Evie Summers
Sleep is critical to a child's overall health and development. The amount of sleep a 14-month-old needs can vary, but it's typically recommended that they get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. Some 14-month-olds may still be taking two naps a day, while others may have transitioned to one afternoon nap. This transition usually occurs between 14 and 18 months, and it's important to remain consistent with any healthy sleep habits your child has.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Sleep in a 24-hour period | 11-14 hours |
| Number of naps | 1-2 |
| Total daytime sleep | 2-3 hours |
| Time of bedtime | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM |
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What You'll Learn
Transitioning to one nap
At 14 months, some toddlers are ready to transition to one nap a day. However, this transition can be rather confusing as it differs from child to child. While some toddlers are ready to transition to one nap a day at 14 months, others will continue to need two naps a day.
The transition from two to one nap usually occurs between 14 and 18 months. However, some toddlers may transition earlier, and some might not be ready until they are closer to 18 months or even later.
The transition period can be challenging, and it can take a few weeks or even a month for toddlers to adjust to staying awake for 5+ hours at a time. During this period, you might observe some 2-nap days and 1-nap days. On days with one nap, consider moving bedtime earlier to limit overtiredness.
- They consistently show signs of being ready to drop a nap for 1-2 weeks. These signs could include night wakings, early morning wakings, and short naps.
- They are consistently getting less than 10 hours of sleep per night on a two-nap schedule. Transitioning to one nap may help lengthen night sleep.
- They are having trouble falling asleep at naptime and/or bedtime.
- They are happy and playful in the late morning as they start to skip their post-breakfast nap.
- They are showing consistent changes in sleep patterns.
- Focus on active awake time in the morning. Engage your toddler in activities to lengthen the morning wake window.
- Continue with a nap-time routine. A predictable nap-time routine sets your toddler up for a restorative nap.
- If the nap ends earlier than expected, consider an early bedtime to prevent overtiredness.
- Be prepared for some bumpy sleep during the transition.
- If your toddler starts waking too early and seems overtired, go back to two naps for a month or two before trying again.
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Sleep regression
A 14-month-old baby typically needs 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including one or two daytime naps. Some babies at this age are ready to transition to one nap, while others will still need two.
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Crying when beginning the bedtime routine
- Taking longer than usual to fall asleep
- Screaming when being laid down or when you enter the room
- Refusing to nap or taking shorter naps
- Waking up earlier than usual
This regression is often linked to significant developmental milestones, such as advancements in walking, language, and emotional skills. It is also associated with increased separation anxiety, as toddlers are better able to understand the concept of object permanence. This may manifest as crying when you leave the room or standing in the crib and fighting sleep.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent approach to sleep. Stick to a predictable bedtime routine, as this provides a sense of security and stability for your toddler.
- Daytime practice: Encourage your toddler to practice walking and engaging in physical activities during the day to reduce their need to practice these skills at night.
- Safe sleep environment: Ensure the crib is adjusted to its lowest setting and use appropriate sleepwear, such as a sleep sack, to deter crib climbing.
- Spatial awareness: Stay close and gently tap the rails of the crib to help your toddler understand their surroundings and reduce the likelihood of falls.
- Transition practice: Encourage your toddler to learn how to transition from standing to sitting on their own, rather than always laying them down.
- Games: Play games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek to help your toddler explore object permanence and understand that you are present even when out of sight.
- Avoid sneaking away: Clearly announce when you are leaving the room and reassure your toddler that you will return. Sneaking away can exacerbate separation anxiety.
- Handle 'fetch' games: If your toddler throws their lovey or other items out of the crib, calmly return the item once and explain that it won't be given back if thrown again.
- Nighttime visits: If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, provide brief and quiet reassurance that everything is okay and you are close by. Avoid too much interaction, as it can disrupt sleep further.
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Total sleep time
The total sleep time for a 14-month-old baby should be around 12 to 15 hours in a 24-hour period. This includes nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
At this age, some toddlers take two naps per day, while others transition to one nap. Those who stick to two naps usually have one nap that is longer than the other, with at least one of them being an hour or longer to ensure restorative sleep. For those transitioning to one nap, it is important to ensure your toddler gets enough sleep and doesn't become overtired. This may take some time to adjust, and you may see some days with one nap and some with two during this transition.
The transition from two to one nap usually occurs between 10 and 18 months. You will know your baby is ready to transition when they show signs of being fussy about taking the morning nap, waking up very early, or staying up too late. Once they drop the morning nap, they will need approximately 5 hours of awake time before their afternoon nap to ensure they are tired but not overtired.
It is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine to encourage healthy sleep patterns. A positive bedtime routine will help your toddler feel ready for sleep and settle more easily when they wake up during the night. Most toddlers are ready for bed between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm, with a sweet spot of 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Remember that sleep needs vary by child, and this advice should be viewed as a general guideline.
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Daytime sleep duration
Some 14-month-old babies may be transitioning from two naps to one. This transition typically occurs between 10 and 18 months and is influenced by the child's needs and family schedule. During this transition, it is common to have a mix of one-nap and two-nap days. On days with one nap, consider moving bedtime earlier, ideally not before 6:00 pm, to prevent overtiredness.
For 14-month-olds taking two naps, aim for at least one nap to be an hour or longer to ensure restorative sleep. Naps shorter than 30 minutes may not be beneficial, and naps longer than two hours may impact nighttime sleep.
When transitioning to one nap, look for signs that your baby is ready. These signs may include waking up very early, resisting the morning nap, or staying up too late. Additionally, if your baby consistently shows signs of being ready to drop a nap for 1-2 weeks, they may be ready for the transition.
It is important to note that the sleep needs of 14-month-olds vary, and some may still need two naps per day. A consistent approach to sleep and a positive bedtime routine can help keep your baby's sleep on track during this transitional period.
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Bedtime routines
A 14-month-old baby typically needs 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps. The transition from two naps to one usually occurs between 14 and 18 months.
Be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule and routine as much as possible. This will help your baby develop healthy sleep habits and make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Create a bedtime routine
Establish a calming and consistent bedtime routine that works for your family. This might include activities such as a warm bath, a gentle massage, reading books, singing lullabies, or quiet cuddling. Some parents find success with a bedtime routine chart, which can be a helpful visual reminder for toddlers and add a sense of predictability to the bedtime routine.
Offer choices
Involve your toddler in the bedtime routine by offering them choices. For example, you could ask them whether they want to read a particular book or wear a specific colour of pyjamas. This gives them a sense of control and makes them feel like their opinions are valued.
Set boundaries
While it's important to offer choices, it's also crucial to set boundaries, especially around the timing of bedtime. Be firm about the established bedtime, and don't give in to resistance or tantrums. This will help your toddler understand the importance of sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.
Involve both caregivers
If your toddler has a favoured caregiver, it can be helpful to involve both caregivers in the sleep routine. Start by having the less favoured caregiver take over specific parts of the routine, such as bathing or reading books. Gradually, the favoured caregiver can leave the room for short periods while the other caregiver puts the child to bed.
Transition to one nap
Keep an eye out for signs that your 14-month-old is ready to transition from two naps to one. This might include consistently resisting one of the naps or showing signs of being able to stay awake for longer periods. Remember that this transition may take a few weeks, and it's normal to have a mix of one-nap and two-nap days during this adjustment period.
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Frequently asked questions
A 14-month-old baby should get between 11 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
Some 14-month-olds will take two naps per day, while others will transition to one nap. The transition usually occurs between 14 and 18 months.
Each nap should be 1.5 to 2 hours long. If your baby is taking two naps, one of them should be an hour or longer.
A good bedtime for a 14-month-old is between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
It's important to be consistent with any healthy sleep habits your baby has. You can also try a positive bedtime routine, such as a warm bath and a bedtime story. Make sure your baby's room is quiet and comfortable, and limit screen time.
