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

Sleep at 2 years: what’s normal, what’s hard, and when to get help

At 2 years, the AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps, and nearly all 2 year olds still nap once a day. Bedtime stalling, the crib-to-bed question and early night terrors are common. The AAP says separation anxiety usually fades around the second birthday, and the time to leave the crib is at 35 inches tall or when your child can climb out.

What is changing at 2 years

By 2 years, the CDC lists running, kicking a ball, walking up a few stairs, saying at least two words together, and noticing when others are hurt or upset. Toddlers now understand more than they can say, which makes bedtime both more negotiable and more emotional.

Separation anxiety usually fades around the second birthday, according to the AAP. Night terrors, which the AAP says happen most often in toddlers and preschoolers, may start to appear.

Signs it is time to leave the crib	Guidance	Source
Height	Move to a bed when your child is 35 inches (89 cm) tall	AAP, MedlinePlus
Rail height	Move when the side rail is below about three-quarters of their height (roughly nipple level)	AAP
Climbing	Transition once your toddler can climb out	AAP
While waiting for a bed	Put the crib mattress on the floor	AAP
Room safety	Anchor furniture, gate the bedroom door and the top of the stairs	AAP

At 2 the schedule is rarely the problem. Stalling, climbing and early starts come from a child who knows exactly how bedtime works in your house. Actually Sleeping works with families until age 3: Dr. Sam writes a plan for your child, and you get bootcamp-style coaching before night one and daily 1:1 check-ins.

If none of these apply, there is no medical reason to rush. Many families keep the crib until closer to 3, which is a common choice rather than a rule.

What is normal

In a review of studies, 2 to 3 year olds averaged 12.0 hours of sleep per 24 hours, with a normal spread of about 9.7 to 14.2 hours. Among those who napped, naps averaged about 1.9 hours at 2 to 3 years. Almost all children still nap at 2; by 3, about one in three have stopped.

What parents find hardest

Stalling. One more book, one more drink, one more question.
A new sibling or a new bed at the same time.
Night terrors. Screaming early in the night without really waking. The AAP says to stay calm and keep your child safe; most are much shorter than the 45-minute maximum it describes.
Climbing out of the crib once and then doing it every night.
Screens creeping into the evening. The AAP advises stopping screens 1 hour before bedtime and capping entertainment screen time at 1 hour a day from 18 months to age 5.

Night feeds

Most 2 year olds do not need to eat overnight, but your pediatrician decides that for your child. 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, gasping, pauses in breathing, or daytime sleepiness and behavior changes that could signal sleep apnea.
Night terrors that keep happening, or any night event that looks like a seizure.
Fewer than two-word phrases, not running, or loss of skills your child had.

Where to go from here

At 2, a plan has to work for a child who negotiates and for every adult who puts them to bed. Actually Sleeping writes that plan for your child, and it 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. We have 129 client video reviews; you can hear from parents of toddlers on our 12 months and up reviews. Related: the 2-year regression, the 2-year schedule, and when to move to a toddler bed. Book a free consultation with Dr. Sam 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 a 2 year old sleep?

The AASM recommends 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps, for children 1 to 2 years old, and the AAP supports it. In a review of studies, 2 to 3 year olds averaged about 12 hours.

When should my 2 year old move out of the crib?

When your child reaches 35 inches (89 cm), when the rail is below about three-quarters of their height, or when they can climb out, per the AAP and MedlinePlus. If none applies, there is no need to rush.

Are night terrors normal at 2?

They are common in toddlers and preschoolers, according to the AAP. They happen early in the night, the child does not fully wake, and most are short. Stay calm and keep your child safe. If they keep happening, talk with your pediatrician.