Just when you thought the days of sleep training your child were behind you… WHAM… the so-called toddler-sleep regression rears its ugly head.
Many parents whose children were sleep-trained contact me asking for help when their toddler is between approximately 18 and 24 months. This is the time your toddler is going through tons of exciting changes in their development. Too exciting to sleep through.
What is the 18-24 Month Sleep Regression?
This so-called regression, sometimes also called the toddler sleep regression, is a change in your child’s sleep patterns. It can happen as early as 18 months and as late as 24 months. During this time your toddler could experience disruption in their night-time sleep patterns as well as changes to their napping schedule. They could experience these changes one after another, or all at the same time. Either way, get ready.
Why Does the 18-24 Month Sleep Regression Happen?
Every sleep regression (Read more about sleep regressions here) has a developmental reason behind it. This one is no different. The best way to think about the so-called ‘sleep regressions” is to remember that it’s really a progression. Your child is developing new skills and abilities that are disrupting previous patterns. And this is something to celebrate.
During this time your toddler will be learning many new skills such as walking and talking.
They will become much more independent and want to do many amazing things by themselves. And with growing independence comes the desire to determine when they will do things on their own. So your toddler might want to decide for themselves when they will go to sleep or NOT. They may resist going to bed both during the night and for naps.
Toddlers also understand a lot more about the world around them. For example, they know that things happen even while they are asleep. This can cause your toddler to fight taking a nap or going to sleep at night because they don’t want to miss whatever exciting events are sure to happen.
During this time many children also begin going to daycare, which can also contribute to changes in their sleep schedule.
Signs of a Toddler Sleep Regression
Here are some clues that your toddler might be going through a sleep regression:
- Fighting the nap: you are hearing a string of no’s as you try to put your toddler down for their regular nap.
- Dropping the daytime nap altogether or shortening it considerably
- Taking a long time to fall asleep: either for naptime or in the evening.
- Waking up early if they were not an early riser previously
How Long Does the 18-24 Month Sleep Regression Last?
The 18-24 month regression can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Having a strong understanding of the possible reasons for the regression and the strategies will help you get your child’s sleep on track faster.
Solutions For the 18-24 Month Sleep Regression
Most importantly, stay calm as you work to figure out how to get your toddler’s sleep back on track. It will take patience along with some trial and error to get on the right path. Here are my best tips.
Stick with your routine
If you have a routine that has worked for you, don’t assume you have to change it. A consistent routine signals to your toddler that it is time to go to sleep, just like they have always done. If you haven’t had a chance to put in an evening routine that allows your child to relax and wind down before sleep – now is your chance.
Get your wiggles out
Provide your child with lots of opportunities to tire themselves out during the mid-morning, before their nap time. Not only is playing outside healthy and fun, but it is also more likely to help them sleep better during the day.
Cap the Nap
I know, no one wants to give up the long (and who are we kidding, glorious) nap. The fact of the matter is that some toddlers around this age start needing less sleep during the day. Remember that an average toddler needs 11-14 total hours of sleep per day. So if they are getting all or most of those hours during the night they will need less sleep during daytime hours (1.5 to 2 hours max.). This is all healthy and normal. So try to appreciate it for what it is – your baby growing up.
Consider the sleep environment
I always recommend that you keep your child’s room as dark as possible along with the use of white noise. This promotes deeper and more even sleep and creates an environment where it is easier for your toddler to return to sleep on their own if they wake up.
Keep it calm
Make sure you are helping your toddler transition to sleep by keeping the environment around them calm as you get closer to bedtime. Children can easily be riled up by roughhousing, screentime, or even a sugary treat. So try to keep those to a minimum.
Consider help
If the regression takes longer than a few weeks to resolve, you might want to seek advice from a pediatric sleep consultant. They can provide guidance and support during this time.
Remember, It Won’t last Forever
Every child is different and what works for one may not work for yours. The key is to be patient and consistent. Remember, this regression won’t last forever. Even though it might feel like it right now. Hang in there.
