At 15–16 months, your little one is likely walking confidently, climbing on everything, and mastering skills like scribbling or stacking blocks. They’re saying a few words, following simple instructions, and loving games like hide-and-seek. You’ll notice more imitation, affection, and bold exploration. I'd love to share some of the most common questions I get about sleep for 15-16 month olds and some of my tips.
How many hours of sleep does my 15-16 month old need?
This vary from child to child for they all require different sleep needs. However, typically at this age, they need around 11-14 hours of total sleep over a 24 hour period (including naps). If you have a low sleep needs child, then they are likely at the lower end of this range and if you have a high sleep needs child, then you would find that they are on the higher end of this range. You need to determine your individual child's sleep needs by observing what their mood & behaviour are like after their naps; are they happy or are they irritable & upset? Note that some babies wake up upset regardless of how long they slept for, but their mood gets better after a few minutes of waking up.
What wake windows should my 15-16 month old have?
At 15–16 months, many little ones begin transitioning from two naps to one. During this stage, their first wake window often becomes the longest, ranging around 5–6 hours, while their second wake window before bedtime shortens to about 4–5 hours. This shift helps support their growing need for longer, consolidated sleep.
If you need more assistance with nap changes, check out my 5-24 Months Sleep Guide, which covers nap transitions, formal nap training, age-appropriate methods to help your little one sleep, early morning waking & so much more.
15-16 month old sample schedule:
Note: Please keep in mind that these are just examples. It's important to pay attention to your baby's signs of hunger and how long they nap to decide whether to feed them before or after their nap. Make sure to observe your baby and be attentive to their specific requirements.
If you're looking for personalised guidance, I offer 1:1 support tailored to your little one’s unique sleep needs. Every child is different, and what works for one may not suit another. Together, we’ll choose a gentle, responsive approach that aligns with your parenting style and supports your child’s temperament. My services are designed for children aged 5 months to 4 years. Curious about how we could work together? Book a free 15-minute discovery call here—your no-obligation step toward better rest for your family. Let’s chat and find the best solution for you and your bub!