Your baby’s changing all the time. They’re learning new skills, growing, and, yes, their sleep schedule’s changing, too. These sleep shifts can leave parents with a lot of questions. Here we’ve gathered expert advice specific for a 16-month-old’s sleep schedule, answering the most common questions about helping your 16-month-old sleep through the night.
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If you’d like to learn more about your baby’s sleep and how to sleep train, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers ™. We worked some of the world’s best pediatric sleep experts to create an easy-to-use app that helps you help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer – healthy sleep habits that have lifelong positive results .
A 16-Month-Old Sleep Schedule Example
These are example sleep schedules for a 16-month-old toddler. At this age, your baby might take one or two naps per day. For those taking one nap, expect 4-5 hours of wake time. For those taking two naps, wake times are usually 3.5-4 hours. Remember that each child is different, so don't worry if your toddler's sleep patterns don't match this example. When reading this schedule, focus less on the specific clock times and more on wake windows – the amount of time your toddler is awake between naps or their last nap and bedtime – and their sleepy cues: the things your toddler does when they’re tired, such as yawning, rubbing their eyes, or pulling their ears.
Understanding your toddler's natural sleep rhythms is the key to nourishing their sleep. Check out our Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app and take the free sleep assessment to get a personalized sleep plan for your baby. We designed this app with sleep experts so that every parent can help their baby develop the skills to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Note: By now most toddlers have nap transitioned to one longer nap in the afternoon. It’s alright if yours hasn’t, though expect to see the signs of the 2-to-1 nap transition soon. These signs your baby is ready to switch to a 16-month-old nap schedule with 1 nap include resisting a nap or bedtime and waking up at night.
Sample Sleep Schedule for 16-Month-Olds with 2 Naps:
Sample Sleep Schedule for 16-Month-Olds with 1 Nap:
Can a 16-month-old baby sleep through the night?
Yes. While there may be an occasional disruption – a storm, a nightmare – 16-month-olds can sleep through the night.
If you previously chose to sleep coach or sleep train your baby, sleep training shapes your baby’s natural sleep rhythms, helping to create a consistent 16-month sleep schedule. Babies who are sleep coached have less disruptions during the night because sleep coaching strengthens their ability to fall back asleep if they wake during the night. That means that if they wake up at night, they can easily put themselves back to sleep without calling out. This leads to a more restful sleep for them, and you.
How much should a 16-month-old sleep each day?
Experts agree that most 16-month-olds should sleep a minimum of 13 hours and 15 minutes over 24-hours. However, every baby and toddler have different sleep needs, so speak to your pediatricians if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s sleep.
How much nighttime sleep does a 16-month-old need?
It’s recommended that the average 16-month-old sleeps around 11 or 12 hours a night.
How much daytime sleep for a 16-month-old?
Whether your 16-month-old takes 1 nap or 2 naps, they often will need around 2 hours and 15 minutes of sleep each day. If your baby is still taking 2 naps but is struggling to sleep at night or waking during the night, it may be time to drop their second nap and complete the 2-to-1 nap transition.
What is a 16-month-old’s wake window?
Most 16-month-olds have a wake window of 5 hours between waking and their first nap. This could be shorter if your baby’s still doing two naps, about 3 ¾ - 4 hours.
Is there a 16-month regression?
We’re happy to report that there is no official 16-month sleep regression! Things are typically smooth for the 16-month sleep schedule – however, there is a sleep regression at 18-months and some babies may experience signs of sleep regression earlier which could affect their 16-month sleep schedule.
This next sleep regression is sparked by two developments: teething and separation anxiety.
If your baby shows signs of a sleep regression that is affecting 16-month-old sleep schedule, many have had success revisiting their sleep training method if they had sleep trained in the past. Simply open or download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ app to get started and get your 16-month-old's sleep schedule back on track.
Final Thoughts
Our hope is that your toddler’s sleep schedule at 16-months feels consistent and is going well. Whether your 16-month-old's schedule includes 1 nap or 2 naps, keep an eye on any signs of sleep regression and remain consistent with your routine – that alone can help your baby continue to sleep well during the day and sleep through the night.
If you want to ensure a successful 16-month-old sleep schedule or help your 16-month-old's sleep schedule get back on track, take this free sleep assessment to get a personalized plan dedicated to improving or sustaining your little ones sleep.
