Between 18 months and 3, most toddlers sleep a long night plus one afternoon nap, and bedtime becomes a place to test limits. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 11–14 hours of sleep per 24 hours for children aged 1–2 and 10–13 hours for ages 3–5, including naps. A short, predictable routine, screens off well before bed and calm, consistent responses to stalling and night waking help most toddlers. Bedtime resistance is a normal part of this age, not a sign you've done something wrong.
How much sleep does a toddler need?
| Age | Total sleep per 24 hours | Naps |
|---|---|---|
| 18 months–2 years | 11–14 hours (AASM) | Usually 1 |
| 2 years | About 12–14 hours (NHS) | Usually 1 |
| 3 years | 10–13 hours (AASM) | 1 or none |
Sources differ slightly. The NHS says most 2-year-olds need about 12–14 hours including daytime naps, and most children aged 3 to 5 about 12 hours, while the AASM ranges are a little wider. Both include naps, so a shorter nap usually means a little more night sleep is needed.
KidsHealth says most toddlers combine two naps into one afternoon nap at around 18 months, or sometimes sooner. The RCH review describes day naps decreasing from one to none in the preschool years (3–5); see dropping the nap.
What does a toddler's day look like?
This is a fictional example for a 2-year-old, built from the ranges above. It isn't a target.
Example day (around 2 years) — adjust to your toddler
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6:30 am | Wake, breakfast |
| 9:30 am | Morning tea, outdoor play |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 pm | Nap (about 1.5–2 hours) |
| 2:30 pm | Wake, afternoon tea, play |
| 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:15 pm | Screens off long before this; bath, teeth, books |
| 7:00 pm | Lights out |
That gives about 11.5 hours overnight plus the nap, within the recommended range. If your toddler naps less, bring bedtime earlier. For the move from two naps to one, see two naps to one.
How do I handle bedtime resistance and stalling?
One more book, another drink, a sudden need to wee: stalling is very common. The NHS guide to sleep and young children recommends a calming, predictable bedtime routine that happens at the same time and includes the same things every night, starting about 30 minutes before your child usually falls asleep.
- Keep the routine short and in the same order. KidsHealth warns against letting the routine get too long. A bath, pyjamas, teeth, a couple of books and a cuddle is plenty.
- Decide the limits before you start. KidsHealth suggests deciding in advance things like how many drinks of water you'll allow. The same works for books and songs.
- Offer small choices. Which pyjamas, which book, who reads it. Choices inside the routine give your toddler some control without reopening bedtime.
- Set a limit on your time. The NHS suggests setting a limit on how much time you spend with your child when you put them to bed.
- Return them calmly. If your toddler gets up, the NHS says to keep taking them back to bed with as little fuss as possible, and to be consistent.
- Check the timing. If your toddler isn't tired at bedtime, the bedtime or nap may be too late. The NHS suggests deciding on a bedtime and moving towards it gradually, by 5 to 10 minutes each week.
Expect some testing when you start being consistent. The RCH review notes that changing a sleep pattern can take anywhere from 3–14 days. For more on routines, see bedtime routine.
Why does my toddler wake at night?
KidsHealth lists common reasons toddlers wake: discomfort such as teething pain or illness, mild separation anxiety, noise, cold temperatures and screens. A Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne sleep review describes "curtain calls", frequent rising with a range of excuses after being settled, as a typical toddler sleep issue.
- Keep night visits brief and boring. KidsHealth suggests this, and the NHS says to be as boring as possible and leave lights off.
- Use a comfort object. KidsHealth says security items such as a favourite soft toy or blanket are OK and can be very comforting.
- Check the basics. Is the room too cold, too bright or noisy? Has a late nap pushed bedtime late?
- Respond the same way each time. Consistency helps your toddler learn what to expect.
If wakings are new and come with illness, treat the illness first. See night wakings, separation anxiety and the two-year sleep regression.
Is it a nightmare, a night terror or a fear of the dark?
The NHS guide to night terrors and nightmares explains the difference:
| Nightmare | Night terror | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Later in the night | Early in the night, up to 15 minutes |
| Awake? | Wakes up | Stays asleep, may move or call out |
| Remembers? | Usually yes | Rarely |
| What to do | Comfort and reassure | Stay calm, don't wake them |
During a night terror, the NHS says to stay calm and wait for it to pass, and not to try to wake your child, because they may not recognise you and may get more upset. Only step in if they could hurt themselves. It lists being very tired or unwell among common causes, so protecting sleep can help. The NHS says night terrors are most common between ages 3 and 8.
KidsHealth says toddlers can have a hard time telling dreams from reality, and suggests keeping bedtime books mild. For fears of the dark, the NHS says a nightlight or landing light may help. Acknowledge the fear calmly, reassure your toddler that you're nearby, and avoid scary shows or stories before bed.
What if my toddler climbs out of the cot?
Climbing out is a safety issue. KidsHealth advises:
- putting the cot mattress on its lowest setting
- not using bumpers, which a child can use as a step
- keeping large soft toys out of the cot
- if climbing continues, considering a toddler bed or bed with a side rail, and a gate across the bedroom doorway
KidsHealth also says a light blanket is OK after the first birthday, and to avoid anything with cords or ties that could wrap around a child's neck. Before switching, make the whole room safe for a child who can get out of bed. See cot to bed for the full plan.
Do screens affect toddler sleep?
Yes, timing matters. The NHS says not to let children look at laptops, tablets or phones in the 30 to 60 minutes before bed. The AAP advises turning screens off at least an hour before bedtime and keeping them out of children's bedrooms. KidsHealth says devices shouldn't be in your child's bedroom either. See screen time.
Swap that last hour for calm, predictable activities: a bath, a puzzle, books, a song. The AAP suggests starting young with a simple routine such as "brush, book, bed".
When should I get help with toddler sleep?
Use the NHS urgent help guide for signs of serious illness.
Call your local emergency number (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US) now if your toddler:
- is struggling to breathe, breathing very fast or sucking in their tummy or chest
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- is floppy, difficult to wake or cannot be woken
- is having a seizure (fit)
See a GP or child-health nurse soon if your toddler snores at night or you notice changes in their breathing during sleep; Cleveland Clinic says some children may need an ear, nose and throat check or a sleep study.
Mention it at your next check if sleep problems are affecting your toddler's daytime behaviour or your family's wellbeing. The RCH review describes a settling problem as taking more than 20 minutes to settle on five or more nights a week over at least two months, but notes that a parent's concern is a valid reason to talk to a professional regardless. The NHS suggests talking to your health visitor (child-health nurse), who may recommend a children's sleep clinic if one is available. If you feel you can't cope, contact a parenting support service (Tresillian or Karitane in Australia, your health visitor in the UK, your pediatrician's office in the US). If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your child, call a crisis line (Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, 988 in the US) or your local emergency number (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US).
