Colin Snow
Sleep regression is a common concern for parents, especially the 15-month sleep regression. This phase can be challenging, with toddlers experiencing interrupted sleep schedules and increased fussiness during bedtime. Sleep regression occurs when a child's body and brain are preparing for a major developmental milestone, such as learning to walk or understanding object permanence, which can lead to increased separation anxiety. This phase is temporary and usually resolves within a few weeks, but it can be a trying time for parents and toddlers alike. During this period, toddlers may exhibit multiple night wakings, nap refusals, changes in appetite, and resistance to bedtime routines. Parents can help their toddlers navigate this phase by remaining patient, consistent, and responsive, providing comfort and reassurance, and supporting their cognitive, motor, and language development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common concerns | Sleep regressions |
| Age | 15 months |
| Cause | Interruption in the nighttime and naptime schedule |
| Signs | Waking during the night, taking longer to fall asleep, waking earlier, refusing naps, separation anxiety, resisting bedtime, needing more comfort and reassurance |
| Solutions | Sleep training, maintaining a consistent routine, adjusting nap times and bedtimes, providing a calming and soothing environment, offering age-appropriate activities and learning opportunities, teaching resilience and healthy sleep habits |
| Duration | Temporary, lasting a couple of weeks to several weeks |
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Teething
To help your baby feel better during teething, you can offer them something to chew on, especially if it's cold. A solid, refrigerated teething toy or ring can be helpful. A cold pacifier, spoon, clean wet washcloth, or rubber teether may also soothe sore gums. Teething biscuits are not very nutritious and contain sugar and salt, so they should be avoided. Breast milk can also soothe the teething process, and you can offer water from a sippy cup if your baby is older than 6-9 months.
Over-the-counter teething gels and liquids containing benzocaine should be avoided as they can cause rare but serious side effects. Instead, a small dose of a children's pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for babies at least 2 months old, may help. Ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given to babies 6 months and older, but only with a doctor's approval.
Remember that teething is a temporary phase, and your toddler may need extra comfort and reassurance. Respond to their needs and provide a calming environment to help them transition through this sleep regression.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep regression in 15-month-old toddlers is a common occurrence. This is a period of interruption in the nighttime and naptime schedules that you may have carefully put together for your toddler. Not all toddlers go through this phase, but for those who do, it can be a challenging time for both parents and their children.
The signs of separation anxiety include increased clinginess and crying, especially when you are initiating the separation, such as when you put your baby down or leave the room. Your toddler may also cry when entering their room, when laid in the crib, or they may stand in the crib and fight sleep. Separation anxiety can also cause your toddler to wake up in the middle of the night or have trouble settling to sleep.
To help your toddler with separation anxiety, you can play games like Peek-a-Boo or Hide-and-Seek. These games help toddlers understand the concept of object permanence (the idea that you are present even when you're out of sight). Spending awake time in your toddler's room can also help them feel more comfortable in their space. Practising planned separation is another useful strategy. For example, if there are two caregivers in the household, let the other caregiver do bedtime. You can also introduce a comfort object or "lovey", which can provide a sense of security for your toddler.
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Developmental changes
The 15-month sleep regression is a challenging time for many parents and their toddlers. It is a sign of incredible growth and development for your toddler. Their sleep patterns mature, and their sleep needs change.
Firstly, around 14 to 15 months, toddlers are better able to understand the concept of object permanence, which can lead to increased separation anxiety. This may manifest as crying when you enter or leave their room, or when they are laid in their crib, or they may stand in the crib and fight sleep.
Secondly, many toddlers are learning to walk independently at this age, and most begin transitioning from two naps to one nap a day. This means they will have longer wake windows and need more awake time before each sleep.
Thirdly, teething is a common cause of sleep regression, particularly around 15 months of age when toddlers get their first molars. Teething pain can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
Finally, your toddler may be experiencing rapid growth in motor, cognitive, or language skills, which may contribute to sleep regression.
Remember, this is a temporary phase, and your toddler will be able to sleep independently again. You can help them navigate this time by remaining patient, consistent, and responsive, and by supporting their cognitive, motor, and language development during the day.
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Sleep training
Controlled Crying
Controlled crying is a popular method of sleep training. This method involves letting the child cry for a short period of time before comforting them, and then gradually increasing the amount of time before going in to comfort them. On the first night, the parent might leave the room for three minutes, then four minutes, and so on, until the child falls asleep. This method can be emotionally difficult for parents, but it can also be effective. One parent reported that after the first night of trying this method, their child slept through the night for the first time in 5-6 months.
No-Cry Methods
Some parents prefer to avoid letting their child cry, and opt for a no-cry sleep training method. One such method is the 'Baby Whisperer' method, which involves sitting on a chair by the door until the child falls asleep, and then leaving the room. This method is recommended for parents who do not want to try controlled crying.
Another no-cry method is the 'pick up/put down' method. This involves putting the child down to sleep, and then picking them up and comforting them when they cry, before putting them back down again. This method can take longer than the controlled crying method, with one parent reporting that it took an hour and forty minutes on the first night, but it can still be effective.
Other Tips
Teething pain is a common cause of sleep regression in 15-month-olds, so it is important to consider this as a potential cause of sleep issues. Over-tiredness can also be a factor, so it is recommended to limit daytime sleep to 2 hours, or 90 minutes if that doesn't help.
It is also important to be consistent with bedtime routines, as this can help children feel relaxed and calm. Sticking to the usual bedtime and nap routine can help children get through the 15-month sleep regression.
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Sleep environment
The sleep environment is a crucial aspect of ensuring that your 15-month-old gets a good night's sleep. Here are some tips to create a conducive sleep environment:
Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Stick to regular nap and bedtime routines. This helps your toddler develop a sense of predictability and can make it easier for them to fall asleep independently. Consistency is key, even during periods of sleep regression.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Space: Ensure that your toddler's crib or bed is comfortable and safe. Use a firm mattress with well-fitting sheets and a light blanket. Make sure the crib mattress is in the lowest position to prevent climbing out, and consider using a sleep sack to deter crib climbing.
Optimize the Bedroom Environment: Create a calm and soothing atmosphere in your toddler's bedroom. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, and consider using a fan or white noise machine to provide a soothing background sound and promote better sleep. You can also try blacking out the room to block out any disruptive lights.
Address Teething Discomfort: If your toddler is teething, this could be causing sleep disturbances. Consult your pediatrician for appropriate pain relief options, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or teething toys. Avoid teething gels due to potential safety risks.
Encourage Independent Sleep: Teach your toddler to fall asleep independently by creating a consistent bedtime routine. While it's natural to want to comfort your child, try to avoid holding, rocking, or feeding them to sleep. Instead, focus on establishing a calming routine that signals bedtime, such as reading a book or playing soft music.
Manage Separation Anxiety: Around 14 to 15 months, toddlers may experience increased separation anxiety due to their developing understanding of object permanence. This can make bedtime challenging. Respond to your toddler's needs and provide extra comfort and reassurance during this time. Gradually, they will learn to self-soothe and sleep independently.
Remember, the 15-month sleep regression is a challenging but common phase, and with patience, consistency, and responsive strategies, you can help your toddler navigate through it successfully.
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Frequently asked questions
The 15-month sleep regression is a common phase where toddlers experience an interruption in their nighttime and naptime schedules. It is often temporary and caused by teething, a transition from two to one nap, or increased separation anxiety.
The 15-month sleep regression typically lasts for a couple of weeks or up to several weeks, depending on your child. It can be a challenging time for parents, but it is important to remain consistent with your sleep approach and provide comfort and reassurance to your toddler.
To help your toddler sleep through the night, you can try sleep training methods such as the chair method, bedtime fading, or Ferber. It is also essential to understand the underlying causes, such as teething pain or developmental milestones, and make adjustments to their sleep environment and routine as needed. Consult your pediatrician for professional advice and guidance if you have concerns.
