Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is an ever-evolving process for toddlers, and 18-month-olds are no exception. While some toddlers may experience sleep regression at this age, it is not a certainty, and many factors influence sleep patterns. At 18 months, toddlers are becoming more independent, mobile, and communicative, which can impact their sleep. They may also experience separation anxiety, nightmares, and teething, which can disrupt their sleep. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and routine is essential for 18-month-olds, who typically need 11-14 hours of sleep, including a daily nap. Creating a calm environment, limiting screen time, and ensuring safety precautions are also important considerations for parents.
Characteristics of what 18-month-olds sleep in
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep Regression | Sleep regression is common at 18 months due to growing independence, teething, or separation anxiety. |
| Nap Schedule | Most 18-month-olds need one nap a day, lasting 2-3 hours. |
| Bedtime | Bedtime is usually between 6 PM and 8 PM. |
| Total Sleep | 11-14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period is recommended. |
| Crib or Toddler Bed | Some 18-month-olds may transition to a toddler bed, while others may still sleep in a crib. |
| Sleep Position | Toddlers can sleep on their back, stomach, or side. |
| Blankets and Pillows | Thin blankets are generally safe, but pillows and soft objects may pose a risk. |
| Comfort Items | Loveys or blankies can provide reassurance and help with sleep. |
| Screen Time | Avoiding screens before bed is recommended, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production. |
| Noise | Toddlers can sleep with some background noise, but loud noises should be avoided. |
| Temperature | In colder months, consider warmer pajamas to keep the toddler warm. |
| Safety | Ensure the sleep space is clear of hazards, such as strings, cords, or toys that could be used for climbing. |
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Sleep regressions
The "18-month sleep regression" refers to a period between 14 and 19 months when toddlers tend to experience recurrent sleep issues. However, it's important to remember that sleep regressions can happen at any time, and not all toddlers will go through this phase at the same time.
At 18 months, toddlers are going through significant physical, cognitive, and emotional development. They are gaining mobility, becoming more communicative, and experiencing deeper emotional reactions, which can lead to increased separation anxiety. These changes can impact their sleep patterns and cause resistance to bedtime or restlessness during the night.
Common signs of sleep regression at this age include taking longer to fall asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, early morning risings, and shorter or skipped naps. While these changes can be challenging for parents and caregivers, it's important to remember that this is a normal part of a toddler's development.
To improve sleep regression, it is recommended to reinforce a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule. Create a calm and relaxing environment before bedtime, and ensure a full tummy, enough awake time before the nap, and a dark and quiet sleep space. It's also important to be responsive to your toddler's needs and provide comfort and reassurance as they navigate this transitional phase.
In terms of sleep environment and safety, most children move to a toddler bed anytime between 18 months and 3.5 years old. However, it is generally recommended to wait until they are closer to 3 years old if possible. If your toddler is still in a crib, ensure that the mattress is at the lowest setting to prevent climbing out. Keep the sleep space free from any objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords, to prevent entanglement or strangulation hazards.
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Crib safety
At 18 months old, toddlers are still at an age where they can sleep in a crib. In fact, most toddlers make the switch from crib to bed between 18 months and 3.5 years old. However, it is recommended to wait until they are closer to three years old if possible.
If your 18-month-old is still sleeping in a crib, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Mobiles should be removed by the time a baby is around 4 to 5 months old, as they can easily entangle or strangle toddlers who are old enough to stand and grab them.
- Ensure there are no cords from drapes or window shades within reach of the toddler, and that the crib is not placed near a window or drapes.
- The crib should have no drop-side rails and should be assembled correctly, with no missing, loose, or broken hardware or slats, to prevent entrapment or suffocation.
- The distance between the slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 centimetres) to protect toddlers from trapping their heads.
- The mattress should be firm and fit snugly against the sides of the crib, with no gaps, to prevent the toddler from slipping between the mattress and the crib.
- Avoid placing soft bedding, bumper pads, or soft toys such as blankets, pillows, or plush toys in the crib.
- If your toddler is using a thin blanket, ensure it is small enough so they cannot use it to climb over the crib sides.
In addition to crib safety, there are other considerations to promote healthy sleep habits for your 18-month-old:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, including activities like a diaper change, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book, and snuggling.
- Limit screen time before bed, as the blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for toddlers to fall asleep.
- Ensure a quiet and dark sleep environment, as too much noise or light can disrupt their sleep.
- If your toddler is resisting naps or waking up frequently, consider adjusting their awake time before bed. Too little awake time can lead to crib play and stalling, while overtiredness can cause fussiness.
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Sleep schedule
At 18 months, toddlers are energetic and playful, and their sleep patterns may change as they become more independent. Most 18-month-olds transition to one nap a day and require between 11 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This includes 10 to 12 hours of overnight sleep and 2 to 3 hours of daytime sleep.
To ensure your toddler gets enough sleep, aim for a consistent bedtime routine between 6 pm and 8 pm. If your toddler is struggling to make it to bedtime without becoming overtired, consider moving bedtime earlier, but no earlier than 6 pm. Most toddlers this age do best with 5 to 5.75 hours of wake time between their nap and bedtime.
- In the hour before bedtime, dim the lights and create a calm and relaxing environment. Avoid screens during this time, as the blue light from TVs, tablets, and phones can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for toddlers to fall asleep.
- Lead your toddler through a nightly routine of the same activities, such as a diaper change, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book, and snuggles, in the same order.
- If your toddler is resisting naps or waking up more at night, they may be experiencing a sleep regression due to factors such as separation anxiety or working on physical milestones. Be patient and consistent, and consider a comfort item like a lovey or blankey to provide reassurance.
- Ensure your toddler's sleep environment is safe. Remove any objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords, and keep the room quiet and free from too much noise or conversation.
- If your toddler is very active and trying to climb out of the crib, consider transitioning them to a toddler bed or a "big kid" bed with a side rail when they are tall enough. Most toddlers make the switch between 18 months and 3.5 years old, but it is recommended to wait until they are closer to 3 years old if possible.
- If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, provide brief reassurance that you are close by, but avoid too much interaction to prevent bedtime battles.
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Sleep environment
Room Safety
Ensure that your toddler's sleep environment is safe and secure. Check for any potential hazards, such as objects with ties or strings, including window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords, within their reach. Remove any items that your toddler could use to climb out of their crib or bed. Mobiles should also be avoided, as they can pose entanglement or strangulation risks for toddlers who can stand and grab them.
Bed Type and Transitioning
Most 18-month-old toddlers still sleep in a crib, but some may be transitioning to a toddler bed or a "big kid" bed with a side rail. The decision to transition depends on your toddler's height and their tendency to climb out of the crib. Generally, it is recommended to wait until your child is closer to three years old for this transition. Lowering the crib mattress to its lowest position can help prevent your toddler from climbing out.
Sleep Space
Create a calm and comfortable sleep space for your toddler. Make sure the room is dark, quiet, and free from distractions. You can use heavy curtains or blackout shades to block out light. If your toddler is sensitive to noise, consider using a white noise machine or playing soft, soothing sounds to mask outside noises. Maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, and consider dressing your toddler in heavy pajamas during colder months.
Consistent Routines
Establish consistent bedtime routines and sleep schedules. A predictable routine before bedtime can help signal to your toddler that sleep is approaching. This routine may include activities such as a diaper change, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book, and snuggles. Consistency helps toddlers know what to expect and can improve their sleep habits.
Screen Time and Wind-Down
Limit screen time before bed, as the blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for your toddler to fall asleep. Instead, focus on a calm, screen-free wind-down routine. This can include activities like a warm bath, bedtime stories, or quiet play. Offer your toddler choices during the nighttime routine, such as choosing a bedtime story or pajamas, to give them a sense of control and make it easier to settle down.
Comfort Items
Provide your toddler with comfort items, such as a lovey or a favourite stuffed animal. These items can help provide reassurance and make it easier for your toddler to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. However, ensure that any items placed in the crib or bed are small and do not pose a safety risk.
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Transitioning to a bed
By 18 months, your toddler has likely developed a steady sleep rhythm, but there may still be sleep regressions. These can be caused by growing independence, teething, separation anxiety, or physical milestones. To help your 18-month-old sleep well, it's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include activities like a diaper change, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book, and snuggling, always in the same order.
- The ideal time to transition to a bed is when your child is closer to 3 years old, as this is when they are generally truly ready. However, if your toddler is an active climber and is trying to scale their crib, it may be time to consider moving them to a bed.
- When transitioning to a bed, opt for a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail. The side rail should be higher than three-quarters of your child's height for added safety.
- Lower the mattress in the crib to its lowest position to prevent your child from climbing out.
- Remove toys, bumpers, and extra bedding from the crib to discourage your child from using them as stepping tools to escape.
- If your child does climb out of the crib, stay calm, firmly tell them not to, and put them back in.
- Install a gate in the doorway of the room to prevent your child from wandering around the house if they do manage to climb out of the crib.
- If your child is tall enough (35 inches or taller), it's recommended to transition them to a bed.
- Be mindful of your child's bedroom environment. Keep it somewhere you would sleep soundly, reducing noise and distractions like TV or loud conversations.
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Frequently asked questions
Most 18-month-olds need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including a one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. Some children continue to take two shorter daily naps until they turn 2.
Most 18-month-olds should go to bed between 6 pm and 8 pm.
If your 18-month-old is resisting or skipping naps, waking early, and/or waking up more at night, they may be experiencing a sleep regression. Sleep regressions are often tied to growing independence, teething, or a new wave of separation anxiety.
Most toddlers make the switch from a crib to a bed between 18 months and 3 years old. If your toddler is trying to climb out of their crib, you should consider moving them to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail.
