Sleep recommendations for toddlers (1-3 years)
Your toddler needs good quality sleep for their growth, development and learning.
While your child sleeps, their brain and body are working hard to recover, restore and prepare for the next day. If your child has enough sleep, they are likely to be happier, have more energy, and be more active.
A regular and consistent bedtime routine can help your child prepare for sleep. If your child doesn't get enough sleep, it can impact their physical, emotional and cognitive health.
“There is a huge reduction in a lot of negative mental health outcomes in adulthood if children sleep well. Think of it as an investment” – Dr Chris Seton (Paediatric and Adolescent Sleep Physician).
Sleep requirements
Below is a brief guide to toddlers' sleep between the ages of 1 to 3. Every child is different, and your child may need more or less sleep than the guide.
1 year old
Your one-year-old needs 11-14 hours of good quality sleep every 24 hours, including naps, with consistent sleep and wake-up times. This may look like 10-12 hours at night and between 1–2.5 hour naps during the day.
Your toddler's two naps will likely reduce to one nap between 12 and 18 months of age. However, your child is an individual, and their sleep patterns will determine their sleep requirements.
2 year old
Your two-year-old needs 11-14 hours of good quality sleep every 24 hours, including naps, with consistent sleep and wake-up times. Most of your child's sleep at this age will be at night, with about 10-12 hours, and then 1-2.5 hours of sleep in the day.
As your child gets closer to three years old, their routine will likely be more comfortable with your family's routine.
3 year old
Your three-year-old needs between 10-13 hours of good quality sleep every 24 hours, with consistent sleep and wake-up times.
By three years of age, the daytime nap is reducing and then stops. However, some preschoolers still need naps at this age. Your child is an individual, and their sleep patterns will determine their sleep requirements. Keep an eye out for tired signs to ensure your child is getting sufficient sleep.
If you are struggling with your toddler’s sleep and any impacts it may be having on the family, reach out to your doctor for support. See Improving your child's sleep for more information.
From the cot to the bed
Transitioning from a cot to a big bed can be an exciting step for your toddler. If your child is attempting to climb out of a cot, it is best to move your child to a big bed to prevent them from accidentally falling out and hurting themselves. This transition can happen as early as 18 months but tends to occur more frequently around 2 to 3 years of age.
During the transition, reassure your toddler to help settle them and ensure they stay in bed overnight. Ensure the sleeping environment and bedroom are safe, which is important if your child gets up at night.
Wandering to parents' bedrooms
Many toddlers and young children will wake after one or two sleep cycles, wander to their parents' bedrooms, and climb into bed with them. Children should not be punished for this, as they may not be fully awake at the time.
The best remedy is to carry or walk them back to their own bed and settle them back to sleep with minimal fuss and attention. See Sleep concerns for information or chat with your family doctor.