How much sleep does a 28-month-old need?

The AAP and CDC keep 11–14 hours in 24 hours through age 2, and the National Sleep Foundation range for the preschool years is 10–13. At 28 months: 10–11 hours at night plus a nap.

What wake window does a 28-month-old need?

About 5.75 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. Weekend wake-up times should stay within an hour of weekdays or Monday turns into a mini regression.

Why does my 28-month-old wake at 5 AM?

Usually an undertimed day or a bedtime that drifted late. Move bedtime 20–30 minutes earlier for a week, keep wake-up fixed, and make sure the nap is not running past 2:30.

Is there a sleep regression coming for a 28-month-old?

The 2-year regression window (24–30 months) covers now. Its endgame usually brings longer nights again; keep the nap offered and the routine unchanged through the last stretches.

Monthly schedule · 28 months

28-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Here is a realistic day for a 28-month-old: wake up around 7:15 AM, one nap at 1:00 PM, then bedtime around 7:45 PM. Wake windows run 5.5 to 6 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 28-month-old

Wake up

7:15 AM

Nap

5.75 hours awake

1:00 – 2:15 PM

Bedtime

5.5 hours after the nap

7:45 – 8:15 PM

Wake windows: 5.5 – 6 hours

1 nap

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

What’s changing at 28 months

If the nap collapses some weeks, keep daily quiet time and add an early bedtime on failed days. Sleep debt at this age shows up as 5 AM wakes — the fix is an earlier night, never a later one.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a 28-month-old need?: The AAP and CDC keep 11–14 hours in 24 hours through age 2, and the National Sleep Foundation range for the preschool years is 10–13. At 28 months: 10–11 hours at night plus a nap.
What wake window does a 28-month-old need?: About 5.75 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. Weekend wake-up times should stay within an hour of weekdays or Monday turns into a mini regression.
Why does my 28-month-old wake at 5 AM?: Usually an undertimed day or a bedtime that drifted late. Move bedtime 20–30 minutes earlier for a week, keep wake-up fixed, and make sure the nap is not running past 2:30.
Is there a sleep regression coming for a 28-month-old?: The 2-year regression window (24–30 months) covers now. Its endgame usually brings longer nights again; keep the nap offered and the routine unchanged through the last stretches.

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.