# Should an 18–24-month-old fall asleep on their own? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-a-18-to-24-month-old-be-able-to-fall-asleep-on-their-own Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Many 18-to-24-month-olds are starting to settle themselves but still need a parent nearby — both are normal. Independent sleep is a gradually-learned skill, not a fixed milestone; a calm, predictable routine and 11–14 hours of sleep matter most. Check with your team only for snoring, breathing pauses, or distress that affects daytime life. *Bedtime can feel like the longest part of the day — so it helps to know what's truly typical for a busy little toddler.* ## In short Many 18-to-24-month-olds are *beginning* to settle themselves to sleep, but plenty still need a parent close by — and both are completely normal. Falling asleep independently is a gradually-learned skill, not a fixed milestone with a deadline. What matters more at this age is a calm, predictable bedtime routine and roughly 11–14 hours of sleep across the day and night. ## What's typical at 18–24 months At this age, toddlers are wonderfully attached and still learning to feel safe apart from you, so wanting company at bedtime is healthy, not a problem to fix. You may notice: - **Some self-settling** — drifting off after you say goodnight, especially with a comfort object like a soft toy or blanket. - **Still needing presence** — many toddlers fall asleep best with a parent nearby, rocking, or feeding; this is common and not harmful. - **Brief night wakings** — most toddlers wake a little and may call out before resettling. - **Bedtime resistance** — the new "no!", asking for one more story, or testing limits is a sign of growing independence, not a sleep disorder. Gentle, consistent steps help the skill emerge: a short wind-down (bath, story, dim lights), the same order each night, and putting your toddler down drowsy-but-awake when you can. Progress is rarely a straight line — illness, teething, travel and big developmental leaps all temporarily upset sleep. ## When to check in with your team Most sleep settling sorts itself out with routine and time. Have a chat with your paediatric team if you notice: heavy snoring or pauses in breathing, sleep that is so disrupted it affects daytime mood, eating or play, or if bedtime distress feels extreme and unsettling for your child week after week. These point to comfort, breathing or routine factors worth a friendly look — not to anything you've done wrong. ## The Pinnacle way Sleep settles best alongside steady all-round development — language, regulation and confidence all play a part. A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a [Pinnacle Blooms Network centre](/) under qualified clinician care; this page is for guidance and reassurance, never diagnosis. If bedtime is bound up with big feelings or communication frustration, our [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) team can share simple, calming routines that fit your family. ## Trusted sources Guidance here reflects the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org on toddler sleep needs and routines, and CDC developmental guidance on what to expect around 18–24 months. **Next step —** if bedtime feels overwhelming or your toddler's sleep worries you, book a gentle developmental check with the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181. This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - AAP HealthyChildren.org — toddler sleep and routines: https://www.healthychildren.org - CDC — developmental milestones at 18–24 months: https://www.cdc.gov - American Academy of Pediatrics — healthy sleep guidance: https://www.aap.org ## Connected topics and perspectives - Life Skills: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/life-skills - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Toddler-18-24: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-18-24 - Self Sufficiency: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/readiness/self_sufficiency - Milestone: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/milestone - Act: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/act - Occupational Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/occupational-therapy - Self Sufficiency: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/self_sufficiency ## Related question paths ### Recognise signs & concerns - Toddler Falling Asleep Alone at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-18-to-24-month-old-cannot-fall-asleep-on-their-own-yet-is-that-a-concern - Early Signs of Childhood Sleep Difficulties at 18–24 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-childhood-sleep-difficulties-in-a-18-to-24-month-old - When Should a Child Learn to Fall Asleep on Their Own?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/at-what-age-should-a-child-learn-to-fall-asleep-on-their-own - When should I worry about my toddler's sleep difficulties?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-18-to-24-month-old-might-have-childhood-sleep-difficulties - When should I worry about my 12–18-month-old's sleep?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-12-to-18-month-old-might-have-childhood-sleep-difficulties - Should a 2-year-old fall asleep on their own?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-a-2-year-old-be-able-to-fall-asleep-on-their-own - My 2-year-old cannot fall asleep alone — is that a concern?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-2-year-old-cannot-fall-asleep-on-their-own-yet-is-that-a-concern - My 3-year-old cannot fall asleep on their own yet — is that a concern?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-3-year-old-cannot-fall-asleep-on-their-own-yet-is-that-a-concern - My child can't fall asleep alone yet — should I worry, and how do I help?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-cannot-fall-asleep-on-their-own-yet-should-i-worry-and-how-do-i-help - Should a 3-Year-Old Fall Asleep on Their Own?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-a-3-year-old-be-able-to-fall-asleep-on-their-own ### Explore therapy & support - How can I teach my child to fall asleep on their own?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-teach-my-child-to-fall-asleep-on-their-own