20 month old sleep schedule: Bedtime and nap schedule

Is your 20 month old’s bedtime later than you feel it should be at this age? As your toddler gets closer to 2 years of age, you’ll find that their wake windows are lengthening. As a result, it’s common for bedtime to get later, which can be surprising - and let’s face it, sometimes tough - if you’ve started to enjoy your kid-free evening hours.

IN THIS ARTICLE

How much should a 20 month old sleep?

At 20 months old, 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 need 5 - 5.75 hours of awake time in between sleep periods at this age.

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

Top sleep tip for 20 month olds

As toddlers gain more independence, you may find they start taking a looong time making choices. They want to do everything themselves! (Regardless of, you know, actual capabilities at this age.) If you find that your during your bedtime routine, it can help to offer definitive choices. Consider options like, “Do you want to wear the red pajamas or the blue ones?” or, “Would you like to brush your teeth or wash your face first?” This can help children feel in control while also ensuring more cooperation at bedtime.

Sleep fact for 20 month old babies 

Some toddlers this age will suddenly start to protest at bedtime due to rearing its head again. Consider experimenting with leaving their bedroom door open, or introducing a night light. These measures can help make your toddler feel more secure at bedtime, while still maintaining healthy independent sleep habits (a.k.a. you don’t have to spend an hour trying to silently creep out of their room after helping them fall asleep).

Sample 20 month old sleep schedule

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

Naptime schedule for a 20 month old

A typical naptime schedule for 20 months old should include a nap in the middle of the day approximately 5 hours after waking for the day. If you’d like a more predictable nap schedule, consider waking your child within the same 30 minute window each day.

How long should a 20 month old nap?

A 20 month old's nap schedule should allow for 2 - 3 hours of day sleep during 1 nap. Most toddlers need between 5 - 5.75 hours of awake time in between sleep periods at this age.

How many naps for a 20 month old?

Aim for 1 midday nap, with naptime typically 5 hours after waking in the morning. Be sure to offer lunch before the nap, so your toddler doesn’t wake up early because they’re hungry. 

If your child is struggling to make it to bedtime without becoming overtired, consider moving bedtime earlier (but no earlier than 6:00 PM).

Here are some examples of what your day may look like at this age:

1-nap schedule

1-nap schedule with short nap/early bedtime

Bedtime for a 20 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 20 month old go to bed?

Ideally, your 20 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 your child naps well). If your toddler takes a short nap, offer an earlier bedtime in order to limit overtiredness, which often leads to shortened nighttime sleep.