Colin Snow
Sleep training an 18-month-old can be challenging, especially with the common sleep regression that occurs at this age due to major physical, cognitive, and emotional developments. This regression is more accurately described as a developmental progression, as toddlers experience increased independence, awareness of decision-making abilities, and understanding of cause and effect. Sleep training methods vary, from the “pick up, put down” method, which involves gradually increasing your child's independence, to the “cry it out” method, where parents allow their child to cry for extended periods. Other approaches include the chair method, sleep lady shuffle, and excuses method. The key to success is consistency and patience, as changes to sleep habits take time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep training methods | "Cry it out" (CIO), "no-cry sleep solution", "pick up, put down", "fading", "Ferber", "chair method", "sleep lady shuffle", "excuses method", "longer and longer", "total extinction" |
| Time taken | A few days to a few weeks |
| Age range | 9-18 months, but can be used for older toddlers |
| Pre-sleep routine | 30-45 minutes for bedtime, 5-10 minutes for naptime |
| Wakeful nights/nap resistance | Due to illness, teething, sleep regressions, travel, mistimings, or other reasons |
| Active play | Obstacle course, walk, dance party, bath, checking mail |
| Wake window | 3-4 hours for babies taking 2 naps a day, 5-6 hours for older babies and toddlers |
| Bedtime | Consistent routine, last feed ending 30 minutes before bedtime, baby in bed by themselves |
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What You'll Learn
The 'pick up, put down' method
The "pick-up, put-down" sleep training method is a gentle technique popularized by Tracy Hogg in her book "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer". It is a high-soothing approach that involves providing comfort and reassurance to your baby during the sleep training process. This method is ideal for babies and toddlers between 3 to 18 months old, especially those who are attached sleepers and have difficulty with independent sleep.
Step 1: Create a Calm and Consistent Bedtime Routine
Establish a regular bedtime routine that includes activities such as a final feeding, a bath, reading books, and a lullaby. The routine may take between 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure that the last feed ends about half an hour before bedtime.
Step 2: Put Your Toddler in Their Crib Awake
Put your toddler down in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them learn to fall asleep independently. If they start to fuss, wait a bit before going back into the room.
Step 3: Respond to Their Cries
If your toddler starts to cry, respond by going into their room and picking them up for a cuddle. Reassure them by patting them gently, speaking softly, or using a shushing sound.
Step 4: Put Them Back in the Crib
As soon as your toddler calms down and stops crying, gently put them back into their crib. Place them on the mattress even if they start to fuss while being put down. Leave your hand on their tummy and speak softly to provide reassurance.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
If your toddler starts to cry again, repeat the process. Keep picking them up and comforting them until their crying turns into a whimper or grumble.
Step 6: Gradually Increase Physical Distance
Over several days or weeks, gradually increase the physical distance between you and your toddler. Move your chair farther from the crib and closer to the door each night. Eventually, you will be able to leave the room while your toddler falls asleep independently.
It is important to note that sleep training can be a gradual process and may take a few weeks. Consistency and patience are key. Some toddlers may respond better to other methods, such as the “cry-it-out” (CIO) approach or the “longer and longer” method (Ferber-style graduated extinction). Always consult your pediatrician before starting any sleep training program.
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The 'cry it out' (CIO) method
The cry it out (CIO) method is one of the many sleep training approaches. It is a non-parental involvement method, meaning that once you've put your baby down to sleep, you don't enter the room again until the next feeding time or when it's time for your baby to wake up.
The CIO method teaches babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. It involves allowing your baby to cry for a set length of time before sleep. For example, you could let them cry for three minutes, then pop your head in to check on them and let them know you haven't "deserted the planet". After closing the door again, wait five minutes and repeat the process.
The CIO method can be started when your baby is at least 16 weeks old and weighs at least 14 pounds. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your baby is at least 4 months old, and some research suggests that the effects of CIO are most lasting after 6 months.
It's important to remember that the CIO method may not be the right fit for every baby and family. There are many other sleep training methods to consider, such as the chair method or the pick-up, put down method. It's also crucial to be patient and consistent with your approach, as it takes time for your toddler to adapt to new sleep habits.
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The 'chair method'
The chair method is a gradual sleep training process that involves putting your 18-month-old toddler to bed while they are still awake but drowsy, so they learn to fall asleep independently in their own crib. This method is also known as "fading" or the "sleep lady shuffle".
To begin, place a chair next to your toddler's crib and provide occasional physical and verbal reassurance. Over several nights, gradually move the chair closer to the door. You can also use light patting and shushing to comfort your toddler. After a few nights or up to a week, you should be able to remove the chair and walk out of the room before your toddler falls asleep.
The chair method is a good option for parents who want to take a gradual approach to sleep training and stay close to their toddlers during the process. It may be more challenging if your toddler associates your presence with playtime or limit-testing, but consistency is key to success.
Keep in mind that the chair method is a gradual process that requires time, consistency, and patience. It may take a few weeks to see results, and your toddler will likely still cry during this process. However, the crying typically doesn't last more than 30 minutes, and your toddler will eventually learn to self-soothe and sleep independently.
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The 'fade' method
The fade method, also known as fading or fade it out (FIO), is a gentle sleep training method that involves no or very few tears. It is based on the theory that if a baby isn't ready for sleep, they won't willingly go to bed. The approach involves paying attention to your toddler's sleep patterns and cues and gradually adjusting their sleep schedule to find the optimal bedtime that works best for them.
The fade method can also involve slowly fading out your toddler's bedtime routine until it's no longer necessary. For example, if you usually rock your toddler to sleep, you can gradually decrease the amount of time spent doing this until you no longer need to do it at all. This can also be done by slowly reducing the amount of time you spend in your toddler's room when they are heading to bed.
The fade method can take anywhere from three weeks to three months to work, so it is not one of the fastest sleep training methods. However, it is one of the most flexible methods, as parents can set the pace. It is important to be patient and consistent with your approach, as making changes to sleep habits takes time.
- Stick to a regular daytime schedule. Having a consistent routine with naps and activities at the same times every day can help soothe toddlers and improve their sleep at night.
- Understand the method's limits. While the fade method can be effective, it may not work for all families or toddlers. It is important to be open to trying different sleep training methods if the fade method is not producing results after a week or so.
- Be aware of potential setbacks. Even after successful sleep training, there may still be wakeful nights or nap resistance due to various factors such as illness, teething, or travel. It is important to approach each sleep session with a fresh mindset and continue to encourage independent sleep skills.
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The importance of a bedtime routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for sleep training an 18-month-old toddler. A consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers understand that it is time for sleep, even if they are reluctant to do so. It is important to be patient and consistent with your approach, as it may take time for your toddler to adapt to new sleep habits.
A bedtime routine typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes and should be calm and predictable. It is recommended that the last feed ends about 30 minutes before bedtime, allowing your toddler to fall asleep independently. This can be challenging, as many toddlers are used to falling asleep while being held, rocked, or fed. However, gradually transitioning to independent sleep is essential for their development.
The “pick up, put down" method is a popular sleep training technique for toddlers between 9 and 18 months old. This method involves staying in the room with your toddler until they fall asleep, gradually giving them more space and independence. If your toddler cries, you can pick them up and cuddle them until they calm down, and then tuck them back into bed. Over time, you will move your chair farther from the crib or bed until you eventually move out of the room.
Another important aspect of a bedtime routine is creating a calm and soothing environment. This can include playing white noise or soft music and ensuring that the lighting is dim and comfortable for your toddler. A consistent bedtime routine also extends to daily activities and wake windows. Ensuring that your toddler gets enough active play and awake time during the day can help them fall asleep more easily at night.
Remember, the key to successful sleep training is consistency and patience. Each toddler is unique, and you may need to experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for your child. By establishing a predictable and calming bedtime routine, you will be well on your way to helping your 18-month-old toddler sleep through the night.
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Frequently asked questions
A gentle sleep training method is one that is gradual and limits tears. One such method is the "'pick up, put down' method, where you stay in the room until your toddler falls asleep but gradually give them more space and independence. Another gentle method is the "fading" or "chair" method, where you sit next to your toddler's crib and provide occasional physical and verbal reassurance. Over a few nights or a week, you move your chair closer to the door until you eventually remove it from the room.
The time it takes to sleep train depends on the method chosen and your toddler's adaptability. The first few nights are typically the hardest, and setbacks may occur, but you should see some progress after 3 to 4 nights with a gradual or total extinction technique. Gentle methods usually take longer, and you can expect to see results in a few weeks.
Sleep training is developmentally appropriate at 18 months, and a regression can be a good time to work on healthy sleep habits. During their awake time, 18-month-olds should be active to tire them out before sleep. A pre-sleep routine can help cue your child that it is time for bed. Toddlers need between 3-6 hours of awake time before bed to be sufficiently tired, depending on their age and number of naps. Consistency is key when sleep training, and it's important to be patient as your child learns to fall asleep independently.
