Colin Snow
Sleep is a tricky business for toddlers and their parents. While some toddlers experience bumpy sleep at 14, 15, or 16 months, others experience it closer to 17, 18, or even 19 months, and some may skip this phase entirely. The 18-month sleep regression is a well-known phenomenon, and it can be confusing and frustrating for parents when their toddlers start waking often or resisting sleep. This temporary setback can be triggered by developmental milestones, changes in routine, illness, teething, or separation anxiety. The good news is that there are strategies to help toddlers and parents navigate this challenging phase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Developmental milestones | Learning new skills like walking and talking |
| Separation anxiety | Peaks between 12 and 24 months |
| Testing boundaries | Seeking independence |
| Illness or discomfort | Teething |
| Changes in routine | Adjusting to one nap a day |
| Nighttime fears | Fear of the dark and monsters |
| Overstimulation | |
| Resistance to bedtime | Increased sense of independence |
| Restlessness | Expanded mobility and physical abilities |
| Transition from "baby" sleep to "toddler" sleep | Subtle biological change |
| Cognitive and emotional development | Gaining awareness of decision-making abilities |
| Sleep training | Developmentally appropriate at 18 months |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
Resistance to bedtime
An increased sense of independence or overstimulation in the evening may cause resistance to bedtime. At 18 months, toddlers often begin testing boundaries and seeking independence. Their favourite word may be "no" now, which can be frustrating for parents outside of sleep as well.
Restlessness
Restlessness may be related to expanded mobility and physical abilities. At 18 months, toddlers are typically gaining mobility while becoming more communicative. Emotional reactions deepen, potentially causing or increasing separation anxiety.
Discomfort
Teething can cause discomfort, making it hard for toddlers to settle into sleep. The eruption of canines and molars could wake them up.
Illness
Illness can cause sleep problems.
Changes in routine
Changes in routine can trigger sleep regression. At 18 months, toddlers are typically transitioning from two naps per day to just one, which could cause a temporary disruption in their sleep routine.
Nighttime fears
A toddler's developing imagination might inspire some new worries, like the dark or monsters.
Strategies for dealing with sleep regression
- Prioritize naps and offer an age-appropriate bedtime.
- Be consistent with setting limits and enforcing your child's bedtime routines.
- Be responsive to your child's needs. It is important for your toddler to know that you are emotionally and physically available if they become distressed.
- Connect with your toddler by building a strong relationship so they feel safe and secure.
- Recognise and respond to tired signs.
- Use positive and consistent bedtime routines.
- Speak to your paediatrician about teething pain medication.
- Lengthen your pre-sleep routine to include extra cuddle time to promote comfort and security.
- Prioritize safety if you bring your child into your bed, and be aware of potential risks like falls, suffocation, and entrapment.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep regression in 18-month-olds is a well-known phenomenon, and separation anxiety could be a contributing factor.
At 18 months, toddlers are experiencing many changes, both in themselves and the world around them. They are learning new skills, such as walking and talking, and their thinking, reasoning, and cognitive functions are expanding considerably. This can lead to deepened emotional reactions, potentially causing or increasing separation anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety include increased clinginess and crying, especially when initiating separation, such as when putting your baby down or leaving the room. It can also lead to new or more frequent sleep struggles, such as night wakings. For example, an 18-month-old experiencing separation anxiety may take short naps or suddenly struggle to fall asleep at naptime.
To help your toddler through separation anxiety, you can provide extra comfort and security. Lengthening the pre-sleep routine to include extra cuddle time can promote comfort. Maintaining consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines is also important. A comfort object, also called a "transitional object" or "lovey," can be introduced at this age to help your toddler feel safe and secure.
While it can be a challenging phase, remember that the symptoms of an 18-month sleep regression rarely last for more than a few weeks. Sticking with routines and promoting positive sleep habits can help your toddler through this time.
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Teething
Firstly, it is important to identify if teething is the cause of your child's sleep troubles. Common signs of teething include increased fussiness, swollen and tender gums, biting and chewing on hands or toys, refusal to eat, night waking, a slight increase in temperature, and increased drooling. If your child is teething, you may also notice one flushed cheek on the side the tooth is coming through.
If your child is experiencing teething pain, there are several ways to help them manage the discomfort and get a better night's sleep:
- Offer teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on.
- Massage their gums with a clean finger or a durable teething ring.
- Provide raw fruits and vegetables that are safe for them to chew on, but always supervise to prevent choking.
- Administer baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) about 30 minutes before bedtime to help block mouth pain. Consult your paediatrician before giving any medication to confirm the proper dosage.
- Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and approach to night wakings.
- Ensure the room temperature is comfortable for sleeping, between 16°C and 20°C.
- Promote melatonin production by turning off screens that emit blue light one hour before bedtime.
- Cuddle and comfort your child, as skin-to-skin contact helps babies feel calmer and provides a distraction from the pain.
- Use white noise to help soothe your child and distract them from the discomfort.
Remember, teething is a temporary phase, and with patience and the right tools, you can help your child get through it comfortably.
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Illness
Sleep is an important factor in the developmental milestones of 18-month-olds, including walking and talking. However, their sleep can be disrupted by various factors, including illness.
In addition to illness, there are several other factors that can contribute to sleep issues in 18-month-old toddlers. One of the main factors is sleep regression, which is a common disruption to sleep patterns that can occur at this age. During this time, toddlers may experience increased independence, resistance to bedtime, and restlessness due to their expanded mobility and physical abilities. They may also start to experience separation anxiety, making it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep if they are concerned about being away from their parents or caregivers.
Furthermore, the transition from two naps to one during the day can also impact their nighttime sleep. Toddlers at this age are also becoming more active and curious about the world around them, which can make it challenging for them to settle down and fall asleep. They may also start to experience nightmares, which can be upsetting and disrupt their sleep.
To promote healthy sleep habits during this time, it is important to establish consistent bedtime routines and provide comfort items, such as a lovey or a blankie. Exposing toddlers to natural light and outdoor play during the day can also help regulate their sleep hormone, melatonin, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night.
While sleep issues at 18 months can be challenging, they are typically short-lived, and most toddlers will eventually adjust to healthier sleep patterns with the support and guidance of their caregivers.
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Changes in routine
The 18-month sleep regression is a phase when toddlers experience a setback in their sleep schedule. During this time, they may wake up frequently throughout the night or resist falling asleep. This is often temporary and caused by a variety of factors, including changes in their daily routine.
At 18 months, toddlers are transitioning from two naps per day to just one, which can cause temporary disruption in their sleep routine. They need about 13 to 14 hours of sleep daily, and any changes to this schedule can affect their mood and behaviour.
During this period, toddlers are also learning new skills and gaining independence, which can impact their sleep. They may be excited to practice walking, talking, and other milestones, keeping them awake at night. Their increased mobility and physical abilities may also lead to restlessness during sleep. Additionally, they may begin to test boundaries and assert their independence, which can extend to bedtime and result in resistance to sleep.
To manage this phase, it is essential to stick to consistent and healthy sleep routines. Prioritize active play during their awake time to ensure they get enough physical activity. Fill their wake windows with activities like creating a miniature obstacle course, going for walks, or having a dance party. This will help them get their energy out and make it easier for them to fall asleep.
While it is important to maintain boundaries and routines, it is also crucial to offer extra comfort during this time. Lengthen your pre-sleep routine to include extra cuddle time, providing the security and comfort your toddler may be seeking.
Remember, this phase is normal and temporary. Most toddlers will get through it with minimal effort after a rough week or two.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Your toddler may be experiencing sleep regression, which is common around the 18-month mark due to their increased independence and more advanced motor skills. They may also be experiencing separation anxiety, which is another common cause of sleep regression. Additionally, their sleep may be disrupted by teething or sickness.
The 18-month sleep regression is temporary and typically lasts anywhere from one to six weeks. However, it's important to remember that each child is unique, and some may never experience it or only go through it for a short time.
Here are some tips to help your toddler sleep better:
- Ensure their room is completely dark as any light can signal to your toddler that it's time to wake up.
- Check their room temperature—they may be waking up cold if they aren't dressed appropriately for the drop in temperature overnight.
- Reduce screen time before bed as this can disrupt their sleep.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, such as a warm bath and a bedtime story, to help your child relax and prepare for sleep.
- Consider using a sleeping sack or bag as toddlers move around a lot in their sleep and may kick off their blankets, causing them to wake up cold.
