How much sleep does a 31-month-old need?

The National Sleep Foundation range for ages 3–5 is 10–13 hours, and the AAP's 11–14 hour guidance still covers early age 3. Plan on 10–11 hours at night plus a nap or quiet time.

What wake window does a 31-month-old need?

About 6 hours before the nap and 5.75–6 hours after it. Keep the wake-up time within an hour on weekends; schedule drift is the most common cause of early wakes at this age.

Does a 31-month-old still need a nap?

Many do. Dropping early often means earlier-than-wanted bedtimes and 5 AM wakes. Keep offering the nap or quiet time until your child refuses consistently for two weeks straight.

Is there a sleep regression coming for a 31-month-old?

There is no classic regression at 31 months — the events ahead are the nap drop (3–4 years) and the occasional developmental wake storm. Protect the nap offer and keep bedtime consistent through both.

Monthly schedule · 31 months

31-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Here is a realistic day for a 31-month-old: wake up around 7:15 AM, one nap at 1:00 PM, then bedtime around 8:00 PM. Wake windows run 6 to 6.5 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 31-month-old

Wake up

7:15 AM

Nap

5.75 hours awake

1:00 – 2:15 PM

Bedtime

5.75 hours after the nap

8:00 – 8:30 PM

Wake windows: 6 – 6.5 hours

1 nap

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

What’s changing at 31 months

Sleep need settles at 10–13 hours total and wake windows stretch to 6–6.5 hours. An occasional 6:30 AM wake becomes more common — fix it with a rock-solid lights-out, not with an earlier bedtime chase.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a 31-month-old need?: The National Sleep Foundation range for ages 3–5 is 10–13 hours, and the AAP's 11–14 hour guidance still covers early age 3. Plan on 10–11 hours at night plus a nap or quiet time.
What wake window does a 31-month-old need?: About 6 hours before the nap and 5.75–6 hours after it. Keep the wake-up time within an hour on weekends; schedule drift is the most common cause of early wakes at this age.
Does a 31-month-old still need a nap?: Many do. Dropping early often means earlier-than-wanted bedtimes and 5 AM wakes. Keep offering the nap or quiet time until your child refuses consistently for two weeks straight.
Is there a sleep regression coming for a 31-month-old?: There is no classic regression at 31 months — the events ahead are the nap drop (3–4 years) and the occasional developmental wake storm. Protect the nap offer and keep bedtime consistent through both.

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.