20-Month-Old Sleep Problems: Gentle Tips to Help Your Toddler Sleep

Has your 20-month-old suddenly started fighting bedtime, waking during the night, or refusing a daytime nap? If your toddler’s sleep has become unpredictable, you are not alone. Changes in sleep are common during the toddler years, and they can be tiring for the whole family.

At around 20 months, your child is developing new skills, becoming more independent, and learning to communicate bigger feelings. These changes may coincide with bedtime resistance, a greater need for reassurance, or changes in daytime sleep. Illness, discomfort and changes to the family routine can also affect sleep.

The good news is that you can start with a few gentle adjustments rather than trying to change everything at once. This guide explains common 20-month-old sleep problems, what you can try at home, and when it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional.

Start With a Calm, Reassuring Bedtime

Key Takeaways

• Toddlers aged 1–2 years generally need around 11–14 hours of sleep over 24 hours, including naps, although individual needs vary.
• Bedtime resistance and night waking can occur during toddlerhood and may be influenced by developing independence, separation worries, discomfort or routine changes.
• Many toddlers around this age take one daytime nap, but nap needs and timing differ between children.
• A consistent bedtime routine, a suitable sleep schedule and calm reassurance can provide a helpful starting point.
• Seek professional advice if sleep difficulties persist, affect your child’s daytime wellbeing, or occur alongside concerning symptoms such as breathing difficulties.

How Much Sleep Does a 20-Month-Old Need?

As a general guide, toddlers aged 1–2 years usually need approximately 11–14 hours of sleep across a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. Some children need more or less than others.

Many toddlers have moved towards one daytime nap by around 18 months. However, the length of the nap, bedtime and morning wake-up time can vary from child to child.

Rather than focusing on a perfect number of hours, look at your toddler’s overall sleep pattern. Consider when they fall asleep, how often they wake, whether they seem rested in the morning, and how they manage during the day.

If your toddler regularly seems exhausted, struggles significantly during the day, or has ongoing difficulty settling or staying asleep, discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.

Sleep guidance: Healthier Together – Healthy Sleep.

Why Is My 20-Month-Old Having Sleep Problems?

There is not always one clear reason for a toddler’s disrupted sleep. Sometimes several small changes happen at the same time.

1. Your Toddler Is Becoming More Independent

At 20 months, your child may increasingly want to choose what happens and when. That growing independence can appear at bedtime through requests for another book, repeated calls for a parent, or resistance when it is time to settle.

Offer small choices within a predictable routine. For example, let your toddler choose between two suitable pyjamas or two bedtime stories while keeping the overall bedtime sequence consistent.

For more help, read How to Stop Toddler Bedtime Stalling.

2. Your Toddler Wants You Nearby

Some toddlers become more upset when a parent leaves the room or may call out during the night for reassurance. Separation-related worries are common during early childhood and can sometimes affect bedtime.

Respond calmly and reassure your child that you are nearby. If you are working towards more independent settling, make changes gradually and choose an approach you can maintain consistently.

You do not have to withdraw comfort abruptly to establish a routine. Your child’s needs, temperament and your family’s circumstances all matter.

3. The Daytime Nap Is Affecting Bedtime

A nap that finishes late in the afternoon may leave some toddlers less ready for sleep at their usual bedtime. On the other hand, a child who is very tired may become upset, restless or harder to settle.

Look at the timing of your toddler’s nap and bedtime together. If you suspect the schedule is contributing to the problem, try a small adjustment and observe the effect over several days.

Avoid dropping a needed nap simply to make your toddler sleep at night. Children differ in how much daytime sleep they need.

For specific advice about daytime sleep, see Toddler Won’t Nap During the Day.

4. A Change in Routine Has Disrupted Sleep

Travel, starting childcare, visitors, moving house or changes in family schedules can affect a toddler’s usual sleep pattern. Illness and physical discomfort may also cause temporary disruption.

Where possible, return to familiar meal times, daytime activities and bedtime steps. Give your child time to adjust rather than changing the whole schedule immediately.

If your toddler’s sleep changed suddenly and you suspect pain or illness, consider whether other symptoms are present and seek medical advice when appropriate.

5. Your Toddler Is Overtired or Not Ready for Bed

Sometimes bedtime difficulties reflect a mismatch between your child’s sleep needs and the timing of their routine. A very late bedtime may leave your toddler overtired, while a bedtime that comes too soon after a long or late nap may make settling difficult.

Keep a simple sleep diary for several days. Record wake-up time, nap start and finish, bedtime, how long settling takes, and night waking. This may help you spot patterns without relying on guesswork.

For practical guidance on routines, read How to Fix Inconsistent Bedtime Routines.

Look at Your Toddler’s Daytime Sleep Pattern

What to Do About 20-Month-Old Sleep Problems

You do not need to introduce a complicated sleep plan. Start with a few manageable steps and give your child time to adjust.

1. Keep the Daily Schedule Predictable

A reasonably consistent wake-up time, nap opportunity, meals and bedtime can help make the day feel more predictable.

Your routine does not need to follow the clock perfectly every day. Aim for a familiar pattern while allowing flexibility for family life and your toddler’s needs.

2. Create a Short, Calming Bedtime Routine

Try a familiar sequence lasting around 20–30 minutes. It might include:

• Washing, bathing or changing into pyjamas.
• Brushing teeth.
• Dim lights and quieter activities.
• Reading one or two short bedtime stories.
• A cuddle, a goodnight phrase and a consistent final step.

Keep the routine simple enough to repeat on difficult evenings. Avoid exciting games and screens close to bedtime, and aim to make the transition from play to sleep gentle rather than rushed.

3. Offer Reassurance Without Turning Bedtime Into an Endless Negotiation

If your toddler repeatedly asks for another story, drink or cuddle, acknowledge the request while keeping the routine predictable.

You might say, “We can read this story together, then it is time for sleep. I’ll give you a cuddle and say goodnight.” Use warm, simple language and repeat the same message calmly.

When your child is distressed, respond with reassurance. You can maintain a boundary while still showing that their feelings matter.

4. Review Nap Timing Before Making Big Changes

Look at whether your toddler seems ready for sleep at bedtime and how they behave after their nap. If bedtime takes much longer than usual, a late nap may be one factor to consider.

Try adjusting the timing gradually rather than removing the nap or making several changes at once. If your toddler seems consistently overtired, consider whether they need more rest or an earlier bedtime.

5. Respond to Night Waking Calmly

If your toddler wakes during the night, keep the environment quiet and the interaction reassuring. Use low lighting, speak softly and avoid turning the waking into playtime.

Check whether your child needs comfort or whether there are signs of illness, pain or another physical problem. If waking is frequent, prolonged or significantly affecting your family, professional advice may help you understand what is happening.

For more detailed guidance, read Toddler Waking Up Crying at Night.

6. Use Bedtime Stories to Build Connection

A short, gentle story can create a reassuring moment of connection at the end of the day. Choose a story with a calm tone, simple language and a comforting ending that suits your child’s age.

Reading is not a guaranteed solution for sleep difficulties, but it can be a lovely part of a predictable wind-down routine. Let your toddler enjoy the closeness without feeling pressured to fall asleep immediately.

Looking for a simple place to start? Get your free Calming 5-Minute Bedtime Stories for Peaceful Sleep and add a gentle story to your evening routine.

Make Storytime a Gentle Part of Bedtime

When Should You Seek Help for Your Toddler’s Sleep Problems?

Many toddler sleep difficulties can be managed with routine adjustments and reassurance. However, it is important not to assume every sleep problem is simply a developmental phase.

Contact your GP, health visitor or another appropriate healthcare professional if:

• Your toddler has persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Sleep problems are affecting your child’s mood, behaviour or daytime functioning.
• Your child snores regularly, has noisy breathing or appears to struggle to breathe during sleep.
• You suspect pain, illness or another medical issue is disrupting sleep.
• You are worried about your child’s sleep or feel the situation is becoming difficult for your family to manage.

Seek urgent medical help if your child has severe breathing difficulty or another emergency symptom.

For more information, read our guide: When Should I Worry About My Toddler’s Sleep Problems?.

Frequently Asked Questions About 20-Month-Old Sleep Problems

1. Is it normal for a 20-month-old to have sleep problems?

Sleep difficulties such as bedtime resistance and night waking are common during toddlerhood. However, persistent or severe problems should not automatically be dismissed as normal. Consider your child’s overall wellbeing and seek advice if you are concerned.

2. How many hours should a 20-month-old sleep?

Toddlers aged 1–2 years generally need around 11–14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including daytime naps. Individual sleep needs vary, so look at your child’s overall pattern rather than expecting an exact number every day.

3. Should a 20-month-old still have a daytime nap?

Many toddlers this age still have one daytime nap. Nap length and timing vary, and some children need more daytime sleep than others. Avoid removing a needed nap solely to encourage longer night-time sleep.

4. Why has my 20-month-old suddenly started fighting bedtime?

Possible reasons include growing independence, separation-related worries, changes in routine, an unsuitable nap schedule, illness or discomfort. Consider what has changed recently and make one manageable adjustment at a time.

5. Why does my 20-month-old wake up crying at night?

Night waking can occur for several reasons, including needing reassurance, routine changes, fears, illness or discomfort. Check that your child is safe and well, respond calmly, and seek professional advice if the waking is persistent or concerning.

6. Can a late nap cause bedtime problems?

A nap that finishes late in the afternoon can make it harder for some toddlers to fall asleep at their usual bedtime. However, too little daytime sleep can also leave a child overtired. Look at the full sleep pattern before changing nap times.

7. Should I let my 20-month-old cry at bedtime?

There is no single approach that suits every family. You can offer reassurance, maintain predictable boundaries and make gradual changes to your bedtime routine. If your child is distressed, check their needs and choose an approach that feels appropriate for your family.

8. When should I worry about my 20-month-old’s sleep?

Seek advice if sleep difficulties persist, affect your child’s daytime wellbeing, or occur alongside concerning symptoms such as breathing difficulties, regular snoring or signs of pain. If you are worried, speak with your child’s healthcare professional.

Related Resources for Parents

• How to Fix Inconsistent Bedtime Routines
• How to Stop Toddler Bedtime Stalling
• Toddler Won’t Nap During the Day
• Toddler Waking Up Crying at Night
• When Should I Worry About My Toddler’s Sleep Problems?
• How to Reduce Bedtime Meltdowns

Make Tonight a Little Calmer With Books For Minds

You do not need a perfect bedtime to give your toddler a reassuring end to the day. A familiar routine, a little patience and a few quiet minutes together can be a helpful place to begin.

Start with our free resource: Calming 5-Minute Bedtime Stories for Peaceful Sleep.

Want more stories to enjoy together? Explore The Cozy Bedtime Stories Collection, created to help families make storytime a gentle part of their bedtime routine.

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your child’s sleep or health.