19 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule

Now that your 19 month old has settled into a 1-nap schedule, you should find it easier to follow a predictable routine where naptime and bedtime occur around the same time each day. Regular bedtimes aren’t just easier for you to plan your evenings, but are incredibly beneficial for children. that irregular bedtimes are linked to difficulties such as hyperactivity, acting out, and being emotionally withdrawn.

IN THIS ARTICLE

How much should a 19 month old sleep?

At 19 months old, we’ll continue to aim for at least 13 hours of total sleep per day (11 - 12 hours at night and 2 - 3 hours of day sleep in 1 nap). Most children this age need 5 - 5.75 hours of awake time in between sleep periods.

[Note: for children who were born early, we go by their adjusted age for sleep development.]

Top sleep tip for 19 month olds

Busy toddlers often nap more easily if they’ve had the opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies beforehand. Incorporate some extra movement before naptime with a game of soccer outside, a dance party in the living room. Not only does it get them moving, you get to jam out to some of your favorite songs as well.

Sleep fact for 19 month old babies 

Transitioning away from the crib before 3 years of age can turn a great sleeper into a “jack in the box” toddler who pops out of bed frequently. Your 19 month old may surprise you with exciting new tricks regularly, but plan on keeping the crib until your child is developmentally ready to have the impulse control needed to stay in bed for the entire night. This typically falls around 3 years old, which is why it's recommended as a transition period.

Sample 19 month old sleep schedule

Note: Sleep needs vary by child and this chart should be viewed as an example.

Naptime schedule for a 19 month old

Hopefully by this point, you are past the and moving into a pretty predictable schedule.

How long should a 19 month old nap?

A 19 month old’s nap schedule should allow for 2 - 3 hours of daytime sleep, and 1 nap per day. Most toddlers need between 5 - 5.75 hours of awake time in between sleep periods at this age.

How many naps for a 19 month old?

Plan for 1 nap a day, typically 5 hours after waking in the morning. It’s important to offer lunch before the nap, to help ensure that your toddler doesn’t wake early asking for snacks. If they’re not eating much lunch (because hello, toddlers), try offering them a tried-and-true snack just before naptime to make sure they won’t be too hungry to fall asleep.

If your toddler is struggling to fall asleep at bedtime, consider whether the awake period between nap and bedtime is age-appropriate. Insufficient awake time before bed often leads to lots of playtime in the crib before eventually falling asleep, whereas overtired toddlers are more likely to cry.

1-nap schedule

1-nap schedule with short nap/early bedtime

Bedtime for a 19 month old

If your toddler is struggling to fall asleep at bedtime, consider whether the awake period between nap and bedtime is age-appropriate. Insufficient awake time before bed often leads to lots of playtime in the crib before eventually falling asleep, whereas overtired toddlers are more likely to cry.

What time should a 19 month old go to bed?

Ideally, your 19 month old will be getting 11 - 12 hours of sleep at night, so bedtime should be about 12 - 13 hours after waking in the morning, as long as they nap well. If your toddler takes a short nap, you’ll want to offer an earlier bedtime to help limit overtiredness, which often leads to shortened nighttime sleep - not to mention an early wake time that you definitely want to avoid.