Sometime around the time your toddler reaches 18 months, he won't need two naps a day any more. You might find that he's harder to get down for that morning nap or that it's getting shorter and shorter. If so, try moving it 15 minutes later every day and adjusting lunch time so that he's only having an afternoon nap. If your child was sleeping at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., for example, the new nap might end up falling around 12:30-1:30 instead. That single nap will probably only be between 1-2 hours and nighttime sleep will still be about 11-12 hours, bringing the daily total to around 12-14 hours.
Toddler Sleep Requirements at 2 Years
Once your toddler becomes a 2-year-old, his afternoon nap will shorten just slightly to about 1 to 1 1/2 hours and nighttime sleep will slim down to 11 hours. Most 2-year-olds need just 12 1/2 hours of sleep a day.
Your Mileage May Vary
There are some children who will naturally do better on less sleep and of course there are those that will need a lot more to function properly. The same is true of naps. Some children lose that morning nap earlier than others and do just fine. Pay attention to your child's behavior for signs that he's not getting enough sleep. If your child is excessively cranky, seems clumsier than usual, is easily frustrated, has a very hard time getting to sleep or staying to sleep or has a hard time getting up in the morning, chances are he could use some more sleep. An overtired child is not a happy child and over time, will not be a healthy child either.
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