Evie Summers
A 20-month-old toddler's sleep schedule can be tricky to navigate. At this age, toddlers are developing fast, and their relationship with sleep changes quite a bit. While some toddlers are ready to transition to one nap a day, others may still need two shorter naps. Most toddlers need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including a one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. An ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 7 pm and 8 pm, with a consistent bedtime routine to help them wind down and prepare for sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of naps | 1-2 |
| Total sleep per 24 hours | 11-14 hours |
| Nighttime sleep | 10-12 hours |
| Midday nap | 1.5-3 hours |
| Bedtime | 6:00-8:00 pm |
| Transition to toddler bed | 2-4 years |
| Separation anxiety | Reassure and use comfort toys |
| Sleep regression | Temporary, lasts 1-2 weeks |
| Sleep coaching | Helpful for sleep schedule |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
A 20-month-old should sleep 11-14 hours in 24 hours
A 20-month-old baby is classified as a toddler and should be getting 11-14 hours of sleep in 24 hours. This can be broken down into 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 1-2 hours of daytime sleep during their midday nap.
Toddlers thrive on routine, so a consistent bedtime routine is key to ensuring your 20-month-old is getting enough sleep. The ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm, with some sources suggesting that sleep before 8:00 pm can help your toddler stay asleep during the night. A bedtime routine typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and includes activities such as singing lullabies, reading a bedtime story, or having a cuddle.
It's important to watch your toddler closely for signs that they may be under-tired or overtired. If your toddler is struggling to settle at night, consider adjusting their awake period before bed. If they take too long to wind down, try extending their last wake window. If they seem overtired, consider shortening it.
Separation anxiety is common in toddlers, and there are ways to help soothe your toddler if they are experiencing this. You can reassure them that you're in the other room and will check on them in a set amount of time. Games such as peek-a-boo reinforce the fact that you'll always return to your baby. Toddlers over 12 months can also sleep with comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blankie.
Your 20-month-old may be ready for longer wake windows and may not be tired enough by bedtime. On the other hand, they may be overtired if their nap was short or refused.
Washing an Old Army Sleeping Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
An ideal bedtime is between 7-8 pm
An ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 7 pm and 8 pm. This is the ideal time for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. If your toddler's bedtime falls outside of this range and they are sleeping well, there is no need to worry about making changes. However, if their bedtime is after 8 pm, their overnight sleep may be more disrupted.
If your 20-month-old is waking during the night or before 6 am, try moving their bedtime earlier for a couple of weeks to see if that helps. You can also try moving bedtime earlier, to around 6 pm to 6:30 pm, if they are having trouble staying asleep. This is especially true if they have recently transitioned to one nap a day or are sick.
It is important to remember that all toddlers are different, and you should use your best judgment as a parent when setting your child's sleep schedule. A consistent bedtime routine can be helpful for toddlers, as it gives them a sense of structure and familiarity. This routine can include activities such as singing lullabies, reading a story, or having a cuddle before bed.
Sleep coaching can also be beneficial in guiding your toddler's sleep towards a consistent schedule. It is normal for 20-month-olds to experience sleep regression, which can be due to teething pain, separation anxiety, or shifts in their sleep patterns. Maintaining a daytime routine and revisiting sleep coaching methods can help with sleep regression. Additionally, offering acceptable choices during the nighttime routine, such as choosing a bedtime story or pajamas, can give your toddler a sense of control and make it easier for them to settle down.
How Much Sleep Does Your 6-Week-Old Need?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Separation anxiety can cause sleep issues
A 20-month-old baby should be sleeping for about 2 hours during the day and 11 to 12 hours at night. The ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old baby is between 7 pm and 8 pm. However, if your baby is experiencing separation anxiety, their sleep may be impacted.
Separation anxiety is a normal part of a baby's development. It often occurs when babies learn "object permanence", or that even if something is out of sight, it still exists. This can make them nervous whenever they lose sight of their caregiver. Separation anxiety can also occur when babies start to distinguish between adults they know and strangers, making them more anxious around unfamiliar people.
When separation anxiety impacts sleep, it can cause a variety of issues. Your baby may cry when you leave the room at bedtime or wake up crying multiple times throughout the night. They may also start resisting sleep or taking shorter naps. Separation anxiety can lead to a sleep regression, which is a sudden and significant decline in sleep patterns. This may manifest as more frequent wakings overnight, early morning wakings, or skipped naps.
If your 20-month-old is experiencing separation anxiety, there are several strategies you can use to help them manage their sleep:
- Reassurance: Let your baby know that you're just in the other room and will check on them in a set amount of time. Follow through on your promise to check on them.
- Peek-a-boo: Playing games like peek-a-boo reinforces the idea that you'll always come back to your baby.
- Comfort items: Your baby is now over 12 months old, so they can sleep with comfort items such as blankies or stuffed animals.
- Consistent bedtime routine: Having a consistent bedtime routine can help make the transition from playtime to sleep time easier for your toddler.
- Sleep coaching: Maintaining or revisiting your sleep coaching routine can help address sleep issues caused by separation anxiety.
- Mattress in the room: If you're desperate for sleep, consider bringing a mattress into your baby's room temporarily. This can help both of you get some rest without the risks associated with co-sleeping.
Sleepwear for Your Toddler's First Birthday
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A consistent bedtime routine helps
A 20-month-old toddler should sleep for about 12 hours at night and take a nap lasting 1 to 3 hours during the day. An ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 7 pm and 8 pm.
A bedtime routine can include singing a gentle song, having a cuddle, or reading a story before naps. You could also introduce a visual timer or bedtime chart if your toddler has a hard time with transitions.
It is important to keep the routine consistent on weekends as well as during the week. A consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers develop healthy habits and a positive attitude towards sleep.
Sleep coaching can help guide your toddler's sleep toward a consistent bedtime routine. It can also help toddlers who are experiencing sleep regression or other sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, separation anxiety, and frequent night wakings.
Understanding Your Baby's Nighttime Tears
You may want to see also
Explore related products
One nap a day is recommended
By the time your baby is 20 months old, they will likely be down to one nap a day. This nap should last around 2 to 3 hours, with a total daytime sleep of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The morning can include a fun activity like a playdate or a visit to the playground, followed by lunch and then the midday nap. After the nap, your toddler can engage in more activities in the afternoon if they feel up to it.
It is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your toddler feel ready for sleep and settle more easily. The ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 7 and 8 pm, with a bedtime routine lasting 30 to 45 minutes. However, if your toddler is taking longer than 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep, you may need to adjust their awake period before bedtime to ensure they are tired enough but not overtired.
Separation anxiety is a common issue at this age, and it can impact your toddler's sleep. To help ease their anxiety, reassure them that you're nearby and will check in on them in a set amount of time. Games like peek-a-boo can also help reinforce the idea that you'll always come back. Additionally, your toddler can now sleep with comfort items such as a stuffed animal or a blanket, which can provide extra reassurance.
Sleep regressions are also common at this age and typically last for 1 to 2 weeks. To navigate these regressions with minimal disruptions, maintain a consistent approach to sleep and keep your toddler active during the day. Remember that every child is unique, and it's important to use your best judgment when setting their sleep schedule.
Battling Bedtime: Why Your Toddler Resists Sleep
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A 20-month-old should get about 12 hours of sleep per 24 hours. This includes 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep and 1.5-2.5 hours of daytime sleep during their midday nap.
The ideal bedtime for a 20-month-old is between 7 pm and 8 pm. Having a consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.
You can help your toddler settle into sleep by having a quiet, consistent pre-nap routine. For example, you could sing a gentle song, have a cuddle, or read a story before naps. It’s also good to make sure your toddler has daytime naps in their cot or bed.
Some common sleep problems for 20-month-olds include difficulty falling asleep, separation anxiety, frequent night wakings, nightmares, and night terrors. Sleep regression can also occur, which is usually the residual effects of the 18-month sleep regression.
