As a parent of a 15 month old, you’ve likely spent many hours rocking, shushing, and pleading with your little one to nap. Those precious daytime snoozes provide a much-needed break for parents and crucial development time for babies. But when it comes to nap schedules, every child is different. Determining the ideal nap routine for your 15 month old involves understanding their sleep needs, navigating changes, and finding a schedule that works for your family.
This comprehensive guide dives into all aspects of 15 month old napping, so you can help your baby get the rest they need.
Key Takeaways:
- Most 15 month olds need 2 naps per day totaling 2-3 hours of daytime sleep.
- Naps typically consolidate from 30-45 minutes to 1-2 hours by 15 months.
- Nap transitions can cause sleep disruptions, but sticking to a consistent schedule helps.
- Ideal nap times are mid-morning and early afternoon to prevent interference with nighttime sleep.
- Signs your child is ready to drop to 1 nap include resisting naps or taking short, late naps.
- Make the nursery dark and boring to encourage longer naps. Use white noise and familiar sleep associations.
- Adjusting nap routines takes time and consistency. Seek help from your pediatrician if struggles persist.
Typical Nap Needs for 15 Month Olds
Most 15 month olds need about 2-3 hours of total daytime sleep split between 2 naps. But every child is unique, so observing your baby’s cues is key in determining their optimal nap schedule.
Nap Duration
At 15 months, most babies have transitioned from taking 30-45 minute catnaps to consolidating naps that last 1-2 hours. Naps this length allow for full sleep cycles, which aids healthy development. Longer naps also prevent overtiredness.
If your child still takes short 30-minute naps, they may struggle with transitions between sleep cycles. Using sleep associations like rocking, pacifiers, or white noise can help extend naps at this age.
Number of Naps
While schedules vary, most 15 month olds need two naps per day. At this age, they should no longer need a third catnap late in the day.
As your baby’s nighttime sleep begins improving through the year, their daytime sleep needs decrease. Dropping from three to two naps is an important milestone.
Total Naptime
Adding up the typical duration of two naps gives a total daytime sleep range of 2-3 hours for 15 month olds. Napping too little leads to tiredness, challenging behaviors, and overtired meltdowns. Napping too much can interfere with nighttime sleep.
Observe your baby’s unique sleep needs and signals. If they happily sleep 2 hours at each nap, enjoy the break! But if they seem to nap too little or too much, adjust the schedule accordingly.
Changes to Expect Around 15 Months
The 15 month mark brings enormous physical and mental leaps. These developmental changes understandably impact nap routines. Being aware of what’s behind nap disruptions will help you adjust.
Nap Transitions
The 15 month mark is prime time for dropping from three naps down to two. This transition can temporarily throw nap schedules off.
Your baby’s third catnap may shift later and shorter. You may deal with extra crankiness or strong sleep associations like nursing to sleep. Remain patient and consistent, and know that napping will likely improve in a few weeks as your baby adjusts to the new routine.
Mental Development
At 15 months, your baby is learning new words and concepts at astounding speed. Their mind is too busy soaking up new skills to simply switch off and sleep well!
Mental leaps can cause nap challenges like fighting sleep, shorter naps, and frequent night wakings. Strengthening sleep associations and keeping nap routines consistent helps counteract this mental busyness.
Separation Anxiety
Around 15 months, babies become more aware of you leaving. Their separation anxiety peaks, which can disrupt napping.
You may deal with clinginess, crying at nap time, or calling out from the crib. Be reassuring and loving but also firm about putting them down awake. Stay consistent so they learn you’ll reappear after napping.
Sleep Regression
Some 15 month olds experience sleep regressions where night and nap sleep are both disrupted. Teething discomfort, learned skills like standing, and nightmares can all temporarily impair sleep quality.
Regressions pass as quickly as they come on. Until then, hang in there and lean on sleep associations and routines. Don’t attempt big nap schedule changes during regressions.
Best Times for Naps
To ensure your 15 month old gets enough restorative daytime sleep, strategic nap timing is key.
Morning Nap
The morning nap should start 1.5-2 hours after they wake up. This allows enough wake time for your baby to get hungry, eat breakfast, and play without getting overtired.
Avoid early morning naps, or they’ll struggle sleeping well at night. Aim to have your baby awake for the day by 7 or 8 am.
Afternoon Nap
The ideal window for an afternoon snooze is 4-5 hours after the morning nap starts. So if your baby naps from 9-11 am, a second nap around 1-3 pm allows sufficient wake time.
Having an afternoon nap too late in the day can make it tough for your little one to wind down at bedtime. Set an early bedtime if late naps can’t be avoided.
Avoiding Catnaps
It’s best to avoid third late-afternoon catnaps after 15 months if possible. Short snoozes too close to bedtime get in the way of sleeping well at night.
If your baby falls asleep late while riding in the car or stroller, you may want to wake them after 30 minutes. Shift bedtime earlier to compensate if a late nap can’t be avoided.
Signs Your 15 Month Old is Ready to Drop a Nap
While most 15 month olds still need two naps, some kids show signs of transitioning down to one nap a day. Watch for these cues that your child may be ready for just one long afternoon nap:
- Resisting going down for one of the naps, repeatedly standing up in the crib
- Taking very short 30-45 minute second naps, not long enough for full sleep cycles
- Catnapping late in the day but then struggling to fall asleep for bedtime
- Waking up cheerful after skipping a nap and not acting overtired
- Sleeping well through the night on days when they’ve only had one nap
Don’t rush to drop a nap based on these signs. Try gradually pushing one nap later and limiting total nap time to see if your baby adjusts well. Move bedtime earlier on one-nap days. Stick with two naps if needed until your child is consistently ready for just one.
Creating the Ideal Nap Environment
A restful sleep environment removes distractions and tells your baby’s brain it’s time to sleep. Use these tips to set up a prime napping zone:
- Make it boring. Keep the room dimly lit and free of stimulating toys. Blackout curtains help block excess light.
- Reduce noise. Use white noise or a sound machine to drown out disruptive household sounds.
- Ensure the temperature is comfortable and neither too hot nor too cold.
- Use cozy sleep sacks or transitional swaddle blankets to prevent startles that rouse them.
- Follow a calming pre-nap routine like nursing, rocking, reading a story, or singing a song.
- Always put your baby down awake but drowsy so they learn to self soothe to sleep.
Making the sleep environment consistent and conducive to rest helps your 15 month old sleep for longer stretches.
Troubleshooting Nap Challenges
Of course, nap routines rarely go as smoothly as hoped! Arm yourself with plenty of patience and these tips for handling nap challenges:
Short Naps
If your baby still takes quick 30-45 minute catnaps, try extending the nap. Rub their back or bottom, use white noise, or employ other sleep associations when they stir 30 minutes in. With consistency, they can learn to string sleep cycles together.
Refusing the Crib
Separation anxiety and nap transitions can lead to balking at the crib. Stick to the routine but provide some extra snuggles and reassurance before laying them down awake. Stay consistent and don’t cave to picking them up immediately.
Nighttime Sleep Disruptions
Short naps can lead to overtiredness and struggle to sleep at night. Put them down earlier for the night and consider limiting daytime sleep if it’s excessive. Check for sleep regressions or disruptions like teething.
Syncing Schedules with Siblings
If you have younger children, syncing up naps can be challenging. Use a baby monitor so your 15 month old can nap in their room undisturbed. Compromise on timing if needed. Trade childcare coverage with your partner or sitter.
Daycare Nap Issues
Communicate with caregivers on nap routines and troubleshoot conflicts. Ask them to record naps to get insight. Keep weekends and holidays consistent. Accept that naps at daycare may always be shorter.
Stay persistent if you encounter nap struggles. Have your pediatrician assess for issues if chronic disruptions occur. With time and consistency, nap routines will improve.
FAQ on 15 Month Old Napping
Still have some questions on naps for your 15 month old? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Should I Wake My Baby From Naps?
Waking a sleeping baby is tough! But if naps creep too late in the day, a gentle wake-up after an hour helps to preserve nighttime sleep. Make sure daytime sleep isn’t exceeding 3 hours.
How Should I Transition from Two to One Nap?
When you see signs of nap readiness, start pushing one nap later little by little. Watch to see how your child responds – look for crankiness, meltdowns or night sleep disruptions. If needed, pull back to two naps for a while longer.
Is it OK For My Baby to Skip Naps Sometimes?
An occasionally missed nap because of activities, travel, etc is fine, but make sure early bedtimes follow nap-skipped days. At 15 months, consistent napping is still crucial for rest and healthy development.
What If My Baby Stops Napping At Daycare?
Communicate with caregivers on getting naps back on track. Bring a sleep association item like a blanket or stuffed animal. If needed, consider trying a different childcare provider. Consistent napping at this age is important.
Summing Up How Many Naps for 15 Month Olds
In the constantly shifting baby sleep terrain, nailing down the right nap schedule for your 15 month old can ease frustrations and help them thrive. While every child has unique needs, observing sleep cues, planning strategic nap timing, and sticking with consistent routines will ensure your baby gets the daytime rest they need between developmental leaps, sleep regressions, and schedule changes.
Trust your instincts, watch for nap readiness signs, and reach out for help when needed. With time and routine, your baby’s napping needs will continue to evolve and consolidate. Before you know it, those two solid naps will dwindle down to just one. So savor this fleeting season of baby napping, take advantage of the downtime their daytime slumbers provide, and sleep well knowing your child is getting the rest they need to grow and develop!