Toddler Sleep Guide: 18 Months and Beyond
At Ducky Zebra, we know that toddlerhood is full of exciting milestones - growing independence, endless curiosity, and, of course, evolving sleep needs. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Vicki Crawford, a baby sleep consultant from Little Seedlings, to bring you expert guidance on sleep from birth to toddlerhood.
In this final article of our baby sleep series, we explore sleep beyond 18 months. From dropping naps to transitioning to a toddler bed, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Here’s what Vicki has to say…
As your toddler grows beyond 18 months, their sleep needs and habits will continue to evolve. This stage brings exciting transitions, such as dropping naps and possibly switching to a toddler bed (it’s important to not be pressured into making the transition too early).
While these changes can feel daunting, understanding what to expect and having a plan in place can make the process smoother. Here’s everything you need to know about toddler sleep beyond 18 months.
How Much Sleep Does an 18-Month-Old Need?
By this age, toddlers typically need around 11-14 hours of total sleep per day. Dropping naps completely typically happens around 2.5 years of age but can be as early as 2 years and some continue to nap up until 4 years.
When do you drop the nap?
You only really need to drop the nap if it is impacting on bedtime e.g. if they are refusing to go to bed or they are sat chatting for over an hour. But before dropping the nap altogether try reducing it down to 45 minutes first (one sleep cycle).
As with previous nap transitions it is important to be flexible. You may find some days your toddler doesn’t nap at all and on other days they do. Dropping naps doesn’t happen all in one go.
When to move to a toddler bed?
Another big transition during this age is working out when to switch from a cot to a bed. It’s a very exciting step but with transitioning to a bed comes freedom and there is no rush to move them.
The first thing to look at is whether they are showing signs that they are ready to transition. Things to look out for:
- They have started climbing out of their cot
- They have outgrown the cot
- They are expressing interest in a bed
If your toddler is climbing out of their cot it is important to make the transition for safety reasons but they may not be emotionally ready.
Typically, around the age of 3 years is a good starting point for transitioning your toddler to a bed as they are more emotionally ready for the move. If moving before then you may find that their impulse control has not started to develop yet.
To make the transition as smooth as possible think about:
- Childproofing their room
- Type of bed – low to the floor, safety rails etc
- Use of a stair gate across their door particularly if they are on the younger side as it add an extra layer of protection
- Environment
- Involve your toddler in the process
Top tips for managing toddler sleep:
- Talk to your toddler about what is going to happen
- Let them take control over the things that don’t really matter e.g which pyjamas would you like to wear?
- Recognise when they have done something special e.g not got out of bed through the night
- Praise them directly but also let them overhear you praising them to others
Toddlers have endless curiosity, hilarious personalities, and boundless energy making every day an adventure. But to truly enjoy all the magic they bring, you need good sleep too! Prioritising rest for both you and your toddler makes those special moments even sweeter.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Toddler’s Sleep Journey
As your toddler grows, sleep transitions like dropping naps or moving to a toddler bed can feel like big adjustments - but with patience, flexibility and the right approach, they can be smoother than you think.
At Ducky Zebra, we believe that well-rested toddlers (and parents!) can make the most of everyday adventures. That’s why our organic cotton sleepsuits, PJs and comfy toddler wear are designed with both play and rest in mind - because a good night’s sleep starts with comfort.
Looking for more expert sleep advice? This article wraps up our baby sleep series, covering everything from newborn sleep habits to toddler sleep transitions. If you need extra support, Vicki Crawford from Little Seedlings is here to help with expert, tailored guidance.
About the Author: Vicki Crawford is a certified infant sleep consultant passionate about helping families get the restful sleep they all deserve. As a mum of two, she understands the challenges of sleep deprivation and is dedicated to providing gentle, effective solutions for better sleep for everyone.
