling about 2 to 3 hours of daytime sleep. The transition to one nap typically happens between 14 and 18 months. If your child consistently refuses one nap but stays happy until bedtime, they may be ready to drop it.

What time should a 1-year-old go to bed?

A bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM works well for most 1-year-olds. The ideal time depends on when they wake up and when their last nap ends. Aim for about 3.5 to 4 hours of awake time between the end of the afternoon nap and lights out.

Why does my 1-year-old suddenly fight bedtime?

Bedtime resistance around 12 months is very common. Separation anxiety peaks near the first birthday, and newfound physical skills like standing in the crib add excitement. Stay calm, keep the routine consistent, and offer brief reassurance without picking them up. This phase typically passes within a few weeks.

How much total sleep does a 1-year-old need?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 11 to 14 hours of total sleep per 24-hour period for children aged 1 to 2 years. This includes nighttime sleep and naps. Most 1-year-olds get about 10 to 12 hours overnight and 2 to 3 hours during the day.

Is sleep training safe for a 1-year-old?

Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers evidence-based sleep training methods safe and effective for children over 6 months. Approaches range from gradual check-ins to chair methods. Choose one that fits your family's comfort level and stay consistent for at least one to two weeks before evaluating results.

1-Year-Old Sleep Schedule: Naps, Bedtime, Wake Time

Published on 2025-10-07

At 12 months, most toddlers need about 11 to 14 hours of total sleep per day, split between nighttime rest and one or two daytime naps. This guide gives you a clear schedule, practical tips, and the most common mistakes to avoid so everyone in the house sleeps better. ## What's Going On Around the first birthday, your child's sleep patterns are shifting. Many 1-year-olds are in the middle of transitioning from two naps to one, which can make schedules feel unpredictable for a few weeks. Separation anxiety often peaks near this age, leading to bedtime resistance or night waking that was not there before. Their growing mobility (pulling up, cruising, first steps) can also make it harder for them to settle down. All of this is normal and temporary. ## What To Do Now 1. **Aim for a consistent bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM.** A predictable bedtime anchors the entire schedule. Pick a time and protect it. 2. **Build a short wind-down routine.** Bath, pajamas, one book, a song, lights out. Keep it under 20 minutes so it stays sustainable. 3. **Watch wake windows, not the clock.** Most 1-year-olds do best with 3 to 4 hours of awake time between sleep periods. If your child is rubbing eyes or getting fussy, it is time. 4. **Put your child down drowsy but awake.** This helps them learn to fall asleep independently, which reduces night wakings over time. 5. **Keep the room dark and cool.** A dark environment signals the brain to produce melatonin. Aim for 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. ## Sample Schedule Here is a typical day for a 1-year-old on two naps: - **6:30 - 7:00 AM** - Wake up - **7:00 AM** - Breakfast - **9:30 - 10:00 AM** - Morning nap (about 1 to 1.5 hours) - **12:00 PM** - Lunch - **1:30 - 2:00 PM** - Afternoon nap (about 1 to 1.5 hours) - **3:30 PM** - Snack and play - **5:30 PM** - Dinner - **7:00 PM** - Bedtime routine starts - **7:30 PM** - Asleep If your child is transitioning to one nap, shift the single nap to around 12:00 to 12:30 PM and aim for 2 to 2.5 hours. Move bedtime slightly earlier (7:00 PM) until the transition settles. ## Common Mistakes - **Keeping them up late hoping they will sleep in.** Overtired toddlers actually sleep worse and wake earlier. An earlier bedtime almost always leads to better overnight sleep. - **Dropping the second nap too soon.** Most children are not ready for one nap until 14 to 18 months. If they are fighting one nap but melting down by 5 PM, they still need two. - **Using screens before bed.** Blue light from phones and tablets suppresses melatonin and makes it harder to fall asleep. Turn screens off at least one hour before bedtime. - **Skipping the routine on busy days.** Consistency is the single biggest factor in good sleep habits. Even a shortened version of the routine is better than none. Want to make bedtime an adventure? [Create a personalized bedtime story](/create-story?theme=a+magical+bedtime+adventure+where+your+child+discovers+the+land+of+dreams&image=sleep) starring your child. ## Related Guides For a full breakdown of how sleep needs change from birth through age 12, read our pillar guide: [Child Sleep by Age](/blog/child-sleep-by-age). For everything happening at this stage beyond sleep, see: [Your 1-Year-Old Development Guide](/blog/your-1-year-old-development-guide).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many naps should a 1-year-old take?: Most 1-year-olds still need two naps per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, totaling about 2 to 3 hours of daytime sleep. The transition to one nap typically happens between 14 and 18 months. If your child consistently refuses one nap but stays happy until bedtime, they may be ready to drop it.
What time should a 1-year-old go to bed?: A bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 PM works well for most 1-year-olds. The ideal time depends on when they wake up and when their last nap ends. Aim for about 3.5 to 4 hours of awake time between the end of the afternoon nap and lights out.
Why does my 1-year-old suddenly fight bedtime?: Bedtime resistance around 12 months is very common. Separation anxiety peaks near the first birthday, and newfound physical skills like standing in the crib add excitement. Stay calm, keep the routine consistent, and offer brief reassurance without picking them up. This phase typically passes within a few weeks.
How much total sleep does a 1-year-old need?: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 11 to 14 hours of total sleep per 24-hour period for children aged 1 to 2 years. This includes nighttime sleep and naps. Most 1-year-olds get about 10 to 12 hours overnight and 2 to 3 hours during the day.
Is sleep training safe for a 1-year-old?: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers evidence-based sleep training methods safe and effective for children over 6 months. Approaches range from gradual check-ins to chair methods. Choose one that fits your family's comfort level and stay consistent for at least one to two weeks before evaluating results.