If you are searching for the ideal 13 month old sleep schedule, you are not alone. Many parents notice that sleep suddenly becomes unpredictable again around thirteen months.
One night your 13 month old sleeps through the night. The next night they are awake at 2 am babbling, practicing new skills, or crying for comfort. This sudden change often leaves parents wondering why their 13 month old is not sleeping and whether something is wrong with their routine. If you want the bigger picture beyond a 13 month old sleep schedule, start with the main toddler sleep hub.
Quick Fix: Choose What’s Happening
Try a slightly earlier nap time first. Short naps often mean overtiredness, not undertiredness.
Check the last wake window before bed. Too long can cause frequent wakes. Too short can cause split nights.
Cap the second nap or end it earlier. Late afternoon sleep often pushes bedtime later at this age.
Move bedtime earlier for 3 to 5 nights, and keep the room very dark. Early mornings often follow overtired days.
The truth is that sleep at 13 months is affected by developmental milestones, changing nap schedules, shifting wake windows, and emotional growth. Sleep experts agree that baby’s sleep patterns change rapidly around the first birthday, and every child develops at their own pace. A 13 month old sleep routine that worked perfectly a few weeks ago may suddenly stop working.
This guide explains:
- how much sleep a 13 month old needs
- what a typical 13 month old sleep schedule looks like
- ideal wake windows for a 13 month old
- how many naps a 13 month old should take
- signs of the 13 month sleep regression
- and how to build a consistent sleep routine
The goal is not perfection. The goal is helping your child get enough total sleep across daytime sleep and nighttime sleep, as enough sleep is essential for healthy growth and development.
How Much Sleep Does a 13 Month Old Need in 24 Hours?
Parents often ask how much sleep does a 13 month old need and whether their child is getting enough rest. Many babies have varying sleep needs, so it’s normal to see some differences from one child to another.
Most 13 month olds need 13 to 14 hours of total sleep in a 24 hour period. When considering how much daytime sleep and how much nighttime sleep your child needs, this total is usually divided between nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
A typical breakdown looks like:
- 10 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep
- 2 to 3 hours of daytime sleep, typically divided into two naps
Some toddlers temporarily need more sleep during growth spurts or developmental leaps. Other 13 month olds fight sleep and appear to need less. Both patterns can be normal as long as total sleep remains within a healthy range.
For many families, a bedtime between 7:00 and 7:30 pm works best, with a bedtime routine starting around 6:30 pm. These sleep needs are typical for most children, and establishing a consistent routine helps a 13 month old baby get the rest they need.
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Understanding the 13 Month Old Sleep Schedule
A 13 month old sleep schedule is still heavily influenced by naps and wake windows. At this age, most toddlers sleep best with a predictable daily routine. A consistent baby’s sleep schedule is essential for supporting healthy baby sleep and helps your child adjust to regular sleep and wake times.
Sleep schedules at 13 months typically include:
- one or two naps
- age-appropriate wake windows
- an early bedtime
When daytime sleep and nighttime sleep are balanced correctly, many 13 month olds are capable of sleeping through the night. Remember, each child develops at their own pace, so you may need to adjust the sleep schedule to fit your child’s unique needs.
13 Month Old Wake Windows and Nap Timing
Wake windows are the amount of time your child stays awake between sleep periods. At 13 months, wake windows play a major role in sleep quality. Wake windows refer to how long a 13-month-old can stay awake between naps or before bedtime.
Most 13 month olds do best with:
- 3.25 to 4 hours between sleep periods (this is the typical wake window for a 13-month-old)
- 3.5 to 4 hours before the first nap
- 4 to 4.5 hours before bedtime
If your 13 month old is not sleeping well, wake window timing is often the issue.
- Wake windows that are too short can lead to under-tiredness
- Wake windows that are too long can lead to overtiredness
Both can cause night wakings, short naps, and early morning wake-ups. If the night wakings pattern looks like frequent wake-ups and you are not sure whether it is schedule or comfort, this post on toddler wake up crying can help you troubleshoot what your child is actually asking for.
Signs wake windows are off
- waking every 1 to 2 hours at night
- fighting naps
- short 20 to 30 minute naps
- early morning waking
Correcting wake windows often improves sleep quickly.
How Many Naps Should a 13 Month Old Take?
Parents frequently ask how many naps should a 13 month old take.
Most 13 month olds still need two naps per day, following a typical 2 nap schedule with appropriate wake windows between naps. The transition to one nap usually happens closer to 14 to 18 months, although some children show signs earlier.
At 13 months:
- two naps are usually best
If your child skips a nap occasionally, it may be a sign they are getting ready for only one nap, but this is normal and not always a reason to change the schedule immediately. - one nap may work only for some children
Some children may be ready for only one nap at this age. Signs that a child is ready to drop the second nap include resisting naps or showing increased wakefulness.
Two Nap Schedule for a 13 Month Old
A two nap schedule supports healthy sleep for most 13 month olds and should be maintained as long as possible.
Typical two nap schedule:
- Morning wake: 6:30 to 7:00
- First nap: 10:00 to 11:00
- Second nap: 2:30 to 3:45
- Bedtime: 7:00 to 7:30
Total daytime sleep usually equals 2 to 3 hours, typically divided into two naps. The timing of the last nap is important—ending the last nap early enough in the afternoon helps set up a smooth bedtime routine and supports quality nighttime sleep.
One Nap Schedule for a 13 Month Old (If Transitioning)
Some 13 month olds begin transitioning to only one nap early, especially in daycare settings. This nap transition usually involves dropping the morning nap first, with the single nap moving to midday.
A one nap schedule for a 13 month old may be appropriate if:
- the second nap is consistently refused
- your toddler can handle a 5 hour wake window
- when transitioning to one nap, your child typically stays awake for 4-5 hours between sleep periods
- nighttime sleep remains 11 to 12 hours
Sample one nap schedule:
- Wake: 6:30
- Nap: 11:30 to 1:30 or 12:00 to 2:00
(Note: During the transition to only one nap, wake windows may extend to 4.5 to 6 hours, with the single nap usually occurring midday.) - Bedtime: 6:30 to 7:00
When in doubt, returning to a two nap schedule often improves sleep. If wake windows feel confusing at this age, this guide on how to increase wake windows in babies walks through how to stretch awake time without tipping into overtiredness.
13 Month Nap Schedule Examples
Example 1: Two Nap Day
- Wake: 7:00
- Nap 1: 10:30 to 11:15
- Nap 2: 3:00 to 4:00
- Bedtime: 7:30
Example 2: Short Morning Nap, Longer Afternoon Nap
- Wake: 6:30
- Nap 1: 9:45 to 10:15
- Nap 2: 1:30 to 3:00
- Bedtime: 7:00
If a nap is skipped, moving bedtime earlier can help protect total sleep. If bedtime turns into a nightly struggle, this guide “toddler resisting bedtime” explains why pushback peaks around this age and how to respond without escalating the battle.
Why Your 13 Month Old Is Not Sleeping
Sleep disruptions are very common at this age. When your baby wakes during the night, it is often due to teething, hunger, discomfort, or developmental milestones. Baby sleep can be unpredictable at 13 months, as your little one’s sleep patterns may shift with their growth and changing needs. Changes in daily life and routines, such as new activities or transitions, can also impact sleep. Feeding routines play a significant role in sleep quality, so ensuring your child is well-fed before bedtime can help. Many babies experience these sleep challenges, and most children at this age will have periods of night waking or resistance to sleep. It is common for a little one to resist sleep due to increased independence and a desire to explore their environment. Common reasons for waking at night include needing assistance to fall asleep, hunger, or discomfort from teething. Sleep challenges at 13 months can also be exacerbated by separation anxiety and developmental milestones.
The 13 Month Sleep Regression
The 13 month sleep regression is real and can feel intense.
Common signs include:
- bedtime resistance
- frequent night wakings
- early morning waking
- nap refusal
This regression is often linked to walking, language development, independence, and separation anxiety.
Developmental Milestones and Sleep at 13 Months
At 13 months, many toddlers are:
- beginning to take a few independent steps and may say one or two words other than ‘mama’ and ‘dada’, such as ‘bye bye’
- understanding around 50 words and using gestures to express strong opinions or ideas
- learning to walk or run
- developing language
- learning to crawl up stairs and attempting to use utensils and drink from a cup independently
- climbing and exploring
These milestones increase brain activity, which can temporarily disrupt sleep. At this age, changes in sleep patterns may also occur due to growing independence and an emerging personality.
Nap Transition Confusion at 13 Months
Some toddlers alternate between:
- two naps one day
- one nap the next
This inconsistency can confuse the circadian rhythm. Returning to a consistent two nap schedule for 5 to 7 days often helps.
Bedtime Timing Problems
Bedtime timing has a major impact on sleep.
- Bedtime too late can cause overtiredness
- Bedtime too early can cause undertiredness
If your 13-month-old skips a nap, offering an earlier bedtime can help prevent overtiredness and support better sleep quality.
Most 13 month olds sleep best with bedtime between 6:30 and 7:30 pm.
How to Build a Consistent 13 Month Old Sleep Routine
A consistent sleep routine helps signal safety and predictability.
A strong bedtime routine includes:
- the same bedtime window each night
- the same sequence of calming steps
- dim lights and white noise
- calm connection before bed
- putting your toddler down awake when possible
Simple routines work best.
Helping Your 13 Month Old Fall Asleep Independently
At 13 months, helping your child fall asleep independently is a key step toward building healthy sleep habits that last. A consistent sleep schedule, balanced wake windows, and a predictable bedtime routine all play a crucial role in supporting your baby’s ability to self-soothe and drift off on their own.
Start by making your baby’s sleep environment as restful as possible. A dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature can make it easier for your 13 month old to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many families find that using white noise or a fan helps block out background sounds that might otherwise disrupt sleep patterns.
A calming bedtime routine is essential for signaling that it’s time for sleep. Simple, soothing activities—like a warm bath, reading a favorite book, or singing a gentle lullaby—can help your baby wind down. Try to keep the routine consistent each night and aim to put your baby in their bed while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps your child learn to associate their bed with sleep and encourages them to fall asleep independently.
Pay close attention to your baby’s sleepy cues, such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming less active. Putting your 13 month old to bed before they become overtired can make it much easier for them to fall asleep and can help prevent sleep regression or frequent night wakings. If your baby resists the second nap or has trouble settling at nap time, it may be a sign that their nap schedule or wake windows need adjusting. Some children at this age are ready to try a 1 nap schedule, while others still need two naps to get enough daytime sleep.
Remember, every baby develops differently. Some 13 month olds adapt quickly to changes in their sleep schedule, while others need more time and support. Be patient and flexible as your child grows and their sleep needs change. Most 13 month old babies need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including both nighttime sleep and daytime naps. Finding the right balance between naps and nighttime sleep is key to meeting your child’s sleep needs.
With a consistent nap schedule, age-appropriate wake windows, and a soothing bedtime routine, your 13 month old can learn to fall asleep independently. These healthy sleep habits not only support your baby’s development but also help the whole family get more rest. Stay patient, observe your child’s cues, and adjust your approach as your baby develops—independent sleep is a skill that comes with time and practice.
Nutrition and Sleep at 13 Months
Hunger can disrupt sleep at this age. Establishing consistent feeding routines with appropriate portion sizes and nutritious foods is important for your toddler’s growth and development. Balanced meals and adequate daytime calories support better nighttime sleep. If your 13-month-old is waking up early, it may be due to an early dinner leading to hunger in the morning. Inconsistent meals or sugary snacks may increase night wakings.
Why Is My 13 Month Old Sleeping More Than Usual?
Extra sleep is often normal during:
- growth spurts
- developmental milestones
- recovery from poor sleep
- mild illness
Sometimes, changes in daily life—such as new routines, increased activity, or exciting experiences—can temporarily increase your toddler’s sleep needs.
As long as your toddler is alert, eating well, and active when awake, increased sleep is usually not a concern and can support healthy development.
How Long Should a One Year Old Nap?
Most 13 month olds need:
- 2 to 3 hours of total daytime sleep (how much daytime sleep is recommended for this age)
- usually split across two naps
Very short naps often indicate overtiredness or timing issues.
When to Seek Help
Contact your pediatrician if sleep changes occur alongside:
- fever
- breathing concerns
- poor intake
- sudden behavioral changes
Otherwise, fluctuating sleep at 13 months is normal.
Final Thoughts on the 13 Month Old Sleep Schedule
A 13 month old sleep routine does not need to be perfect. Sleep changes quickly at this age due to development, nap transitions, and emotional growth. These changes are a normal part of healthy development, and it’s important to remember that ensuring your child gets enough sleep supports both their growth and the well-being of the whole family.
Focus on:
- age-appropriate wake windows
- a consistent nap schedule
- an early bedtime
- and a calming routine
Sleep routines at 13 months often shift as naps and wake windows change. Comparing routines with guides like the 15-month-old sleep schedule and understanding 15-month sleep regression signs helps parents adjust proactively as your child grows. Parenting a toddler comes with ups and downs, and life at this stage is full of new experiences and challenges. This phase passes. You are not doing anything wrong.
13 Month Old Sleep Schedule FAQs
Is there a 13 month sleep regression?
Many toddlers have a rough patch around 13 months due to walking, language bursts, and separation anxiety. It often looks like frequent night wakings, nap refusal, or bedtime resistance.
How many naps should a 13 month old take?
Most 13 month olds still do best on two naps. One nap can work early for some kids, especially with daycare schedules, but it usually settles closer to 14 to 18 months.
What wake windows work best at 13 months?
Many toddlers do well with 3.25 to 4 hours between sleep periods, and a slightly longer last wake window before bed. Use your toddler’s mood and nap length to fine-tune.
What time should bedtime be?
Many families land between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. If naps are short or your toddler is melting down late afternoon, try an earlier bedtime for several nights.
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