Herbie Murray
Many parents notice a distinct change in their toddler's sleep habits around the 14-month mark, often referred to as the 14-month sleep regression. This is a normal part of a toddler's development, as they are learning to walk, run, and explore their newfound mobility. This can lead to increased movement during sleep, resulting in shorter and more fragmented sleep periods. Additionally, toddlers at this age are better able to understand the concept of object permanence, which can lead to increased separation anxiety and make sleep more challenging. A consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers understand what to expect and ease their anxiety. Parents can also encourage their toddlers to use their new physical skills during the day, provide opportunities for active play, and ensure a predictable pre-nap routine to cue their baby's brain that it's time for sleep.
Why does my 14-month-old not sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep regression | Temporary period of sleep disruption |
| Developmental milestones | Walking, language, emotional skills |
| Separation anxiety | Increased clinginess, distress when put to bed |
| Teething | Pain and discomfort |
| Illness | Disrupted sleep |
| Inadequate daytime stimulation | Insufficient physical activity, exploration |
| Inconsistent bedtime routine | Lack of predictability, security |
| Sleep associations | Nursing, rocking |
| Long naps | Excessive daytime sleep |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 14 months, toddlers are rapidly growing and learning, and this can impact their sleep. They may be taking their first steps, walking independently, or climbing on furniture. They are also developing emotionally and gaining a better understanding of object permanence, which can lead to increased separation anxiety. This can make sleep challenging, with toddlers crying when you enter the room or fighting sleep.
To help your toddler with separation anxiety, you can play games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek. These games help them continue to explore and understand object permanence, the idea that you are present even when out of sight. It is also important to remain consistent with your sleep approach and bedtime routine. A predictable routine is comforting for toddlers and helps them understand what to expect, making the transition to sleep easier.
Additionally, you can encourage your toddler to practice their new physical skills during the day. Allow them to cruise along furniture, toddle around, or climb stairs with supervision. You can also sing songs together or stack blocks to develop hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Making sure your toddler has ample opportunity to explore and be active during the day can help them sleep better at night.
Finally, it is important to remember that your presence may be hindering their sleep. If they don't need you, your presence could be preventing them from getting the sleep they require. Assess their needs and provide what they need to feel better, such as a feed or a snuggle, before putting them back to sleep.
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Separation anxiety
The most noticeable signs of separation anxiety in babies are increased clinginess and crying, especially when you are initiating the separation, such as when you put your baby down or leave the room. Separation anxiety may also make children wary of new people and places since they associate their parents with familiarity and safety.
There are several ways to help your 14-month-old cope with separation anxiety and improve their sleep:
- Practice leaving the room and coming back: Tell your baby "I'll be right back" when you leave the room and always come back to greet them happily. Games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek can also help teach object permanence and reassure your baby that you will return.
- Consistent routine: Follow a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby anticipate what will happen and ease into bedtime. This can include rituals such as bath time, storytime, and putting on pajamas.
- Comfort objects: A comfort object, also called a "transitional object" or "lovey", can help your baby feel safe and secure. It is recommended to wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before allowing a comfort object in the crib.
- Extra connection: Set aside time during the day for one-on-one connection, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. This extra attention can help your baby adjust to big transitions or changes.
- Nurture your bond: Strengthen your bond with your baby and promote their independence in a loving and consistent manner. Avoid sneaking away when leaving them at daycare or with a babysitter, as this can impact their trust in you.
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Nap transition
The transition from two naps to one is often the most challenging for parents and children. While the average age for babies to transition to one nap is 14-18 months, some babies may transition earlier, at 12 months, and others may not be ready until they are closer to 18 months or even later.
If your 14-month-old is struggling with sleep, they may be going through a nap transition. This is a significant change as their body is adjusting to longer wake times and consolidating all their sleep into a single nap. It is important to remember that this transition takes time and can occur gradually over a few weeks or even a month.
There are some signs to look out for that indicate your baby may be ready for the transition. These include having trouble falling asleep at naptime and/or bedtime, resisting or refusing the morning nap, or taking short naps. If you observe these signs consistently for about one to two weeks, then it may be time to make the transition.
To help your baby through this transition, you can implement a consistent nap routine. This will help you understand when these transitions are due to happen and how to manage them. You can also try to gradually increase their wake time by 15-minute increments each day, rather than pushing for a 12 pm nap time right away, which may lead to an overtired child.
During this transition, you may find that some days your baby still needs two naps. This is normal, and it is important to go with the flow and see what works best for your child. You can try offering the morning nap later in the day, closer to lunchtime, and if they resist, offer an early bedtime instead.
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Teething
The most common signs of teething include swollen and tender gums, increased biting and chewing, refusal to eat, night waking, a slight increase in temperature, and increased drooling. Some babies may also experience a rash (other than a drool rash), fever, or diarrhea, but these symptoms could indicate an illness or other physical discomfort. If you notice any of these additional symptoms, it is recommended to consult your child's pediatrician.
To soothe a teething baby and help them sleep better, you can try the following:
- Offer a cooling gum massage with a durable teething ring or a cold washcloth.
- Provide solid plastic teething toys that can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Keep your baby as dry as possible during the day to reduce discomfort at night.
- Use white noise to help your baby fall asleep despite the discomfort.
- Consult your pediatrician about over-the-counter medication or baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help block mouth pain before bedtime.
- Stick to your baby's sleep routine as much as possible and provide comfort when needed.
It's important to remember that teething pain is temporary and usually ends between the ages of 2 and 3 years. Establishing a strong sleep foundation in the first few months of your baby's life can help them handle nights and naps better during teething.
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Illness
If your baby is unwell, it's important to provide pain relief, comfort, and soothing techniques to help them sleep. However, be mindful of not doing too much, as you risk establishing new and undesirable sleep habits. For example, if your baby has only recently started sleeping through the night, you don't want to revert to feeding or rocking them to sleep again.
If your 14-month-old is generally a good sleeper and is now suddenly waking during the night, taking longer to fall asleep, waking earlier, or refusing naps, it could be a sign of illness or a sleep regression. Sleep regression is common around the 12-month mark and can also occur at 15 months. It is caused by developmental changes, such as the rapid growth of motor, cognitive, and language skills.
If you are concerned about your child's sleep or overall well-being, don't hesitate to consult your pediatrician for professional advice and guidance. They can help you determine if your child's sleep issues are due to illness or another underlying cause.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be due to what is known as the 14-month sleep regression. During this time, your toddler is going through significant developmental milestones, such as advancements in walking, language, and emotional skills, which can impact their sleep.
You can help your toddler sleep better by establishing a consistent bedtime routine, which provides a sense of security and stability. You can also encourage your toddler to use their new physical skills during the day, such as cruising along furniture or climbing stairs with supervision, so that they are tired by bedtime.
Your 14-month-old may experience increased separation anxiety, making it challenging for them to fall asleep independently. They may cry when entering their room or when laid in their crib, or they may stand in the crib and fight sleep.
