Colin Snow
Sleep is an important topic for parents and toddlers alike. While some toddlers experience sleep regression at 18 months, not all do, and some may even show improvements in sleep. During this time, toddlers may start to climb out of their cribs, and it's important to ensure their safety. Most 18-month-olds take one nap per day, lasting around 2-3 hours, and need about 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. To promote healthy sleep habits, it's recommended to stick to a consistent bedtime routine and provide a calm and relaxing environment before sleep.
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What You'll Learn
- The recommended amount of sleep for an 18-month-old is 11 to 14 hours, including a one- to three-hour nap
- Sleep regression is common at this age, with toddlers resisting sleep or waking frequently
- Separation anxiety can cause or increase sleep disturbances
- Toddlers may start climbing out of their cribs, so ensure the mattress is lowered
- Establish a bedtime routine and set rules to help your child sleep independently
The recommended amount of sleep for an 18-month-old is 11 to 14 hours, including a one- to three-hour nap
At this age, toddlers are going through significant developmental changes, including increased mobility, communication skills, and emotional reactions. These developments can impact their sleep patterns, and some may experience a sleep regression around this time. During a sleep regression, it's important to maintain consistency and healthy sleep habits to help your toddler get through this phase.
To promote healthy sleep habits, encourage your toddler to fall asleep independently without relying on external cues such as rocking or nursing. Offer choices during the bedtime routine, such as selecting a bedtime story or pajamas, to provide a sense of control over their routine. You can also introduce a "lovey," such as a small soft blanket or stuffed animal, for comfort during sleep.
Additionally, create a safe and comfortable sleep environment by maintaining a quiet and dark space. Keep the room temperature suitable, especially during colder months, and minimise noise levels. Sticking to a consistent bedtime routine and schedule will also help your 18-month-old establish good sleep habits.
Remember, sleep regressions are temporary, and by maintaining healthy sleep habits, you can help your toddler navigate through this phase and establish quality sleep patterns.
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Sleep regression is common at this age, with toddlers resisting sleep or waking frequently
While it's true that 18-month-olds generally sleep through the night with more consistency than infants, many toddlers experience a common sleep pattern disruption known as a sleep regression. This can manifest as resistance to sleep or frequent waking during the night.
Sleep regression at 18 months can be attributed to several factors, such as growing independence, teething, or heightened separation anxiety. As toddlers become more aware of their ability to impact their environment, they may start to use sleep as a form of leverage. Additionally, the physical discomfort of teething or other illnesses can disrupt sleep patterns.
During this time, it's important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and stick to healthy sleep habits. Offer choices to your toddler whenever possible during their nighttime routine, such as which pajamas to wear or which stuffed animal to take to bed. This can help curtail bedtime power struggles by allowing them to exert a sense of control.
To promote good sleep habits, ensure your toddler has a full tummy, enough awake time before their nap, and a consistent routine. Create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep space, and consider implementing a warm bath and bedtime story to help your child relax before sleep.
While sleep regression at 18 months can be challenging, it is typically short-lived and provides an opportunity to reflect on your child's sleep hygiene. By cultivating good habits, you can lay the foundation for quality sleep as your toddler moves past this phase.
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Separation anxiety can cause or increase sleep disturbances
At 18 months, toddlers usually sleep through the night with more consistency. However, they may experience a common sleep pattern disruption called a sleep regression. During this phase, they may face problems at bedtime or wake up during the night. Sleep regression can be caused by separation anxiety, which can cause or increase sleep disturbances.
Separation anxiety is a normal part of a toddler's development. It usually begins when infants start crawling or walking, as this is the first time they can physically move away from their parents. When toddlers realise that they are separate from their caregivers, it can cause anxiety, which may lead to sleep challenges. This anxiety can elevate levels of cortisol and adrenaline—the hormones responsible for stress responses—making it harder for toddlers to settle down and fall asleep.
Signs of separation anxiety include increased clinginess and crying when separated from caregivers. Toddlers may also experience new or more frequent sleep struggles, like night wakings, resisting sleep, or early morning rises. Separation anxiety can also lead to a child's body being in a higher state of alertness, impacting both day and night sleep. This heightened sense of alertness makes them more sensitive to changes in their environment, such as a parent leaving the room.
To help toddlers overcome separation anxiety and develop healthy sleep habits, parents should provide a supportive and nurturing environment. It is important to remember that progress may be slow and requires patience, consistency, and empathy. A consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers feel more secure and prepared for separation. Over time, they will learn that their parents will return, even if they are out of sight, and this sense of trust will help them sleep more independently.
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Toddlers may start climbing out of their cribs, so ensure the mattress is lowered
Toddlers aged between 18 and 24 months may start to climb out of their cribs. This can be dangerous, as they risk falling out. If your toddler is attempting to climb out of their crib, it does not necessarily mean they are ready for a big bed. To keep them safe, you should lower the mattress to its lowest position. This will prevent your child from climbing out. However, this is only a temporary solution, as they will be able to climb out once they get bigger.
If your toddler is still trying to climb out of their crib even with the mattress lowered, you may need to transition them to a toddler bed or a "big kid" bed with a side rail. This will ensure they cannot hurt themselves trying to climb out of a crib. You can also install a gate in the doorway of the room to prevent them from wandering around the house.
It is important to remember that not all toddlers will experience a sleep regression at 18 months. However, for those who do, it can be challenging for both caregivers and children. During this time, it is crucial to maintain healthy sleep habits and promote positive sleep hygiene. This may include sticking to consistent sleep times and routines, encouraging independence, and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
Sleep is essential for an 18-month-old's development, including physical milestones such as walking and cognitive functions like learning and memory. Most toddlers need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including a one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. However, individual sleep patterns can vary, so it is important to pay attention to your child's unique sleep needs.
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Establish a bedtime routine and set rules to help your child sleep independently
Establishing a bedtime routine and setting rules are crucial steps in helping your 18-month-old sleep independently. This age is a critical period in your child's development, as they are gaining a sense of independence and agency, which can impact their sleep patterns. Here are some detailed suggestions to help your toddler sleep independently:
Establish a Bedtime Routine:
- Consistency is key: Create a simple and consistent bedtime routine that you can stick to. A predictable pattern helps prepare your child for sleep. For example, a warm bath and a bedtime story can signal that it's time to wind down.
- Encourage healthy sleep habits: Focus on cultivating good sleep habits during this phase. Ensure your child's room is quiet, dark, and comfortable. Limit screen time before bed, as it can disrupt their sleep.
- Offer choices: Allow your toddler to make choices within the bedtime routine. For instance, let them pick their favourite stuffed animal or choose which pyjamas to wear. This sense of control can make them more receptive to settling down for sleep.
- Maintain a sleep schedule: Aim for a bedtime between 7:00 and 8:00 pm. While this is a general guideline, you can adjust it based on your child's unique sleep needs. Consistency in sleep and wake times helps establish a healthy sleep pattern.
- Daytime naps: Most 18-month-olds transition to one nap a day, typically in the afternoon. Ensure your child has a full tummy and enough awake time before their nap. If they are still adjusting to one nap, be patient and gradually lengthen their nap time.
Set Rules to Support Independent Sleep:
- Set boundaries: Establish clear rules and stick to them. This helps your child understand the expectations around bedtime and encourages discipline.
- Keep nighttime interactions brief: If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, provide quick reassurance and keep the interaction brief. Too much engagement during these wake-ups can disrupt their ability to fall back asleep independently.
- Address separation anxiety: Around 18 months, toddlers may experience separation anxiety. Help them feel secure by offering a comfort object, such as a small blanket or stuffed animal ("lovey"). These objects can provide comfort and help them self-soothe.
- Safety considerations: Ensure your child's crib is safe. Lower the mattress setting to prevent climbing out, and avoid placing toys, bumpers, or extra bedding in the crib, which could pose a safety hazard.
Remember, every child is unique, and sleep patterns can vary. Remain consistent, patient, and adaptable as you help your 18-month-old establish healthy sleep habits and learn to sleep independently.
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Frequently asked questions
Most toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep per day, including a one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. However, some 18-month-olds may only need 11 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep.
A consistent bedtime routine is more important than the exact bedtime. However, most 18-month-olds benefit from a bedtime between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.
Sleep regression refers to a period when toddlers experience new sleep challenges due to factors like separation anxiety, teething, or practicing new milestones. Not all toddlers will experience sleep regression at 18 months, and it rarely lasts longer than a few weeks.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine with soothing activities in soft lighting. Avoid screens one hour before bedtime as blue light can interfere with melatonin production. If your toddler wakes up during the night, keep your visits brief to avoid encouraging the behaviour.
Yes, ensure the crib mattress is at its lowest setting to prevent your toddler from climbing out. Remove toys, bumpers, and extra bedding from the crib to maintain a safe sleeping environment.
