Your 22-month-old’s sleep patterns might feel like solving a puzzle. One night they drift off easily, the next they’re wide awake at midnight.
Between developmental leaps and sleep regressions, finding a suitable schedule is tough. What worked last month no longer does. Your toddler hits daily milestones: learning words, climbing, testing boundaries, all impacting sleep.
But here’s the thing: there’s actually a method to this madness. Understanding what’s happening in your child’s world can help you create a sleep routine that works for everyone.
Disclaimer: This is a sample schedule and intended as a general guideline. Every baby is unique and may have different sleep patterns and needs. Parents should observe their child’s cues and adjust the schedule accordingly.
How Much Sleep Does a 22-Month-Old Need?
Understanding sleep requirements helps parents create a schedule that actually works. At this stage, toddlers need enough rest to support their rapid growth and development, but the amount might surprise some caregivers.
- Total sleep needed in 24 hours: 11-14 hours
- Nighttime sleep: 10-12 hours of uninterrupted rest
- Daytime nap: 1-3 hours, usually after lunch
- Awake windows: 5-6 hours between sleep periods
Some toddlers need more sleep in their sleep schedule, while others need less, so watch for overtiredness signs like crankiness or bedtime resistance to ensure they stay happy and hit milestones.
22 Month Old Nap Schedule
A consistent daily routine makes bedtime easier and helps toddlers feel secure. This sample sleep schedule works for most families, but parents can adjust times based on their child’s natural rhythms and family needs.
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up |
| 12:30 PM | Lunchtime |
| 1:00 PM | Nap time (1-2 hours) |
| 3:00 PM | Wake from nap |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Bedtime routine starts |
| 7:30 PM | Lights out |
Click here to download a free printable sample schedule.
Signs of Sleep Regression at 22 Months
The 22-month sleep regression often catches many parents off guard and often occurs when toddlers are reaching new developmental stages. Recognizing these signs early helps caregivers respond effectively before exhaustion takes over.
- Suddenly refusing naps after months of consistent daytime sleep, insisting they’re not tired even though crankiness suggests otherwise.
- Frequent night wakings that weren’t happening before, sometimes 3-4 times per night, crying out for comfort or simply standing in the crib.
- Fighting bedtime harder with increased tantrums, stalling tactics like requesting another story, or outright protests about going to their room.
- Waking earlier than usual, around 5:00 or 5:30 AM, and seeming restless or unable to settle back down for that last sleep cycle.
- Increased clinginess at night, wanting parents nearby constantly, asking to co-sleep when they previously slept independently, or crying when left alone.
22-Month-Old Milestones Affecting Sleep
Hitting new milestones is exciting, but these achievements can trigger the 22 month sleep regression. Toddlers get so wrapped up in their new abilities that resting becomes the last thing on their minds.
| MILESTONE | SLEEP IMPACT |
|---|---|
| Running and climbing | Wants to practice these skills at bedtime instead of lying down quietly |
| Speaking 2-3 word phrases | The brain stays active processing language, making it harder to wind down |
| Pretend play begins | Imagination kicks in at night, leading to requests for “one more game” |
| Using utensils independently | Increased autonomy creates bedtime power struggles and resistance |
| Following simple instructions | Tests boundaries by ignoring sleep cues or bedtime commands |
| Teething second molars | Sharp pain and gum discomfort cause nighttime crying and frequent wake-ups |
| Adapting to new routines | Changes like starting daycare or potty training disrupt familiar sleep patterns |
Tips for Better Sleep at 22 Months
Improving a 22-month-old’s sleep schedule doesn’t require fancy gadgets or expensive solutions. Simple, consistent strategies make the biggest difference in helping toddlers sleep through the night.
- Stick to the same bedtime routine every night: Bath time, story time, and cuddles should happen in the exact same order each evening, signaling to the toddler’s brain that sleep is coming soon.
- Keep the bedroom cool and dark: Blackout curtains block streetlights and early sunrise, while maintaining room temperature between 68-72°F creates the ideal sleeping environment that promotes deeper rest.
- Limit screen time 2 hours before bed: Tablets, phones, and TVs emit blue light that disrupts melatonin production, making it harder for toddlers to fall asleep.
- Offer a small bedtime snack: A light snack like banana slices, whole-grain crackers, or a small cup of milk helps prevent hunger pangs from waking the child at 2:00 AM.
- Use white noise machines: Consistent background sound masks household noises like dishwashers or older siblings playing, helping toddlers stay asleep even when the house isn’t perfectly quiet.
When to Consider Sleep Training?
Sleep training isn’t necessary for every toddler, but certain situations call for more structured approaches.
If a child is waking 5+ times per night consistently, taking over an hour to fall asleep, or if parents are feeling burned out and resentful, it might be time.
The 22-month sleep regression often triggers these patterns, leaving sleep training as the only option. However, timing matters. Avoid starting during illness, teething, travel, or major life changes like a new sibling.
Wait until everyone is healthy and routines are stable. Most importantly, both parents need to agree on the approach and commit to consistency, or the effort won’t stick.
Conclusion
Creating the right sleep schedule for your 22-month-old takes patience and flexibility.
Remember, sleep regressions are temporary, and those incredible milestones your toddler is reaching are worth the occasional rough night.
Stick to consistent bedtimes, watch for tired cues, and don’t stress if some days look different than others. Every child is unique, and what works for one family might need tweaking for yours.
Keep adjusting until you find your rhythm. Ready to tackle other parenting challenges?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Split Night for a 22-Month-Old?
A split night happens when a toddler wakes up for a long stretch in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep. It often happens due to excessive daytime sleep, late naps, or inconsistent routines.
What Can I Give My 22-Month-Old to Help Him Sleep?
Parents can establish a calm bedtime with a warm bath, a small snack like a banana or yogurt, a cozy sleep space, and a favorite blanket. Avoid sleep aids unless recommended by a pediatrician.
What Is Considered a Speech Delay at 22 Months?
At 22 months, most toddlers say around 50 words and can combine two-word phrases. If a child uses very few words, doesn’t imitate sounds, or struggles to follow simple directions, it might signal a speech delay.
How Do I Know if My 22-Month-Old Is Advanced?
An advanced 22-month-old might use short sentences, solve simple problems, play pretend, and clearly name people and objects, though every child develops differently at their own pace.
Is There a Developmental Leap at 22 Months?
Many toddlers hit a developmental leap at 22 months, showing rapid language development, stronger independence, and better problem-solving abilities, though this growth often brings mood swings and brief sleep challenges.
