By Angelica Videla — Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, London | Supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia
Quick Answer
At 13 months, most babies still need 2 naps but are approaching the 2-to-1 nap transition. Wake windows are typically 3.5 to 4.5 hours, with a bedtime between 7pm and 7:30pm. Total sleep in 24 hours is around 13 to 14 hours. The 2-to-1 nap transition usually begins between 13 and 18 months — 13 months is often the earliest genuine readiness appears.
What does a 13 month old sleep schedule look like?
At 13 months your baby is a toddler. They are likely walking or nearly walking, communicating increasingly, and developing a strong sense of what they want. Sleep needs are shifting — both naps are starting to come under pressure from longer wake windows.
Most 13 month olds are still on 2 naps, but this is the age at which some genuinely early developers begin the 2-to-1 nap transition. The key is to look for genuine signs of readiness rather than reacting to the occasional nap refusal.
Sample 2-nap schedule (most 13 month olds): 7:00am — Wake. 10:30–11:00am — Nap 1 (45–75 minutes). 12:00pm — Wake from nap 1. 3:00–3:15pm — Nap 2 (45–60 minutes). 4:00pm — Wake from nap 2. 7:15–7:30pm — Bedtime.
Sample 1-nap schedule (early transitioners): 7:00am — Wake. 12:15–12:30pm — Nap (1.5 to 2.5 hours). 2:30–3:00pm — Wake from nap. 7:00–7:30pm — Bedtime.
Wake windows at 13 months
On 2 naps: Wake windows of 3.5 to 4 hours
On 1 nap: Morning wake window 4.5 to 5 hours, afternoon wake window 4 to 5 hours
The window before bedtime is the most critical. On a 2-nap schedule, the final wake window of 3 to 3.5 hours works for most 13 month olds.
The 2-to-1 nap transition at 13 months
Thirteen months is the earliest age at which genuine 2-to-1 nap transition readiness typically appears. However, most babies are not ready until 15 to 18 months.
Signs of genuine readiness: consistently refusing the second nap for at least 4 weeks, managing nap-free afternoons without falling apart, night sleep staying consistent without the second nap, no afternoon meltdowns on days without the second nap.
Signs it is NOT time yet: nap refusal is happening during or after a developmental leap or illness, the baby becomes overtired and difficult by late afternoon without the second nap, night sleep significantly worsens on days the second nap is skipped.
The 12-month regression at 13 months
Some 13 month olds are still experiencing the tail end of the 12-month sleep regression. If sleep has been difficult for 4 to 6 weeks and your baby is 13 months, the regression may still be a factor. Hold the 2-nap schedule through the regression before assessing whether the transition is underway.
Why sleep feels unstable at 13 months
Thirteen months is a transitional stage — your baby is in the grey zone between two naps and one. The 12-month regression may be lingering. The 2-to-1 transition may be approaching but not yet clearly here. And walking — typically emerging around this time — brings its own developmental disruption.
The most effective approach during this period is to hold the existing schedule consistently, make minor adjustments based on tired cues, and avoid large reactive changes based on single difficult days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many naps does a 13 month old need?
Most 13 month olds still need 2 naps. Total daytime sleep of 2.5 to 3.5 hours is typical. The 2-to-1 transition can begin at 13 months but most babies are not genuinely ready until 15 to 18 months.
What are the wake windows for a 13 month old?
On 2 naps, typically 3.5 to 4 hours. After transitioning to 1 nap, the morning and afternoon wake windows extend to 4.5 to 5 hours.
What time should a 13 month old go to bed?
Between 7pm and 7:30pm works for most 13 month olds. On days when naps were short or the second nap was skipped, an earlier bedtime of 6:30pm prevents overtiredness.
My 13 month old is refusing the second nap — should I transition to one nap?
Not necessarily. If refusal has been happening for less than 4 weeks, it may be developmental disruption rather than genuine readiness.
Is there a sleep regression at 13 months?
There is not a widely recognised regression specifically at 13 months, but babies can still be experiencing the tail end of the 12-month regression.