Sleep Schedule for 14 month old

Many 14-month-olds are right on the cusp of transitioning from two naps to one, though some may comfortably stay on two until 15-18 months. Signs your child is ready for one nap include consistently resisting or shortening their second nap, pushing bedtime later, or having trouble falling asleep at night. To transition, gradually push their first nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days. Aim for a single midday nap that starts between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This nap might be longer (1.5-3 hours) to compensate. Be prepared for some crankiness during the adjustment period, and consider an earlier bedtime for a few weeks to prevent overtiredness.

Nap strikes at this age are common and can be attributed to several factors. It might be a sign of the 2-to-1 nap transition (if they're resisting the second nap especially). Other culprits include developmental leaps (like walking or talking), separation anxiety making them resistant to being left alone, or even teething discomfort. Sometimes, they might be overtired (leading to difficulty settling) or undertired (if wake windows aren't long enough). Ensure their sleep environment is dark and quiet, stick to a consistent pre-nap routine, and check their wake windows – typically 5-6 hours before a single midday nap for this age.

If your 14-month-old is on a single-nap schedule, that nap typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours. The total daytime sleep usually falls between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. As for wake windows, when on one nap, the morning wake window (from wake-up to nap time) is generally longer, around 5-6 hours. The afternoon wake window (from the end of nap to bedtime) is typically 4-5 hours. These are guidelines, and individual children's sleep needs vary, so pay attention to your child's cues for tiredness.

Yes, their nap schedule can definitely influence early morning waking. If your toddler is getting too much daytime sleep, their body might be ready to start the day earlier. Conversely, an inconsistent or skipped nap can lead to overtiredness, which ironically can also cause early waking or night wakings. Ensure their single nap isn't too late in the afternoon, as this can push back their biological bedtime and lead to early morning wake-ups. Aim for their nap to end by 3:30-4:00 PM at the latest to allow for adequate wake time before bedtime.

Consistency is very important for toddlers, as predictability helps them feel secure and prepares their bodies for sleep. A consistent pre-nap routine, even a short one (5-10 minutes), signals that sleep is coming. This might include dimming the lights, closing curtains, reading a short book, changing their diaper, and a quick cuddle. Doing the same thing in the same order each day helps them wind down and makes the transition to sleep smoother. Aim for a consistent nap time as well, as toddlers thrive on routine.