Sleep Schedule for 17 month old

Around 15-18 months, many toddlers transition from two naps to a single, longer midday nap. Signs your 17-month-old might be ready include: consistently resisting their second nap, taking very short naps, taking a long time to fall asleep for either nap, or waking very early despite adequate night sleep. If you notice these signs for several days, it's likely time. You can transition by gradually pushing their morning nap later each day until it lands around lunchtime (e.g., 12:30-1:30 PM), or by going cold turkey to a single midday nap and offering an earlier bedtime for a few days to prevent overtiredness.

Nap resistance or short naps at this age can often be due to undertiredness (nap time is too early) or overtiredness (nap time is too late). The ideal wake window before a single nap for a 17-month-old is typically 5-6 hours. Ensure their sleep environment is conducive to sleep – very dark, cool, and quiet (white noise can help). Stick to a consistent pre-nap routine (e.g., diaper change, story, lullaby) to signal it's sleep time. Consistency is key; offer the nap at the same time each day, even if they sometimes resist. If they wake early, give them 10-15 minutes to resettle before going in, as they might still be able to extend the nap.

For most 17-month-olds on a single nap schedule, the ideal nap time typically starts between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. This allows for a solid morning wake window (usually 5-6 hours after waking) and ensures the nap isn't too late to impact bedtime. The nap itself should ideally last between 1.5 to 3 hours. Aim for consistency in the start time, as routine helps regulate their internal clock. If the nap consistently falls short, consider if they are getting enough morning activity or if their wake window before the nap needs slight adjustment.

If your 17-month-old skips their nap, the most important thing is to move bedtime significantly earlier. An overtired toddler is more likely to struggle with falling asleep, have night wakings, and wake early the next morning. Aim for 30-60 minutes earlier than usual bedtime to compensate for the lost daytime sleep. Even if they don't sleep, ensure they have quiet time in their crib during the usual nap window to provide a much-needed rest and break from stimulation.

Yes, nap schedule can definitely contribute to early morning wakings. If the nap is too long, too late in the day, or if the overall daytime sleep is too much, it can shift their sleep clock, leading to early mornings. Ensure the nap ends at least 3.5-4 hours before bedtime (e.g., if bedtime is 7:30 PM, nap should end by 4:00 PM). Also, paradoxically, *overtiredness* from a missed or short nap can also lead to early waking, as their body releases cortisol. Review their total sleep (night + nap); a 17-month-old typically needs 11-14 hours total over 24 hours. Adjusting the nap length or timing slightly might resolve the early waking.