Your Toddler’s Schedule

This article outlines the average toddler schedule, including feedings, naps and night sleep. If your toddler is having trouble napping, you may be interested in my toddler nap tips. And, for good ideas on feeding your toddler, check out Wholesome Toddler Food. You may also want to encourage your toddler to get involved in his routine by teaching him to tell time with this Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorting Clock.

 
 
Two Nap Schedule | One Nap Schedule | No Nap Schedule

Toddler Schedules – General Info

At this age, your toddler should be sleeping through the night, with no night feedings. Obviously, all babies vary, but here are some rough schedules you can use to make your own for your unique baby.

I think of a “toddler” as a 1-3 year old, which is a wide range. Sleep needs change in that time-frame. While your one year old may be sleeping 12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day made up of 2 naps, on average, your three year old is likely starting to transition into not napping all together and will do so most likely before the age of four. At 2 years old, the average amount of sleep drops to between 12 and 12 1/2 hours in 24 hours, including just one afternoon nap. The average age for a toddler to transition to just one nap is 15-18 months. Transitioning too soon can have disastrous results with a very cranky toddler.

This article will give an example of 3 different types of schedules, 2 naps, 1 nap and no naps.

Toddler Schedule – Two Naps

7:00 – Wake
7:00/7:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – Light snack if she needs it
10:00 – Morning Nap (at least 1 hour)
11:30/12:00 – Lunch
2:00 – Afternoon Nap (at least 1 hour)
3:30 – Afternoon Snack
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Begin bedtime routine
7:00 – Bedtime

Toddler Schedule – One Nap

7:00 – Wake
7:00/7:30 – Breakfast
9:00 – Light snack if she needs it
11:00 – Lunch
12:00 – Nap (at least 1 hour)
3:30 – Afternoon Snack
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Begin bedtime routine
7:00 – Bedtime

Toddler Schedule – No Naps

7:00 – Wake
7:00/7:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – Light snack if she needs it
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Quiet/Rest time (45 minutes to 1 hour)
3:30 – Afternoon Snack
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Begin bedtime routine
7:00 – Bedtime

If your toddler is waking too early or going to bed too late, you may be interested in shifting his schedule.

If you’re looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleeping routine during the day, I encourage you to explore Mastering Naps and Schedules, a comprehensive guide to napping routines, nap transitions, and all the other important “how-tos” of good baby sleep. With over 40 sample sleep schedules and planning worksheets, Mastering Naps and Schedules is a hands-on tool ideal for any parenting style. For those persistent nighttime struggles, check out Help Your Child Sleep, a Step-by-Step Guide. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night. Or, join our Members Area packed with premium content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! For those looking for a more customized solution for your unique situation with support along the way, please consider one-on-one baby and toddler sleep consultations.

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