Evie Summers
A 14-month-old baby typically needs 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including daytime naps of 1 to 3 hours. Some babies this age still need two naps, while others have transitioned to one nap. Around 14 months, your child may show signs of needing another nap transition, or they may not. This period can be confusing as you try to figure out if they're truly ready to transition to one nap and how to adjust their bedtime accordingly. A simple and consistent bedtime routine is a parent's best bet for getting a sleepy toddler snugly into bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of naps | 1-2 |
| Total sleep | 11-14 hours |
| Daytime sleep | 1-3 hours |
| Bedtime | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM |
| Sleep training | Cry it out, gradual, fast |
| Separation anxiety | Common |
| Nighttime awakenings | Common |
| Nighttime fears | Common |
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What You'll Learn
Transitioning from two to one nap
The transition from two to one nap typically happens between 12 and 18 months, although some children may not be ready until they are 18 months old or even a little later. It is uncommon for a child younger than 12 months to transition to one nap.
The transition period can be rather confusing for parents as they try to figure out if their child is ready to give up one of their naps. If your child is showing some of the following signs for at least one to two weeks, they may be ready to transition:
- 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 waking up early in the morning and seem overtired all day.
During the transition, the morning nap is gradually shifted later and later in the day, which pushes the afternoon nap later and shortens it until it is dropped completely. The remaining nap should be in the middle of the day, with about 4-6 hours on either side of the nap. This transition period can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month, with the child bouncing back and forth between one and two naps.
If your child switches to one nap but seems overtired, go back to two naps for a month or two before trying again. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the transition may look different for each child.
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Sleep regression
Causes of Sleep Regression in 14-Month-Olds
Another factor contributing to sleep regression is the transition from two naps to one. Some 14-month-olds may be ready to make this transition, while others may still need that second nap. This can cause confusion for parents and disrupt the established sleep schedule.
Teething can also play a role in sleep disruptions during this time, as those first-year molars start to come in. This can be a temporary issue, but it can still impact sleep patterns.
Coping Strategies for Sleep Regression
- Encourage daytime physical activity: Provide ample opportunities for your toddler to practice walking and engaging in physical activities during the day. This can reduce their need to be active at night, leading to more restful sleep.
- Foster a safe sleep environment: Ensure the crib mattress is in the lowest position to prevent climbing out, and consider using a sleep sack to deter crib climbing. Also, be mindful of spatial awareness by gently tapping the rails and talking about their position.
- Consistency and routine: Maintain a consistent and predictable bedtime routine. This provides a sense of security and stability, making the transition to sleep easier.
- Use a visual timer: Implement a visual timer to help your toddler prepare for transitions, such as moving from playtime to bedtime. Explain that when the timer goes off, it's time for the bedtime routine.
- Address separation anxiety: Respond to your toddler's separation anxiety by providing extra comfort during the day, such as cuddles and kisses. Keep bedtime as normal as possible, and consider introducing a comfort object ("lovey") to help your child feel safe and secure.
- Manage teething discomfort: To minimise the impact of teething on sleep, address the discomfort with appropriate remedies, such as teething rings or pain relief medications recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Manage expectations: Recognise that this phase is a normal part of your toddler's development and independence. Their burgeoning sense of independence might make them more assertive, which can make bedtime challenging. Remember that this is not necessarily indicative of problematic behaviour.
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Separation anxiety
There are several strategies that parents can use to help their children through separation anxiety:
- Nurture the parent-child bond, but also set clear boundaries.
- Try not to be anxious or sad at bedtime, as children often mirror their parents' emotions. Instead, be comforting, hug, and kiss them, but also smile and confidently say, "Good night! I'll see you in the morning!"
- Teach them that their crib is a happy place by interacting with them in the crib after they wake up in the morning or after naps.
- Introduce a comfort object or "lovey", such as a small stuffed toy or blanket, to help your child feel safe and secure.
- Spend awake time in your child's room to remind them that it is a safe space.
- Play games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek to help your child understand the concept of object permanence.
- Practice planned separation by having the other parent or a caregiver do bedtime, or supervise your child from across the room or just outside of their view.
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Environmental factors
An infant's sleep patterns are influenced by various environmental factors. One crucial factor is the sleep environment itself. Creating a conducive sleep environment involves maintaining a cool, dark, and quiet space. This means avoiding excessive light and noise, which can disrupt sleep or make it difficult for your child to fall asleep independently.
Another factor is the bedtime routine. Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine is essential for signalling to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine should be age-appropriate and may include activities such as a warm bath, reading books, singing lullabies, or having quiet conversations. Consistency in the bedtime routine helps regulate your child's sleep-wake cycle and promotes better sleep.
Daily activities and stimulation also play a role in your child's sleep. Ensuring that your 14-month-old gets enough physical activity and stimulation during the day can help improve their sleep at night. Engage them in age-appropriate play and encourage exploration and active play to tire them out healthily. However, avoid overly stimulating activities close to bedtime, as this can make it challenging for them to settle down for sleep.
Additionally, consider the impact of screen time. Excessive exposure to screens, including televisions, tablets, and smartphones, can disrupt your child's sleep. It is recommended to limit screen time, especially before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by these devices can You may want to see also At 14 months, your baby is likely to be more independent and mobile. This can lead to changes in their sleep patterns and needs. Some 14-month-olds may need more awake time between naps or increased activity during their awake time. Some may be ready to transition to one nap a day, while others may still need two. Consistency is Key Gaining the ability to fall asleep independently is like mastering any other new skill. Be consistent with your sleep training approach and give your child plenty of opportunities to practice falling asleep on their own. Remember that it's normal to hit a few bumps along the way. Well-Timed Bedtime A well-timed bedtime can help reduce bedtime struggles. If your 14-month-old is taking two naps a day, they typically need 3-4 hours of awake time before bed to be sufficiently tired. Older babies and toddlers who only need one nap may require 5-6 hours of awake time. Gradual Approaches Gradual approaches to sleep training may take longer, but they can still be effective. The "fading technique" is one such method. For example, if your child usually falls asleep while feeding, you can start by rocking them to sleep instead, then gradually reduce the rocking until they can fall asleep independently in their crib. The "chair method" is another gradual technique where you sit by your child's crib while they fall asleep, gradually moving further away until you can leave the room before they fall asleep. Simple and Consistent Bedtime Routine A simple and consistent bedtime routine can help get your toddler snugly into bed. This could include a warm bath, a bedtime story, or other relaxing activities. Keep the routine consistent and not too long. Address Nighttime Awakenings If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, provide quick and quiet reassurance that you are close by. Too much interaction can backfire, so keep your nighttime visits brief. You can also address potential disruptions, such as noise from another room or temperature control. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. The ideal method will depend on your child's temperament, your parenting style, and your consistency. If you're unsure, consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist for personalized advice. You may want to see also A 14-month-old baby should get between 10 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps of 1 to 3 hours. Some 14-month-olds will need two naps to reach this total sleep time, while others will transition to one nap. There are several reasons why a 14-month-old may start waking up at night. This could be due to separation anxiety, teething, or sleep regression. Sleep regression can occur when a child is going through a period of high growth and development, and it can result in disrupted sleep patterns. To improve your 14-month-old's sleep, you can establish a consistent bedtime routine. This may include activities such as a warm bath, a bedtime story, or singing a song. Additionally, creating a calm sleep environment by limiting screen time and reducing noise can help.Traveling with a 7-Month-Old: Where Should They Sleep?
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Frequently asked questions
