How much sleep does a 29-month-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 29 months, aim for 10–11 hours at night plus a 1–1.5 hour nap.

What wake window does a 29-month-old need?

About 5.75–6 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. As the wake window stretches, the nap must start later by clock time — don't move bedtime to compensate.

What are signs my 29-month-old is ready to drop the nap?

Two weeks of nap refusal with easy bedtimes, crash-free afternoons and normal nights. Our nap transition checker scores the five-question pattern and gives a step-down plan if the answer is yes.

Is there a sleep regression coming for a 29-month-old?

You are near the end of the 2-year regression window (24–30 months). If nap refusal now looks like readiness rather than regression, run the nap transition checker before changing anything.

Monthly schedule · 29 months

29-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Here is a realistic day for a 29-month-old: wake up around 7:15 AM, one nap at 1:00 PM, then bedtime around 8:00 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 29-month-old

Wake up

7:15 AM

Nap

5.75 hours awake

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Bedtime

5.5 hours after the nap

8:00 – 8:30 PM

Wake windows: 5.5 – 6 hours

1 nap

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

What’s changing at 29 months

Readiness to drop the nap starts showing: refusing nap three days a week while coping well without it. Don't act on it before age 3 unless your pediatrician agrees — quiet time is the cheaper experiment.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a 29-month-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 29 months, aim for 10–11 hours at night plus a 1–1.5 hour nap.
What wake window does a 29-month-old need?: About 5.75–6 hours before the nap and 5.5 hours after it. As the wake window stretches, the nap must start later by clock time — don't move bedtime to compensate.
What are signs my 29-month-old is ready to drop the nap?: Two weeks of nap refusal with easy bedtimes, crash-free afternoons and normal nights. Our nap transition checker scores the five-question pattern and gives a step-down plan if the answer is yes.
Is there a sleep regression coming for a 29-month-old?: You are near the end of the 2-year regression window (24–30 months). If nap refusal now looks like readiness rather than regression, run the nap transition checker before changing anything.

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.