Sleep Needs at 20 Months
Twenty-month-olds need 11-14 hours of total sleep. The single midday nap of 1.5-2.5 hours continues, and night sleep is 11-12 hours. Your toddler's schedule has been stable for a while now, and any disruptions are usually triggered by developmental shifts rather than scheduling issues.
Wake windows are about 315 minutes (5 hours 15 minutes) before the nap and 270 minutes (4.5 hours) before bedtime. These windows are gradually lengthening as your toddler approaches the 2-year mark.
Sample Schedule
- 6:30 AM — Wake up
- 11:45 AM — Nap (1.5-2.5 hours)
- 6:45 PM — Bedtime routine
- 7:15 PM — Bedtime
Common Challenges
Your toddler's growing imagination can begin to produce mild fears at bedtime — shadows, noises, or the dark. While true nightmares are more common after age 2, the groundwork for nighttime anxiety can start now. Separation anxiety may also resurface as your toddler becomes more aware of nighttime as a long separation.
If your toddler shows signs of bedtime fear, validate their feelings without adding drama: "I know it feels different when it's dark. You're safe, and I'm right here." A small nightlight (warm-toned, not blue) can help without disrupting melatonin production.
Track Your Baby's Sleep
NapNap Baby helps you log sleep, predict nap times, and build healthy routines — all in one app.
Get the app free →Free to try · No account needed · Works offline