Sleep  ·  15 months

15-month sleep: time to drop to one nap?

At 15 months, most toddlers are not yet ready to drop to one nap, and two naps a day is still common at this age. The shift to one nap usually happens later, often somewhere between 15 and 18 months, and it depends on your child rather than a fixed calendar date. Watch for steady signs over a couple of weeks, keep total sleep in a healthy range, and talk with your pediatrician before making a permanent change.

2 min read Sleep Updated June 2026

How much sleep a 15-month-old needs

Toddlers 1 to 2 years generally need about 11 to 14 hours of total sleep per 24 hours, counting both overnight sleep and naps. The exact amount varies from child to child, so focus on whether your toddler wakes rested, stays generally content during the day, and falls asleep without a long struggle.

At 15 months, daytime sleep is usually split across two naps, often a shorter morning nap and a longer afternoon nap. Some toddlers begin to resist the morning nap first, which is one early hint that a change may be coming.

Signs your toddler may be ready for one nap

Readiness shows up as a consistent pattern, not a single hard day. Look for these signs repeating over about two weeks before you decide anything has changed.

How to make the change gently

If the signs are steady, you can move toward one nap by slowly pushing the single midday nap a little later, often into the early afternoon. Expect some bumpy days while your toddler adjusts, and use an earlier bedtime on hard days to cover the gap.

Many toddlers go through an in-between phase where they need one nap some days and two on others. That is normal. Follow your child's tiredness day by day rather than forcing a fixed schedule too soon.

Keep sleep safe and consistent

Whatever the nap count, a calm and predictable routine helps. A short wind-down before naps and bedtime, a dark and quiet room, and a steady bedtime support better sleep.

Continue to follow safe sleep practices and keep loose bedding, pillows, and soft toys out of the sleep space for young toddlers. If you have questions about sleep amounts, schedule changes, or your toddler's sleep quality, your pediatrician can give guidance based on your child.

Quick answers

Is it normal for my 15-month-old to still take two naps?
Yes. Two naps a day is common at 15 months, and many toddlers do not drop to one nap until closer to 15 to 18 months or later. Babies vary, so the timing depends on your child. If you are unsure, ask your pediatrician.
How do I know if my toddler is ready for one nap?
Look for a steady pattern over about two weeks, such as regularly refusing the morning nap, taking a long time to fall asleep at bedtime, or the afternoon nap pushing bedtime too late. One difficult day is not enough on its own. Watch for the pattern, then talk with your pediatrician.
What if my toddler seems overtired during the switch?
Some overtiredness during the transition is common. On hard days, move bedtime earlier to help your toddler catch up, and allow a two-nap day when needed. If overtiredness, frequent night waking, or daytime fussiness continues, contact your pediatrician.

Sources & further reading

  1. AAP / HealthyChildren.org — Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
  2. AAP — A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep
  3. HealthyChildren.org — Baby Sleep

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.