Published by Actually Sleeping · Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Abrahamson, PharmD · Review policy · Updated 2026-11-10

Sleep at 18 months: what’s normal, what’s hard, and when to get help

At 18 months, the AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps, and most toddlers are on one nap. Climbing, separation worries and screen habits are the common sleep disruptors. The AAP says to avoid screens before 18 months, cap entertainment screen time at 1 hour a day from 18 months to age 5, and switch screens off an hour before bed.

What is changing at 18 months

By 18 months, the CDC lists walking without holding on, climbing on and off a couch or chair without help, trying to say three or more words, and moving away from you while checking you are still close. Climbing is the one that matters most at night.

The AAP says separation anxiety usually peaks between 10 and 18 months and fades during the last half of the second year. Many toddlers are right at the top of that curve now.

Screens and sleep from 18 months	AAP guidance
Before 18 months	Avoid TV and mobile apps
18 months to age 5	Cap entertainment screen time at 1 hour a day
Before bed	Stop use of screens for 1 hour before bedtime
Bedroom	Make bedrooms media-free, unplugged spaces

The AAP notes that screen viewing contributes to problems with sleep and attention.

Most 18-month sleep trouble is a mix of new independence and old habits, and it takes a plan built for your child to untangle the two. Actually Sleeping works with babies and toddlers from newborn on: Dr. Sam writes the plan, and you get bootcamp-style coaching before night one and daily 1:1 check-ins.

What is normal

In a review of studies, children 1 to 2 years averaged 12.6 hours of sleep per 24 hours, with a normal spread of about 10 to 15 hours, about 1 nap a day, and 0.7 night wakings on average. Total nap time among nappers averaged 2.3 hours. One nap is the common pattern now, not a rule. A few toddlers still need a second short nap on some days, and that is fine.

What parents find hardest

Bedtime refusal. “No” is a new and powerful word.
Climbing attempts. A new climber can make the crib unsafe; see the safety section below.
Night waking for a parent. Often separation-related.
Early waking after the move to one nap.

Safe sleep at 18 months

Move out of the crib when your child is 35 inches (89 cm) tall or the rail is below about three-quarters of their height (AAP, MedlinePlus), or once they can climb out (AAP).
If they climb out before you have a bed ready, the AAP suggests putting the crib mattress on the floor.
Anchor dressers and other furniture so they cannot tip; keep chairs away from windows.

Night feeds

If your toddler still wakes for milk, your pediatrician can tell you whether it is needed. The AAP advises against a bottle in bed as part of its tooth decay prevention advice.

When to talk to the pediatrician

Snoring most nights, pauses in breathing, or daytime sleepiness and irritability that could point to sleep apnea.
Your child is not walking, has fewer than three words, or does not point to show you things.
Night terrors that keep happening.

Where to go from here

Toddlers test whether limits hold, so the plan has to fit your child and every caregiver has to give the same answer. That is what Actually Sleeping sets up, and the result comes with the written guarantee: We guarantee that your baby will sleep 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days of consistent, correct implementation of your sleep plan. Parents describe it on our 12 months and up reviews. Related: the 18-month regression, the 18-month schedule, and separation anxiety at bedtime. Book a free consultation to start.

Want this fixed for your baby?

Actually Sleeping is 1:1 coaching: a sleep plan written for your baby by Dr. Sam, bootcamp-style coaching before the first night, and daily check-ins until it is working. 700+ families coached, 129 video reviews, and a written guarantee: 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days, or a full refund.

Book your free consultation → See what families say

Frequently asked

How much should an 18 month old sleep?

The AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps, for children 1 to 2 years, and the AAP supports this. Studies found children this age averaged about 12.6 hours, with healthy children on both sides of that.

Does screen time affect my toddler’s sleep?

The AAP says screen viewing contributes to sleep problems. It advises stopping screens 1 hour before bedtime, making bedrooms media-free, and capping entertainment screen time at 1 hour a day from 18 months to age 5.

My 18 month old is trying to climb out of the crib. What now?

Make sure the mattress is at its lowest setting. The AAP says it may be time for a bed once your toddler can climb out; if that happens before you have a bed, put the crib mattress on the floor. Keep furniture from tipping.