All of a sudden, your cuddly baby turns into an active toddler, and you need eyes at the back of your head to keep them safe. If that’s not stressful enough, it can feel like your sleep routines have also gone out of the window. Welcome to the 18-month-old sleep regression.
So, what on earth happened?
What’s changed? Where did this sudden behaviour change come from? What can a parent do to regain their child’s sleep, let alone their own?!
We are not big believers in ‘regressions’ when it comes to sleep, especially for sleep-trained children that have independent sleep skills, after all, it’s not like you can ‘forget’ how to sleep! We often talk to families whose children have been sleeping well for months, then out of nowhere something changes and peaceful nights become a battleground. This blog addresses this potentially tricky stage in a toddler’s life, to help guide you through it.
What is Sleep Regression & what causes it?
Regression isn’t really an appropriate word, considering it’s a sign of your child’s growth and development. “Sleep regressions” are caused by cognitive and physical developments. Other signs of development are usually apparent simultaneously: a growth spurt, new teeth appearing, more hair; the growth hormones responsible for these can cause havoc on a child’s sleep patterns.
Your child may become more wilful as they show a stronger desire for independence and gain a greater sense of self, which can lead to some protests if their heart is set on a different activity other than sleeping! At this age, a toddler’s drive to be independent coupled with their enhanced motor skills, means an increased chance of them standing up in their bed or shouting for assistance.
Nap refusal is widely reported at this age and can also happen a little at 4 months of age. The unpleasant memories of sleepless nights and bedtime battles come flooding back to parents none of us want to be reverting to those days! The difference now is that your child is mobile, and very vocal. They are clear on exactly how to get your reaction and will use these skills with their determination to have things their way.
18-month sleep regression generally requires more creativity and stamina from parents compared to the past – because let’s face it your child has plenty of both!!
How long will toddler sleep regression last?
As long you don’t let it, the 18-month sleep regression won’t last forever. It’s a temporary challenge to overcome. A regression length can differ depending on the child, but on average, it lasts between 2-6 weeks. “6 weeks of restless nights?!” I hear you cry… but don’t fret, our blog or sleep packages will help you. Try to keep in mind that some children never experience it or only do so for a short period, but if you are facing it for a longer period, our advice below will support a smooth navigation of this potentially trying and tiring time.
Tips to manage 18-Month-Old Sleep Regression
Routines & Consistency
- Ensure your child’s sleep space is conducive to rest. Keep the room dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature. We recommend a fully blacked-out bedroom and white noise to minimize disruptions and create a calming atmosphere
- Use this time to support your child in getting the sleep they need without throwing out consistency and scheduling. If your child has a bedtime routine that you use regularly from previous successful sleep training, work hard to stick with it
- If you don’t have a bedtime routine, now is a great time to establish one. This will give your child a pattern to learn and follow to help them prepare for sleep. It can be simple: bath time, brushing teeth, putting on PJs, reading a book and then into to bed. With the exception of teeth brushing, make sure most of the routine happens in their bedroom
- Any unhelpful habits created during this time can last much longer than the sleep regression itself. It’s essential to avoid falling into routines you won’t want to continue, such as letting children sleep in your bed or changing to a different bedtime routine that’s not sustainable
- Be repetitive with your actions. This will teach your toddler that, no matter what, these behaviours and routines are expected. The more you reinforce these boundaries, the more secure your toddler will feel
Supporting developmental changes
- If your child seems to be seeking more independence, they can be encouraged to make age-appropriate choices during their sleep routine: choosing their PJs, which book you will read them, and a cuddly toy to take to bed. If they put up a fuss rather than make a decision, stay calm and choose for them, for example, “Blue is my favourite colour, so let’s choose that one” or “Here we go, let’s put our arm in these PJ’s, they’re lovely and soft”. All of this will help your child learn positively and with encouragement
- Be aware of any changes or transitions that may affect your child’s sleep, such illness, changes in daycare, or family disruptions. Addressing these changes and providing extra support during transitions can help ease anxiety and promote better sleep
Sleep needs for 18-month-olds
At 18 months, your child should get 13-14 hours of sleep every 24 hours. This is split between 1-2 hours of napping in the day and 11-12 at night. Even though they might be going through a regression, it’s important to aim for the same level of sleep each day for the best health. Not getting enough sleep could lead to added fuss or tantrums and make settling even harder. Consistency is key.
This sleep regression can test the patience of even the most laid-back parent and your own tiredness can make it even more challenging, but with the right strategies, you can help your toddler get back on track. Maintain a consistent routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and offer reassurance if or when it’s needed. You can ease the transition and encourage healthy sleep habits already in place to remain intact. With time and patience, restful nights will return for both you and your little one, so figure out what works and adapt your approach as needed.
If you do need help, don’t struggle alone. Book a free 30-minute sleep consultation with the Sweet Dreams Team; we’ve helped thousands of families regain or achieve healthy sleep habits. It’s never too late to decide to have peaceful nights for the whole family.
