As a parent of a year-old toddler, I know how much of a hassle it is to maintain a 15-month-old sleep schedule. Even a short family trip with the kids can throw off their sleep routine. An unfamiliar setting might mean several nights of disrupted sleep until the child adjusts.
Toddlers go through major mood shifts at this age. They typically require about 12 to 15 hours of sleep a day, including naps. But since every kid is different, you might need to create a predictable schedule for quality sleep.
Here is a detailed guide to optimize your kid’s bedtime.
Ideal 15-Month Sleep Schedule Chart
Most toddlers nap 1-2 times a day when they reach 15 months of age. Here is the sample sleep chart accommodating both one-nap and two-nap schedules based on typical sleep needs.
15-Month-Old Sleep Schedule With 2 Naps
A two-nap schedule might have a morning nap and an afternoon nap. But as they transition, the morning nap might get pushed later, and eventually, they drop the morning nap for one midday nap.
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Nap 1 (1.25 hours) |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Time |
| 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Nap 2 (1 hour) |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner Time |
| 7:45 PM | Start bedtime routine (Bath, Story, Lullaby) |
| 8:15 PM | Asleep |
| Total Sleep Time: 10.7 hours nighttime + 2.25 hours naps = almost 13 hours | |
One Nap Schedule
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Nap (2.5 hours) |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30 PM | Start bedtime routine |
| 8:00 PM | Asleep |
| Total Sleep Time: 11 hours night time + 2.5 hours naps = over 13 hours | |
Wake Windows of 15-Month-Olds You Must Consider
- Two naps: 2.5–3.5 hours between sleep periods.
- One nap: 4–5 hours before/after the nap (e.g., 5-hour window before nap, 5-hour window after).
Why Is the Nap Routine Important for Toddlers?
If your toddler is highly energetic, you might struggle to put them to sleep at the end of the day. But strategic naps in between the days will significantly help organize their sleep schedule.
1. Emotional Regulation
According to the study, toddlers don’t handle challenges well when they miss their naps. Their moods become volatile, and it could lead to longer-term issues with behavior and social skills. When they get adequate sleep on time, they become more happy and satisfied.
2. Energy Restoration
Toddlers are in a phase of rapid growth and constant physical activity like playing, running, and walking on their own. It depletes their glucose (primary energy source) faster than adults. During sleep, the body rebuilds glycogen stores in muscles and the liver. It ensures that they will get sufficient energy for play, learning, and growth.
3. Better Immune System
Quality sleep time enhances their heart health and immunity. When toddlers nap, their bodies release cytokines, which are proteins that fight infection and inflammation. Daytime napping in early childhood supports cognitive functions as well as health-related factors.
4. Improvement in Nighttime Sleep Quality
Naps can improve nighttime sleep quality if they are appropriately timed and of the right duration. They prevent overtiredness, which helps toddlers fall asleep more easily. However, naps that are too long or too late can interfere with nighttime sleep by reducing sleep pressure.
5. Better Concentration and Attention Span
Attention span in toddlers is naturally short, so naps might help prevent overstimulation. When a child is tired, their ability to focus probably diminishes. So, a nap could act like a reset button, giving their brain a break. Therefore, as a responsible mom, you should actively schedule their nap time during the day.
Conclusion
It is kind of challenging for parents to make kids follow the schedule. But, once you understand the importance of consistent sleep routines, you realize how much easier it gets to manage them.
FAQs About 15-Month Old Nap Schedule
1. Is 9 PM too late for toddler bedtime?
Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep each day. If they wake up at 7-8 AM, a 9 PM bedtime might work. But an earlier bedtime (around 7-8 PM) is often better to keep them from getting overtired.
2. Is 15 months too early for a one-nap?
Switching to one nap around 15 months is normal. Most kids do it between 14 and 18 months. You might notice your toddler fights naps, sleeps longer on their own, or has trouble sleeping at night. These can be signs they’re ready for the change.
3. Can a 15-month-old go all day without a nap?
Most 15-month-olds need 1-2 naps every day. Missing naps can make them overtired, which may affect their mood, behavior, and night sleep. Regular daytime sleep is key for better growth, even though some kids might skip a nap now and then.