By: Sarah Bossio, Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert
Nobody really realizes how easy newborn sleep is until they have a toddler!
If you're reading this, you’re probably in the thick of toddlerhood and dealing with the infamous 18-month sleep regression. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Let’s start with the basics first! Sleep regression is a phase when your child's sleep patterns change, often temporarily, due to developmental milestones.
Now, let’s talk about what’s going on with your toddler’s sleep, the signs and symptoms of this sleep regression, and how to manage it.
Understanding the 18-Month Sleep Regression
The 18-month sleep regression is a common phase that many toddlers experience, often causing disrupted sleep patterns. Although it can feel overwhelming for parents, this stage is actually a positive indicator of growth and development. It typically begins around 18 months, though some toddlers may show signs as early as 15 months or as late as 21 months.
Here’s a closer look at what happens:
Developmental Milestones: At this age, toddlers are making big strides in motor skills, language, and independence. These advancements can make their minds more active, making it harder for them to settle down at bedtime.
Separation Anxiety: Increased awareness of their environment often brings heightened separation anxiety, which can lead to resistance at bedtime as they may feel anxious when you leave.
Nap Changes: Some toddlers may try to drop a nap around this age, which can further disrupt their sleep routine. Ensuring consistent naps and bedtime routines can help ease this transition.
How to Cope: Staying consistent with your bedtime routine, offering comfort without forming new sleep associations, and being patient can make a big difference during this phase.
While the 18-month sleep regression can be challenging, it’s also temporary. Take it as part of your child’s natural growth and trust that with time, they’ll return to more consistent sleep patterns.
Key Signs of the 18-Month Sleep Regression
One of the most significant changes you might notice is that your toddler is ready to drop from two naps to just one. If your child is refusing naps or suddenly waking up way too early in the morning, it’s likely they don’t need as much daytime sleep anymore.
Look out for these signs:
Nap Refusal: If your toddler is fighting their morning or afternoon nap, it’s a clue that one nap is enough.
Late Bedtime: Even if they’re napping, if bedtime has turned into a battle and they’re staying up too late, it’s time to switch.
Early Morning Waking: Waking up before 6 a.m. regularly? This could mean it's time for a schedule change.
Managing the 18-Month Sleep Regression
The first step to handling this regression is adjusting your toddler’s schedule. Transitioning to one nap per day, ideally between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., for about 2-3 hours, can work wonders. It’s also important to look at bedtime; maybe your child needs to go to bed a bit later.
But the real challenge isn’t just about changing sleep schedules. Toddlers are little people with BIG personalities, and they’ve started to understand that they can get what they want if they push hard enough. This can lead to bedtime battles where they refuse to sleep, stall with endless requests, or wake up during the night with new demands.
Common Sleep Behaviors to Watch For
Bedtime Refusal: Your toddler might suddenly refuse to go to bed because they just want to keep playing. Stay firm and hold your boundary.
Multiple Requests: Toddlers are masters at stalling. They’ll ask for another story, another glass of water, or to use the potty for the tenth time, trying to squeeze out extra time with you.
Night Wakings: If your child has been a great sleeper but is now waking up in the middle of the night asking for things like water or tissues, it’s part of this developmental stage.
Remember: These behaviors, while frustrating, are signs of your toddler’s growing independence. With a little patience and consistency, this phase will pass, and your child will likely settle into a new, more predictable sleep routine.
Tips for Setting Healthy Sleep Boundaries
This phase is the perfect time to talk with your partner and align your parenting strategies. Consistency is key! If you give in to your toddler’s demands during breakfast or after daycare but try to hold firm at bedtime, you’ll confuse them, and it could lead to more protests.
Here’s how you can set boundaries without feeling like the “bad guy”:
Align with Your Partner: Before making changes, talk with your partner to ensure you’re both on the same page. If bedtime rules change depending on who’s handling it, your toddler may get mixed signals, making it harder for them to settle down.
Stay Consistent: Make sure the rules are the same at bedtime as they are during the day.
Stick to the Routine: Keep bedtime routines the same, so your toddler knows what to expect.
Hold Your Ground: It’s okay to say “no” to your child’s requests, even if they beg for more time or attention. You can do this with love, without yelling or causing extra tantrums.
Remember: Boundaries are a way to support, not restrict. With a predictable bedtime routine and a united front, you’re creating a sense of safety that helps your toddler navigate sleep challenges with confidence.
Conclusion: This is Just a Phase
Take a deep breath—this sleep regression is temporary. With patience, love, and consistency, you’ll get through it, and your toddler will soon be back to sleeping peacefully. Keep your eyes on the prize: solid sleep for everyone!
The key takeaway? Consistency and gentle boundaries are your best friends during this stage. You’ve got this!
Let me know if you're having a tough time with this by leaving a comment in here or on my YouTube video! I'd love to help you out as you navigate your toddler's sleep journey. 😊
Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel for more videos that accompany these blog posts! I share tips, tricks, and advice for managing sleep regressions and more.
Did you know? I also host a weekly Q&A on my Instagram. Tune in or send me a DM on the 'gram!
I work with families one-on-one all the time who are experiencing issues with their babies' naps, overnight sleep, and more. If this sounds like you, please book a 15-minute sleep assessment call just so I can understand a little bit more about your child's sleep and then explain ways that I can work one-on-one with you to get it in order.
May your coffee be warm,
Sarah
Sarah is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert based in the NY/NJ Tri-State area and has helped over 500 families worldwide get their sleep back on track.
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