21 Month Old Wake Windows & Sleep Schedule
Most 21 month olds take one nap of 1½ to 2 hours with 5 to 6 hours awake on either side. Bedtime stalling is a classic at this age, and a short, predictable routine with clear limits keeps evenings on track.
- Wake window
- 5–6 hours
- Naps
- 1 a day
- Day sleep
- 1.5–2 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 21 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
21 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 21 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 21 month old
- Stalling tactics (one more hug, one more drink) peak around now.
- A visual routine chart helps toddlers know what comes next.
- Climbing attempts increase; keep the crib free of anything to stand on.
- Some toddlers wake early; a slightly later bedtime or shorter nap can help.
What comes next
From 22 months to 2 years, wake windows stay around 5–6 hours. Many families start thinking about the move to a toddler bed, which is usually easier closer to 3.
Wake windows around 21 months
Guides for 21 months
Questions about 21 month old wake windows
How long should a 21 month old be awake?
About 5 to 6 hours before and after the nap.
How long should a 21 month old nap?
About 1½ to 2 hours.
How do I stop my 21 month old stalling at bedtime?
Build the extra requests into the routine (one drink, two books), then give a calm, consistent goodnight.
What time should a 21 month old go to bed?
Between 7 and 8 pm.