The short answer
Children aged 1 to 2 years are generally advised to get 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. This is a range, not a target every child must hit exactly; patterns and needs vary.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- Children aged 1 to 2 years are generally advised to get 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. This is a range, not a target every child must hit exactly; patterns and needs vary.
- Patterns and individual needs vary; use guidance as a starting point, not a diagnosis.
- Seek individualized advice for persistent concerns or a child with a medical condition.
How much sleep is typical from 13 to 18 months?
For children aged 1 to 2 years, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. NHS child-health guidance gives the same range.
The range is a guide for regular sleep, not a score for a single night. Individual children may need somewhat more or less.
If your child is rested, growing, and functioning as usual, one shorter or longer night alone does not establish a sleep problem.
Why count daytime naps?
The 24-hour total includes nighttime sleep and every nap. Looking only at the night can miss a substantial part of a toddler’s sleep.
For example, a child who sleeps about 10 hours overnight and naps for 2 hours has about 12 hours total.
Use the same 24-hour window when comparing days so the estimate is meaningful.
Can a 13-month-old still take one or two naps?
Yes. Some younger toddlers still take two naps, while others have moved to one. Nap patterns often change gradually during this age range.
NHS child-health guidance says young toddlers may have two naps and that this usually changes to one as they grow.
Do not drop a nap only because a calendar age has arrived; consider the child’s pattern and overall sleep.
Is 12 hours enough?
Twelve hours falls within the 11–14-hour range for children aged 1 to 2 years.
The range counts sleep across the full day and night, not night sleep alone.
Look at the pattern over time and how your child seems during the day, rather than judging one number in isolation.
Is one 10-hour or 15-hour day a problem?
One unusual day can happen after a busy day, a disrupted night, travel, or while recovering from illness. It does not by itself show a lasting problem.
Compare several days and include naps. A sustained change alongside illness or unusual daytime sleepiness is more useful to discuss.
Contact a clinician if your child is difficult to wake, seems unwell, or you are worried about breathing or another acute symptom.
What matters besides duration?
Notice whether your child generally wakes and engages as usual, and whether sleep is repeatedly disrupted.
A predictable wind-down routine and a comfortable, safe sleep space may support settling. Keep screens away from the bedtime routine.
Snoring, pauses or laboured breathing, persistent severe disruption, or marked daytime effects merit a conversation with a health professional.
How can you track sleep usefully?
For several days, note approximate bedtime, wake time, naps, and major disruptions. Exact minute-by-minute tracking is usually unnecessary.
A short log can reveal whether naps, late bedtimes, or changing routines line up with difficult nights.
Share the log with a clinician if the pattern is persistent or affects your child or family substantially.
What can you do today?
Add nighttime sleep and naps to estimate the 24-hour total.
Keep a calm, repeatable bedtime routine and adjust it gradually if needed.
Use the 11–14-hour recommendation as a guide rather than a strict daily requirement.
Discuss persistent concerns, breathing symptoms, or major daytime effects with your child’s clinician.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Discuss persistent concerns about sleep, feeding, growth, or daytime wellbeing with a health professional.
- Seek prompt medical advice for breathing difficulty, unusual difficulty waking, dehydration, or a severe allergic reaction.
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine — Child sleep duration recommendations
- Healthier Together / NHS — Healthy Sleep | Child 1 to 5 years
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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