Herbie Murray
Sleep is critical to a child's overall health and development. The recommended amount of sleep for a child changes as they get older. Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 years old should get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day, including one or two daytime naps. Wake windows, the periods between sleep when a baby is awake and alert, increase as a child gets older. At 14 months, a baby's wake window will be around 3 to 5 hours, and they may be taking one or two naps per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Sleep Time | 11-14 hours |
| Wake Windows | 3-5 hours |
| Number of Naps | 1-2 |
| Nap Duration | 1-2 hours |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of naps for 14-month-olds
Naps are an essential part of a 14-month-old's routine. While it is common for toddlers to drop one of their two naps around 10 to 18 months, it is still important for them to get enough sleep during the day.
At 14 months, toddlers need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes nighttime sleep and naps. The number of naps a 14-month-old takes can vary, with some toddlers still taking two naps and others transitioning to one. For those taking two naps, the wake window is typically between 3 and 4 hours, while for those taking one nap, it is between 4 and 6 hours.
Naps are beneficial for a toddler's brain development and memory consolidation. Research has shown that frequent naps allow infants to consolidate specific memories and also enable a more generalized memory that is important for learning. Naps also contribute to a toddler's overall sleep quality and can help regulate their sleep patterns, making it easier for them to sleep through the night.
To encourage healthy sleep patterns, it is important to establish and stick to a bedtime routine. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping nighttime visits short, and providing a soothing environment before bedtime. It is also beneficial to expose toddlers to sunlight during the day and avoid overstimulating activities at night.
By ensuring that their 14-month-old gets enough naps and establishing healthy sleep habits, parents can promote their child's overall development and well-being.
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How to establish a bedtime routine
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day, including one or two daytime naps. The transition from two naps to one usually happens between 10 and 18 months, but it depends on the baby's needs and the family's schedule. If your 14-month-old is still taking two naps, wake windows should be between 3 and 4 hours. For those taking one nap, wake windows should be between 4 and 6 hours.
- Consistency is key: Pay attention to your toddler's sleep cues (such as fussiness and yawning) and stick to a routine. A regular bedtime routine helps your child wind down at the end of the day and get ready for sleep.
- Find the right bedtime: Bedtime for a 14-month-old typically falls between 7:00 and 9:00 pm. However, you should take cues from your child to figure out the best bedtime for them. If they are fighting sleep, it may be a sign that bedtime is too early or too late.
- Create a calming environment: Dim the lights and reduce noise levels to make your toddler's room a comfortable and calming place for sleep.
- Follow a relaxing routine: A warm bath, a bedtime story, and a massage are all great ways to help your toddler relax and signal that bedtime is approaching. Philadelphia researchers found that a 3-step bedtime routine of bath, massage, and quiet cuddling or singing a lullaby led to children falling asleep faster and sleeping longer.
- Use transitional objects: Loveys, such as a blankie or a teddy bear, can provide comfort and help your toddler feel secure as they transition to sleep.
- Address physical needs: Disrupted sleep may be the only sign that your baby isn't feeling well. If your baby is refusing sleep or waking up at night, consider taking them to the pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues.
- Gradually adjust wake windows: As your baby gets older, their wake windows need to lengthen. Add a few minutes to each wake window gradually to prevent overtiredness.
- Limit screen time: Time spent with screens, such as TV or tablets, can disrupt your toddler's sleep. Instead, encourage outdoor play and healthy habits during the day to promote better sleep at night.
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The impact of screen time on sleep
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of total sleep every day. Some babies this age still need two naps, while others have transitioned to one nap. For babies still taking two naps, wake windows are between 3 and 4 hours. For those taking one nap, wake windows are between 4 and 6 hours.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies and young children avoid exposure to all screens, except for video chats, until they are 18 to 24 months old. However, many babies and toddlers have regular screen exposure. One study found that children under 2 years old spend an average of 49 minutes a day using screens, with a third of them watching TV or videos daily.
Excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's sleep in several ways. Firstly, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult for children to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, the constant stimulation and exposure to diverse content can contribute to increased anxiety and overstimulation, making it harder for children to wind down and relax before bed.
Research has shown that increased screen exposure is associated with reduced sleep duration and quality. In one study, every minute of daytime touchscreen use by 13-month-olds resulted in one minute of lost nighttime sleep. Another study found that for preschoolers, the tipping point was one hour of screen time per day, with each additional hour increasing the risk for sleep disorders by 12%.
Limiting screen time, especially before bedtime, can help improve sleep quality and duration. A targeted intervention of mobile phone restriction in the hour before bed resulted in earlier bedtimes and increased total sleep time for adolescents. Similarly, for children aged 6 and above, the AAP emphasizes consistent limits on screen time to foster a healthy relationship with screens and prevent negative impacts on physical health and sleep.
It is important for parents to prioritize digital downtime and encourage physical activities and social interactions, which are essential for a child's overall well-being. By setting rules and sticking to them, parents can help their children develop good sleep habits and improve their sleep quality.
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Sleep regression and how to handle it
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day, including one or two daytime naps. While some infants start sleeping through the night at around 5 or 6 months old, infants still get a significant portion of their total sleep from naps.
Sleep regression can occur at 14 months, although it is less common at this age. Sleep regression can manifest as your baby suddenly waking up at night, refusing to take naps, or waking up earlier.
- Consistency: Stay consistent while also being responsive to your baby's needs. Ask yourself, "What is the least amount of intervention I can provide while still meeting their needs?"
- Independent sleep skills: If your baby has independent sleep skills, give them some time and space to put themselves to sleep or back to sleep. If they are unable to do so, try providing comforting words or going into their room to reassure them. You can also try rubbing their back or using comforting bum pats.
- Tiered approach: Increase your level of intervention gradually until you have met your baby's needs.
- Healthy sleep habits: Sleep regression can be an opportunity to work on healthy sleep habits. Consistency is key during sleep regression, and a sleep training plan can help your baby get the sleep they need to support healthy development.
- Stimulation during the day: As babies get older, they need and want more stimulation. Encourage your baby to use their new physical skills, such as walking or climbing stairs, with supervision. Singing songs, reading books, and playing with blocks can also provide stimulation and help develop new skills.
- Wake windows: Before making any changes to your baby's routine, consider their wake windows and ensure they have enough time to move their body and explore. Playing during active wake time is crucial for sleep.
- Environment: Create a comfortable sleep environment for your baby. Check for noise levels, and ensure the room is dark enough to prevent early morning wakings. You can also place a few safe toys in the crib to keep your baby occupied in the morning.
- Nutrition: Ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition to support their growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 14-month-olds drink about 16 ounces of whole milk per day, preferably served with meals or a snack.
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How much milk should a 14-month-old drink?
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of total sleep every day, including one or two daytime naps. The wake windows for a 14-month-old baby can vary quite a bit. Some babies this age still need two naps, with wake windows between 3-4 hours, while others have transitioned to one nap, with wake windows between 4-6 hours. By the time they are 18 months old, most toddlers condense their two naps into one afternoon nap.
Now, let's talk about how much milk a 14-month-old should drink. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 14-month-old babies drink about 16 ounces of whole milk per day. However, it's important to ensure that your baby isn't filling up on milk alone. Serve milk with meals or a snack, and if you're transitioning from formula or breast milk to whole milk, do it gradually.
At 14 months, toddlers should be getting most of their nutrition from solid foods. They have small tummies, so serve foods packed with nutrients to support their growth and development. Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks, and limit 100% fruit juice to no more than 4 ounces per day, serving it in a cup rather than a bottle.
If your 14-month-old is still using a bottle, you may want to consider transitioning to a cup. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children completely transition from a bottle to a cup between 12 and 18 months. However, if giving milk in a bottle before bed is working for you and your baby, there's no rush to make a change. Just be sure to brush your baby's teeth after they drink milk at bedtime.
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Frequently asked questions
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day.
Some 14-month-old babies still need two naps, while others have transitioned to one nap.
For babies taking two naps, wake windows should be between 3 and 4 hours. For those taking one nap, wake windows are between 4 and 6 hours.
You can gradually increase the wake window between the morning and afternoon naps until they are ready to drop the morning nap altogether.
The best thing you can do is to establish and stick to a bedtime routine.
