Sleep schedule

20 Months Old Sleep Schedule

Wake windows, nap times, and a realistic daily routine.

Always check with your pediatrician. This guide summarizes general pediatric sleep recommendations. Every baby is different.

Quick reference

Total sleep
11-14 hours
Night sleep
10-12 hours
Naps
1 nap
Wake windows
4.5-5.5 hours
Typical bedtime
7:15-8:15 PM

24-hour visual timeline

12am6am12pm6pm12am
Sleep Awake

Sample 20 months old schedule

  1. 7:00 AM Wake
  2. 7:30 AM Breakfast
  3. 12:00 PM Lunch
  4. 1:00 PM Nap
  5. 3:00 PM Wake + snack
  6. 5:30 PM Dinner
  7. 6:45 PM Bath + routine
  8. 7:30 PM Bedtime + sleep

These are realistic anchor times — not rules. Use your baby's sleepy cues and adjust.

What's developmentally happening at 20 months

By 20 months, most toddlers have a rich routine. They anticipate steps of bath-book-bed and may insist on specific elements. Memory is strong enough that routines can be powerful tools.

Stick with the routine even on weekends and travel days if possible. A travel lovey, bedtime book, and consistent order of events protect sleep in unfamiliar environments.

Common sleep challenges at this age

  • Climbing out of cribSafety first — consider toddler bed or lowering crib mattress if possible.
  • Delayed sleep onsetCheck for late afternoon snacks with sugar, late naps, or too-long wake window before bed.
  • Early risingRoom darkness and toddler clock can help. Target 7:00am, not earlier.

Recent and upcoming transitions

What just changed

Stable 1-nap schedule.

What's coming next

Potty-training interest may begin. Some start transitioning to toddler bed.

When to talk to your pediatrician

Reach out if any of the following apply at 20 months:

  • Fewer than 10 words
  • Not combining words around 2
  • Loss of skills
  • Severe sleep disruption ongoing

Trust your instincts. If something feels off with your baby's sleep, breathing, feeding, or development, call your pediatrician. This page is not a substitute for medical care.

Common questions about 20 months sleep

How long should a 20 month old nap?

1.5-2.5 hours midday.

What time should a 20 month old go to bed?

7:15-8:15pm.

How many naps does a 20 month old need?

One midday nap.

Why is my 20 month old waking up at night?

Molar teething, nightmares, fears, or bedtime routine issues.

Can I sleep train a 20 month old?

Yes.

Related ages

This tool provides general guidance based on published pediatric recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Sleep Foundation. Every baby is different — always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice, especially if you have concerns about your baby's sleep, feeding, or health.