18 Month Old Wake Windows & Sleep Schedule
An 18 month old usually stays awake for 5 to 6 hours around a single midday nap. This is also a common age for a sleep regression, often linked to teething, independence and big leaps in language.
- Wake window
- 5–6 hours
- Naps
- 1 a day
- Day sleep
- 1.5–2.5 h
- Night sleep
- 11–12 h
- Total in 24 h
- 11–14 h
Reviewed by Pediatric sleep consultant (TBC) · Updated 2026-09-25
Next nap for your 18 month old
Next nap
12:00 pm
after 5 h awake · typical 5–6 hours
See the whole day
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 12:00 pm Nap 1 · until 1:45 pm
- 7:45 pm Bedtime
Get a reminder before 12:00 pm. The Wake Windows app pings you when the window is closing and re-plans the day when naps run short.
Sample schedules
18 month old sleep schedule
These schedules use 1 nap and wake windows that lengthen from 5 h in the morning to 6 h before bed. Pick the one closest to your baby's wake-up time and shift it by the difference.
Up at 6:00 am
- 6:00 am Morning wake-up
- 11:00 am Nap 1 · until 12:45 pm
- 6:45 pm Bedtime
Up at 7:00 am
- 7:00 am Morning wake-up
- 12:00 pm Nap 1 · until 1:45 pm
- 7:45 pm Bedtime
Up at 8:00 am
- 8:00 am Morning wake-up
- 1:00 pm Nap 1 · until 2:45 pm
- 8:45 pm Bedtime
How 18 month old wake windows change through the day
The first wake window of the day is the shortest. Each one after a nap gets a little longer, with the longest just before bedtime:
| Window | Length |
|---|---|
| First window (after morning wake-up) | 5 h |
| Last window (before bedtime) | 6 h |
What's changing for your 18 month old
- The 18-month regression can bring bedtime battles and night waking.
- Canine teeth often come through between 16 and 22 months.
- Toddlers may climb, so check crib height and safety.
- Nap length of 1½–2½ hours is typical.
What comes next
At 2 years wake windows stay around 5–6 hours on 1 nap. Most children keep a nap until at least age 3.
Wake windows around 18 months
Guides for 18 months
Questions about 18 month old wake windows
What are wake windows for an 18 month old?
About 5 to 6 hours before and after the nap.
What is the 18 month sleep regression?
A phase of bedtime resistance and night waking driven by independence, separation anxiety and teething. It often eases in 2 to 6 weeks with a consistent routine.
How long should an 18 month old nap?
About 1½ to 2½ hours, usually starting around midday.
Is my 18 month old ready to drop their nap?
Almost certainly not. Most children need a daily nap until at least age 3.