Why does my 16-month-old only nap for an hour?!?!

If you are reading this because you are asking yourself the same question, please keep on reading for tips to help your 16month old to sleep better, ensure they are getting the appropriate total sleep need for day and night and tips to ensure you are setting them up for sleep success.

16 months can be a bit tricky. There are so many developmental changes that is happening and sometimes it can be difficult to understand if your babe is ready for one nap a day or they are still needing two naps and just protesting. Below I outline the total sleep needs. Just know that if your total sleep needs are in line for a 24 hour period it is ok to stick with two naps or if your baby has transitioned to one nap. Both are developmentally on track.

Sleep Needs for a 16-Month-Old

This age requires a total of 11 hours to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Some 16-month-old thrive off 11 hours of total sleep while others must get their full 14 hours to feel rested. Each child is unique. Below is an outline of a 16-month-old sleep needs.

Nighttime Sleep:

The goal is 10-12 hours of total consecutive sleep without any night waking, feedings, etc. This will allow for restorative sleep for their growing bodies and minds.

Naps:

Like said above, this age can be tricky. This is where you do see the nap transition from two to one. It could have already taken place, or your babe may be on two naps and holding on or they may be ready to drop their second nap. If you are struggling with naps, and you are still trying for 2 naps per day, it is likely time to drop a nap at this age.

If your toddler is on two naps a day, the morning nap tends to be longer and there is a usual cat nap in the afternoon that will help with that stretch to nighttime. Total of daytime sleep should be anywhere from 1-3 hours.

Establishing a 16-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule

A consistent sleep schedule is key to helping your 16-month-old sleep well and develop healthy sleep habits. Here’s a sample sleep schedule that you can use as a starting point, but remember that flexibility is essential to adapt to your child’s unique needs:

Wake up at 7:30 AM.

Nap at 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Start nighttime routine at 7:00pm

Bedtime 7:30pm

Other things to consider:

If you are still struggling with short naps and the total sleep time is not inline, try adjusting your schedule up 30 minutes. When making a schedule change give it a few days so your baby can adjust.

Nighttime sleep affects daytime sleep and daytime sleep affects nighttime sleep. If one is out of Wack, the other will likely be affected.

Check your environment. Is it too hot or too cold during the day?

How is your nap routine? Keep it like your nighttime routine to signal to your baby it is time for sleep.

Are you providing a dark enough environment? Invest in black out curtains or window shades. Or you could be like me and have both! (better dark than sorry!)

And of course, ensure your baby has the skills to sleep independently and doesn’t rely on anything external to fall asleep! (rocking, nursing, patting, etc.)