How much sleep does a 17-month-old need?

The AAP and CDC call for 11–14 hours in 24 hours at this age, and the National Sleep Foundation agrees. In practice: 10–12 hours overnight plus a single nap of about 90 minutes.

What wake window does a 17-month-old need?

About 5 hours awake before the nap, then 5.5–6 hours before bed. Naps that start after 12:45 tend to eat the bedtime, so treat 12:30 as the outside edge.

Should a 17-month-old still nap?

Yes. The AAP and National Sleep Foundation both budget for a daytime nap through age 3. Dropping it early usually backfires as earlier bedtimes, 5 AM wakes and a short fuse by dinner.

Is there a sleep regression coming for a 17-month-old?

The 18-month sleep regression is the next one — sudden wakes, split nights, nap refusal and clinginess as language and independence surge. It typically lasts 3–6 weeks. Keep bedtime and nap time fixed while it runs.

Monthly schedule · 17 months

17-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Here is a realistic day for a 17-month-old: wake up around 7:00 AM, one nap at 12:15 PM, then bedtime around 7:15 PM. Wake windows run 4 to 6 hours, and total sleep lands near 11 to 14 hours. Shift any time 15 to 30 minutes to fit your family, consistency beats the exact minute.

Not medical advice. Typical ranges, not targets — ask your pediatrician about your child.

A sample day for a 17-month-old

Wake up

7:00 AM

Nap

5.25 hours awake

12:15 – 1:45 PM

Bedtime

5.5 hours after the nap

7:15 – 7:45 PM

Wake windows: 4 – 6 hours

1 nap

11 – 14 hours (10 – 12 at night + 1 nap)

What’s changing at 17 months

Word explosions begin — your toddler now has opinions about everything, including sleep. Nap resistance usually means they still need the nap: offer quiet time in a dark room if they refuse to lie down, but keep the slot.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a 17-month-old need?: The AAP and CDC call for 11–14 hours in 24 hours at this age, and the National Sleep Foundation agrees. In practice: 10–12 hours overnight plus a single nap of about 90 minutes.
What wake window does a 17-month-old need?: About 5 hours awake before the nap, then 5.5–6 hours before bed. Naps that start after 12:45 tend to eat the bedtime, so treat 12:30 as the outside edge.
Should a 17-month-old still nap?: Yes. The AAP and National Sleep Foundation both budget for a daytime nap through age 3. Dropping it early usually backfires as earlier bedtimes, 5 AM wakes and a short fuse by dinner.
Is there a sleep regression coming for a 17-month-old?: The 18-month sleep regression is the next one — sudden wakes, split nights, nap refusal and clinginess as language and independence surge. It typically lasts 3–6 weeks. Keep bedtime and nap time fixed while it runs.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC sleep guidance for toddlers, plus National Sleep Foundation (NSF) ranges for children aged 1–3. Not medical advice — these are typical ranges, not targets. If you have questions about your child’s sleep or development, ask your pediatrician.