How much sleep does a 2-year-old need?

The AAP and CDC recommend 11–14 hours in 24 hours through age 2; the National Sleep Foundation puts ages 3–5 at 10–13. At 24 months, plan on 10–11 hours at night plus a 1–1.5 hour nap.

What wake window does a 24-month-old need?

About 5.5 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. Two-year-olds need slightly less day sleep than babies, so guard the bedtime: an over-tired preschooler wakes more, not less.

How long does the 2-year sleep regression last?

Typically 3–6 weeks. It tracks a skill leap — language, potty learning, independence — so keep bedtime fixed, protect the nap unless refusal lasts over two weeks, and expect week-by-week improvement.

Is there a sleep regression coming for a 24-month-old?

The 2-year regression window (24–30 months) is likely under way now. Sudden wakes, split nights and nap strikes are the classic signs. Consistency is the cure; the next window after this one is much quieter.

Monthly schedule · 24 months

24-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Here is a realistic day for a 24-month-old: wake up around 7:00 AM, one nap at 12:30 PM, then bedtime around 7:30 PM. Wake windows run 5 to 5.5 hours, and total sleep lands near 11 to 13 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 24-month-old

Wake up

7:00 AM

Nap

5.5 hours awake

12:30 – 2:00 PM

Bedtime

5.5 hours after the nap

7:30 – 8:00 PM

Wake windows: 5 – 5.5 hours

1 nap

11 – 13 hours (10 – 11 at night + 1 nap)

What’s changing at 24 months

The 2-year regression window (24–30 months) arrives with newfound independence: 'big kid' refusal, night wakes, nap strikes. It passes — hold the schedule, keep responses brief and consistent, and pick your battles outside sleep.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a 2-year-old need?: The AAP and CDC recommend 11–14 hours in 24 hours through age 2; the National Sleep Foundation puts ages 3–5 at 10–13. At 24 months, plan on 10–11 hours at night plus a 1–1.5 hour nap.
What wake window does a 24-month-old need?: About 5.5 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. Two-year-olds need slightly less day sleep than babies, so guard the bedtime: an over-tired preschooler wakes more, not less.
How long does the 2-year sleep regression last?: Typically 3–6 weeks. It tracks a skill leap — language, potty learning, independence — so keep bedtime fixed, protect the nap unless refusal lasts over two weeks, and expect week-by-week improvement.
Is there a sleep regression coming for a 24-month-old?: The 2-year regression window (24–30 months) is likely under way now. Sudden wakes, split nights and nap strikes are the classic signs. Consistency is the cure; the next window after this one is much quieter.

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.