Nap Schedule by Age (0–5 Years)
Use this age-based nap schedule as a guide alongside the calculator. Every child is different, but these ranges are a helpful starting point for most babies and toddlers.
| Age | Number of naps | Nap duration | Typical daytime sleep | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 4–6 naps | 30–90 minutes | Varies | Cat naps are normal; days and nights are still organizing. |
| 3–6 months | 3–4 naps | 60–120 minutes | 3–4 hours | Wake windows lengthen; first predictable patterns appear. |
| 6–9 months | 3 naps | 60–120 minutes | 3–4 hours | Many babies start to drop the late cat nap. |
| 9–12 months | 2 naps | 1–2 hours | 2.5–3.5 hours | Morning + afternoon nap; more consistent wake windows. |
| 12–18 months | 1–2 naps | 1.5–2.5 hours | 2–3 hours | Many toddlers transition from 2 naps to 1 midday nap. |
| 18–24 months | 1 nap | 1.5–3 hours | 2–3 hours | One solid midday nap supports busy toddler days. |
| 2–3 years | 1 nap | 1–3 hours | 1.5–3 hours | Nap resistance is common; aim for consistency when possible. |
| 3–5 years | 0–1 naps | 1–2 hours or quiet time | 0–2 hours | Many preschoolers drop naps; replace with quiet time and an earlier bedtime. |
Sleep Regression Chart (Birth–3 Years)
Sleep regressions are temporary disruptions in sleep caused by rapid developmental changes. Here’s a quick-reference guide to the most common regressions and what you may notice at each stage.
| Age | Common Signs | Typical Causes | How to Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Months | Frequent night wakings, short naps, difficulty falling asleep | Mature sleep cycles begin, neurological development | Use consistent routines, adjust wake windows, early bedtime |
| 6 Months | Protest at bedtime, increased fussiness, nap resistance | Rolling, sitting, major mobility development | Provide extra practice time, keep wake windows steady |
| 8–10 Months | Separation anxiety, early morning wakes, short naps | Crawling, pulling up, emotional development | Practice independent play, keep a calming bedtime routine |
| 12 Months | Nap refusal, waking 1–3 times, bedtime resistance | Walking, dropping to one nap (but often too early) | Keep 2 naps unless absolutely ready for transition |
| 15–18 Months | One nap may shorten, bedtime battles, increased clinginess | Nap transition, big emotions, increased mobility | Shift gently to one nap, stable wake windows |
| 2 Years | Skipping naps, tantrums, sudden bedtime refusal | Boundary testing, language explosion, development leap | Keep consistent limits, protect nap, early bedtime |
| 2.5–3 Years | Night wakings, resisting bedtime, fighting naps | Dropping final nap, imagination surge, fears | Offer quiet time, maintain predictability, use visual timers |
Sleep regressions are normal and temporary. Staying consistent, predictable, and aligned with appropriate wake windows helps your toddler return to more restful sleep faster.