Ashwin Lewis
Co-sleeping with a toddler can have its benefits and drawbacks. While some parents view it as an opportunity to bond with their child and provide a sense of safety and security, others may find it disruptive to their sleep. It is generally considered safe for children over the age of one, as they are more mobile and able to free themselves from restraint. However, it is important to maintain consistency in sleep habits and routines to ensure that your toddler is getting adequate sleep for their health and development. At 15 months old, toddlers typically require 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps. Establishing a bedtime routine, such as quiet time and a regular bedtime, can help your toddler feel sleepy when it's time for bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including 1-2 daytime naps |
| Sleep issues | Separation anxiety, teething, illness, screen time, noise, light, and temperature |
| Sleep tips | Consistent routine, quiet time before bed, reading, social play, safe toys, security items, and light exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
Causes of Sleep Regression
- Developmental milestones: Around 14-15 months, toddlers may be taking their first steps, walking independently, or climbing on furniture. They also start to understand the concept of object permanence, which can lead to increased separation anxiety and make sleep challenging.
- Teething: The eruption of new teeth, including first-year molars, can cause temporary sleep disruptions.
- Physical discomfort: Illness or teething can cause physical discomfort, making it difficult for toddlers to sleep.
- Increased independence: Toddlers' newfound desire for independence can lead to resistance to sleep.
- Transition from two naps to one: At around 15 months, toddlers may be ready to transition from taking two naps to one longer afternoon nap.
Tips to Manage Sleep Regression
- Consistency: Remain consistent with your approach to sleep. Stick to the same bedtime and nap routine, as this signals to your toddler that sleep is coming every night at the same time.
- Healthy sleep habits: Work on establishing healthy sleep habits during this time. A sleep training plan can help your toddler get the sleep they need to support their development.
- Address physical discomfort: Ensure your toddler is comfortable and healthy by addressing any physical discomfort, such as teething or illness.
- Create a soothing environment: Make your toddler's room a comfortable place to sleep. Reduce noise levels, use heavy pajamas in colder months, and avoid screen time before bed, as it can disrupt sleep.
- Bedtime routine: Establish a regular bedtime routine, including quiet time and activities like reading a book, to help your toddler unwind and signal that sleep is approaching.
- Independent sleep skills: Encourage your toddler to develop independent sleep skills. While they may not be ready for a toddler bed yet, you can start working on healthy sleep habits to ease the transition.
- Games: Play games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek to help your toddler understand object permanence and reduce separation anxiety.
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Teething
First-year molars typically come in between 13 and 19 months, and by 18 months, your toddler will likely have a full set of baby teeth. However, the two-year molars, which are large and square compared to the anterior teeth, are yet to emerge. These usually appear between 19 months and three years of age.
It's important to establish a regular bedtime routine for your 15-month-old, and teething may disrupt their sleep. If your toddler is struggling to sleep due to teething pain, you may want to try giving them some ibuprofen or Tylenol at night to help them get a good stretch of sleep.
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Reading before bed
Reading to your 15-month-old before bed can be a great way to bond and create a healthy sleep routine for your toddler. Research shows that reading to your child improves their literacy and brain development. It also helps them develop language skills and social-emotional skills. Bedtime reading can also help your child sleep better.
Reading to your toddler is a great way to foster language development and early literacy. It is also a lovely way to spend one-on-one time with your child. You can encourage your toddler to interact with the book and pronounce some of the words on the pages. You can also make it fun by elaborating on the story and adding extra elements. For example, you can point to the pictures and say, "Look at the cat—he's wearing a hat!".
Toddlers this age will be excited about picking their own books. You'll want books that have a story with some text, rather than just pictures and colors. You can also hide any books that you think aren't appropriate for bedtime reading. Books that your child finds scary or too exciting might be better for the daytime. You can also remove books that are too long. One strategy is to have a small basket of books you've chosen next to the reading space and switch them out every two weeks.
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Screen time
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 18 months old avoid exposure to screens, except for video chats. However, many babies and toddlers have regular screen exposure. A study by Common Sense Media found that children under two spend an average of 49 minutes a day using screens, with a third of them watching TV or videos daily.
The AAP recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children between the ages of two and five. However, studies have shown that screen time can negatively impact sleep patterns and quality, even for children as young as three months old. Specifically, screen exposure before bedtime disrupts sleep patterns by suppressing melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and leading to reduced sleep quality.
Additionally, the content children are exposed to on screens can be frightening or inappropriate for their age, causing fear and anxiety that may manifest in their dreams. Even age-appropriate content can sometimes evoke fear in children.
Prolonged screen time can also contribute to behavior issues, including tantrums, trouble paying attention, and impulsivity. It can be highly addictive, and even a small amount of screen time has been linked to a loss of sleep. For example, one study found that each quarter-hour of time on a tablet resulted in a loss of four minutes of sleep.
To promote healthy sleep habits, it is recommended to avoid screen time in the hours leading up to bedtime and to create a calm and peaceful environment conducive to rest. Setting a consistent bedtime routine and wind-down time can also help improve sleep quality and minimize bedtime meltdowns.
While it may be challenging to limit screen time, it is important to prioritize healthy sleep habits for children's overall well-being.
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Sleep training
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A well-timed bedtime can help reduce bedtime struggles. Toddlers typically need 5-6 hours of awake time before bed to ensure they are sufficiently tired. Stick to a consistent bedtime and naptime schedule every day. A bedtime routine might include a warm bath, a bedtime story, or some quiet playtime before lights out.
Create a Calm and Comfortable Environment
Make sure your toddler's room is a comfortable place for them to sleep. Keep the noise level low, and consider using white noise to block out any disruptive sounds. You can also introduce a comfort item, such as a small soft blanket or stuffed animal ("lovey"),), which can provide a sense of security.
Encourage Independent Sleep
While it can be tempting to continually assist your toddler in falling asleep, it's important to give them the space to wind down on their own. You can remind them gently every 10-15 minutes that it's time to sleep and reposition them if necessary. If your toddler is having trouble falling asleep independently, take a short break and then try a shortened version of your bedtime routine to cue that it's time for sleep.
Manage Daytime Naps
Most 15-month-olds will transition from two naps to one, usually in the afternoon. Limit daytime sleep to 2 hours, and if that doesn't help with night sleep, further reduce it to 90 minutes to ensure your toddler has enough awake time before bedtime.
Address Physical Discomfort
Teething, illness, or other physical discomfort can disrupt your toddler's sleep. Gently massage their gums or offer a teething ring to soothe teething pain. If you suspect illness or other health issues, consult your paediatrician.
There are various sleep training techniques you can consider, depending on your preferences and your child's temperament. The “pick up, put down” method involves staying in the room with your child until they fall asleep, gradually giving them more independence over time. The "longer and longer" method, also known as the "cry it out" approach, involves gradually increasing the time intervals between checking on your child. Remember that it's normal for children to be upset when you change their routine, and continual intervention may hinder their progress toward independent sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping with your 15-month-old can increase the risk of SIDS, especially if your child was premature or had a low birth weight. It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months, but not in the same bed.
Between the ages of 1 and 2, most toddlers need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one or two daytime naps.
A consistent bedtime routine is key. Keep bedtime and naptimes the same every day, and avoid exciting play just before bed. Reading a bedtime story and giving your toddler a warm bath can also help them relax.
Sleep regressions can occur at this age, causing sudden night wakings. Your toddler may also be transitioning from two naps to one, resulting in shorter or resisted naps.
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