Do you remember the first time your baby slept through the night? I sure do! Never in my entire life had four hours of sleep felt so exciting and refreshing!
And as it crept up to five, six, and even seven hours of sleep?! Heaven. Pure heaven. I swore to myself that I’d never take sleep for granted again.
But then, just as my husband and I settled into our restful new routine, the 18 month old sleep regression hit, shredding all of my dreams to pieces…literally.
The good news is that with a little research and a lot of trial and error, we finally conquered that dreaded toddler sleep regression! Just a few weeks later, we were back to enjoying a predictable sleep schedule thanks to the healthy sleep habits we had established.
Friend…don’t take the weeks that we did to figure out the 18-month sleep regression! Read what worked for us, put these ideas into action, and please, please get the rest you deserve ASAP!
Understanding 18-Month Sleep Regression
The sad fact is, your toddler’s sleep may become disrupted around 18 months of age. This change happens as they (1) hit a growth spurt and (2) start to learn new skills and hit developmental milestones that can place new demands on both their quality of sleep and sleep schedule.
Symptoms of Sleep Regression
You might notice your 18-month-old is having trouble falling asleep or waking up more often in the middle of the night. They may fight bedtime or nap time, or even start climbing out of their cribs during this time.
Your child might be extra fussy or cranky during the day due to logging fewer hours of sleep. They could also display signs of more separation anxiety when you try to leave the room at bedtime.
Changes in nap patterns could indicate an 18-month sleep regression too! Your toddler might take shorter naps or start skipping them altogether.
These sleep issues can last anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months depending on both your child’s development and your response to the 18-month regression as their parent.
Causes of Sleep Disruptions
The 18 month sleep regression is usually triggered by big changes in your toddler’s brain and body.
They’re learning lots of new skills and words. This exciting growth can make it hard for them to settle down at night.
Your child may be going through a growth spurt or teething, which can also disrupt sleep. They might be testing boundaries and asserting independence, leading to bedtime battles.
Just in case that wasn’t enough, new fears or vivid dreams can pop up at this age too! These can make your toddler more clingy at night.
Remember, every child is different. Your little one might show some or all of these signs as they go through this phase.
Managing Separation Anxiety and Fears
So let’s tackle these triggers one by one, shall we? We’ll start with one of the most common (and frustrating and heartbreaking!) causes – new fears and separation anxiety.
As your 18-month-old grows, they may face new worries at bedtime. You can help your little one feel safer and more secure at night with a few simple strategies.
Coping With New Fears
Your toddler might suddenly be afraid of the dark or monsters under the bed. This is totally normal at this age, no matter how careful you are to guard what they see and hear during the day.
Try using a cute nightlight to make their room feel less scary!
If possible, let them help you choose it to make sure it’s something they find comforting. (I learned this the hard way when my own daughter thought the adorable puppy nightlight I bought her was terrifying.)
I know, I know…total darkness might result in better sleep! But that only works if they can actually fall asleep and stay asleep in the first place. It wasn’t a battle I was willing to fight…at least not at 18 months.
You can also do a quick “monster check” before bed to show there’s nothing to fear. Many parents even give their child a special “monster spray” (just water in a spray bottle) to help them feel more confident and in control.
If your child calls out for you, be sure to respond calmly. A quick hug and kind but firm reassurance can work wonders.
Try not to start new habits like sleeping in their room unless you want to do it for months or even years to come. New habits started at such a young age, and especially those born out of the need for comfort, can be incredibly challenging to change later.
Building a Sense of Security
Separation anxiety is also very common at 18 months. Creating a consistent bedtime routine, for example, a bath, story, and cuddle time, could help your child feel more secure.
A comforting object like a stuffed animal or blanket can also help your child feel close to you when you’re not there. Let them choose a special toy to sleep with.
For stay-at-home parents whose children might not be used to being away from them, practice short separations during the day to help your child learn you’ll always come back. Start with just a few minutes and slowly increase the time to help build their confidence.
And use positive words when saying goodnight!
Instead of “Don’t be scared,” try something like, “You’re safe and cozy in your bed.” This can help build confidence in their ability to sleep on their own.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
Healthy sleep habits can help your 18-month-old work through sleep regressions. A regular routine and consistent nap times are key for better sleep.
Creating a Soothing Bedtime Routine
A calm bedtime routine helps your toddler wind down at the end of the day.
Start with a warm bath to relax them. Then put on comfy pajamas and read a short story together.
Keep the lights low and speak softly.
You can sing a lullaby, play quiet music, or even pray together. Cuddle for a few minutes before saying goodnight.
Stick to the same steps each night and start the routine at the same time every evening. This signals to your child that it’s time for sleep.
Maintaining Consistent Nap Times
Regular naps are important for your toddler’s sleep health. Most 18-month-olds need one nap a day, lasting 1-3 hours.
Set a daily nap schedule and stick to it, putting your toddler down for their nap at the same time every day whenever possible. This helps to set your child’s body clock to more quickly and easily fall asleep.
Create a short pre-nap routine. It can be similar to bedtime but shorter, like a story and a brief cuddle.
Does your child resist naps? It’s okay! Establishing a regular quiet time can be nearly as good for them (and, let’s face it, nice for you too!).
Let them play quietly in their crib or toddler bed for 30-60 minutes. This gives them a chance to rest even if they don’t necessarily sleep.
Navigating Nap Transitions
I get it…you’ve come to count on your toddler’s nap time (Hello, several hours of rest for you, too!) and aren’t ready to let go just yet.
Your toddler’s nap time likely isn’t going anywhere but their sleep needs are shifting. You’ll want to adjust your routines to help them get the rest they need.
Adapting to Shorter Naps
At this age, your little one may start taking shorter naps. This is totally normal!
Instead of two long naps, they might have one main nap in the middle of the day.
You can help by:
- Moving bedtime earlier if needed to help increase their total hours of sleep each day.
- Creating a calm pre-nap routine.
- Keeping the room dark and quiet.
Don’t worry if naps are inconsistent at first while your toddler learns to consolidate their sleep. Be patient and flexible as they adjust.
Choosing the Right Time For Nap Transitions
Every child moves to one nap at their own pace.
Watch for signs your toddler is ready:
- Resisting the afternoon nap
- Taking a long time to fall asleep
- Waking up very early
Try pushing their morning nap time later by 15-30 minutes each day. This can help stretch their awake time and make nap transitions smoother.
And remember, nap needs can vary.
Some 18-month-olds still need two shorter naps, while others do well with one long nap. Trust your instincts and your child’s cues.
Techniques for Sleep Training
Sleep training can help your 18-month-old develop better, more healthy sleep habits. There are different methods to try and various ways to handle night wakings.
Exploring Different Sleep Training Methods
The Ferber method is a popular sleep training technique.
It involves checking on your child at set intervals when they cry. Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time between checks.
Another option is the “chair method.” Sit next to your toddler’s crib and move the chair farther away each night until you’re out of the room.
You can also try the “pick up, put down” method. Briefly comfort your child when they cry, then put them back in the crib awake.
Remember to choose a method that fits your parenting style and your child’s needs. You’ll need to be patient and consistent to see the best results.
Handling Night Wakings
Night wakings are common during the 18-month sleep regression.
To help your toddler self-soothe, try these tips:
- Keep the room dark and quiet.
- Use white noise to block out distractions.
- Provide them with a comfort object like a stuffed animal.
Stick to a consistent bedtime routine. This helps signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.
Include calming activities like reading a story or singing a lullaby.
If your toddler wakes up, keep interactions brief and boring.
Avoid turning on lights or playing. This helps them learn that nighttime is for sleeping.
Hang in there, friend!
This stage is frustrating and exhausting and will make you wonder if you’ll ever make it to the other side. But I promise…you will!
By following these suggestions, your child’s 18 month old sleep regression will, like my child’s, be but a distant memory. Then you can share your tips with others to help them make it through, too.
You’ve got this!
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