Gina Johnson
There are many reasons why a 13-month-old baby might refuse to sleep. One common cause is the 12-month sleep regression, a temporary setback in sleep habits that can be caused by developmental milestones, changes in routine, teething, illness, or changes in sleep cycles. Other reasons could include fear of the dark or separation anxiety, too much noise or light, or too much screen time. Additionally, a baby's capacity to stay awake gets better as the day goes on, so if they have a big nap, they might not be tired at bedtime. Establishing good sleep habits is important, and this may include exposing the baby to fresh air and natural light during the day, ensuring they get enough exercise, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
The length of a challenging sleep phase usually depends on what's causing the disruption and how it's addressed. For example, teething may disrupt sleep for a week, while adjusting to receiving less help before bed can take longer. Sleep regressions don't only impact overnight sleep; they can also affect napping habits.
To help your toddler through sleep regression, you can offer extra comfort and reassurance during bedtime and night-time wake-ups. Ensure they are getting enough nourishment during the day to reduce night-time hunger. Avoid sleep props like rocking or feeding your baby to sleep, as these habits can be challenging to break later on. Instead, use gentle strategies to help your baby learn to self-soothe, such as the Shuffle.
Sleep training your toddler may also be beneficial. There are various approaches to choose from, such as the "cry it out" (CIO) or extinction method, timed check-ins, or gradual withdrawal. Trust your instincts, adjust as needed, and consult your child's paediatrician before starting a sleep-training program.
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Fear of the dark, being alone, or missing out
Your 13-month-old's thinking skills and imagination are growing, and they may be experiencing fear for the first time. They might be afraid of the dark, being alone, or missing out on something fun.
If your toddler is afraid of the dark, you can show them that they're safe. Look at the shadows together and show them that there are no monsters, just their favourite toys. Check the closet and look under the bed together to show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. You can also add a night light to their room—red lights are shown to be less disruptive to sleep. Spend some time in the dark together to make it fun! Read a book together with a flashlight or make shadow puppets on the wall. This time together will help your child gain confidence about being in the dark.
If your toddler is afraid of being alone, gently assure them that they are safe. You can stay with them until they feel better, without making a big deal about it. If they are old enough, you can also teach them some breathing exercises to calm down.
If your toddler has FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), they may be staying awake so that they don't miss out on anything fun. Try putting a white noise machine by their bed if you have older children who stay up later, so that they don't hear the noise and want to join in.
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Lack of physical activity during the day
It is important to provide your toddler with plenty of daytime activities, especially those involving exposure to natural light, as this helps establish a healthy circadian rhythm that promotes nighttime sleep. A calm environment, free from distractions like excess noise, light, or stimulation, is also crucial for fostering restful sleep.
If your 13-month-old is resisting naps or skipping them altogether, consider adjusting their wake windows. Most babies this age require 3.25-4 hours of awake time between sleep periods, with the shortest window in the morning and the longest before bedtime. If your child is consistently resisting or skipping naps, try lengthening the wake window before nap times by 15-30 minutes.
Additionally, a consistent sleep schedule is beneficial. While sleep patterns can vary, a predictable routine helps your child adjust and be ready for sleep. If your toddler is taking longer naps during the day, it may be a sign of sleep regression, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, it's essential to encourage healthy habits and try different sleep strategies.
Remember, every child is unique, and sleep needs may vary. If you're concerned about your 13-month-old's sleep patterns, consider seeking personalized advice from a pediatric sleep consultant or your healthcare provider.
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Excessive noise, light, or screen time
Regarding light, exposure to bright light or even dim light in the hour before bedtime can reduce melatonin levels, which is the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Blackout curtains can be a good solution to block out outdoor light, and it's also worth dimming the lights in the house in the evening to help your toddler wind down.
Finally, screen time can have a significant impact on toddlers' sleep. The blue light from screens stimulates the brain, and the content can be engaging and stimulating for young children. Studies have shown that increased screen exposure results in less sleep, with one study finding that every minute of touchscreen use during the day resulted in one minute of lost nighttime sleep. Another study found that for preschoolers, the tipping point was one hour of TV watching per day, with the risk of sleep disorders increasing by 12% for each additional hour. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that young children avoid all screens until they are 18-24 months old. While this may not be realistic for all families, it is worth trying to limit screen time, especially in the two hours before bedtime, as this can help your toddler relax and prepare for sleep.
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Inadequate sleep routine
Sleep is extremely important for toddlers, who need between 11 and 14 hours of it per day, including naps. However, inadequate sleep routines can cause resistance to sleep. Toddlers may be reluctant to go to bed because they don't want to miss out on fun or because they fear the dark, being alone, or being away from their parents. They may also be too tired to wind down, or they may be going through a developmental leap that makes them too excited to sleep.
One common issue is the length of daytime naps. If your toddler is napping too much during the day, they may not be sleepy enough at night. On the other hand, if they're not getting enough sleep during the day, they may be overtired and unable to settle at bedtime. It's a delicate balance, and every child is different, but generally, toddlers should be getting two naps during the day at 13 months old. If your toddler is missing out on sleep at night because they're napping too late in the day, try gradually pushing back their bedtime by half an hour over the course of a couple of weeks.
Another issue could be noise. If your toddler can hear noise from the rest of the house, they may be stimulated and reluctant to sleep. Try using a white noise machine to drown out other sounds, or if they're old enough, encourage them to listen to calming music or an audiobook as they fall asleep.
It's also important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This might include a diaper change, getting into a sleep sack, reading books, brushing teeth, and tucking them into bed while they're still awake but sleepy. You can also incorporate special stuffed animals or blankets into their bedtime routine, giving them kisses and including them in goodnight wishes.
Finally, make sure your toddler is getting enough fresh air and natural light during the day, as this helps regulate their sleep hormone, melatonin. Encourage them to be active, as at least three hours of running-around play per day has been shown to improve sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Here are some potential causes and solutions:
- Your toddler may be experiencing the 12-15 month sleep regression, which is a temporary setback in sleep habits commonly experienced around this age due to developmental milestones, changes in routine, teething, or illness.
- Their naps during the day may be too long or too short, resulting in them not being tired enough or being too tired when it's time for bed.
- They don't want to miss out on anything, especially if they have older siblings who go to bed later.
- They may have fears of the dark, being alone, or being separated from you, which is common around this age.
Here are some strategies that may help:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
- Expose them to fresh air, natural light, and at least three hours of active playtime during the day to regulate their sleep hormone, melatonin.
- Make sure they are getting enough sleep overall. Toddlers this age need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep, including naps.
- Create a calm and quiet sleep environment, limiting excessive noise, light, and screen time before bed.
- Tuck them into bed when they are sleepy but still awake, so they learn to put themselves to sleep.
It's important to remain calm and consistent. Here are some specific suggestions:
- Stand by your toddler's crib or bed and offer reassurance without picking them up or rocking them to sleep.
- Try gradually pushing back their bedtime by small increments if they seem too tired or are taking too long to fall asleep.
- Consider introducing a comfort object, such as a teddy bear or blanket, to provide extra security at bedtime.
- If your toddler is standing up and screaming, ensure their safety and leave the room, allowing them to cry it out for a few nights until they adjust.
There is no set timeframe for a sleep regression, and each child's experience will vary. It may take a few days or weeks for your toddler to get back to sleeping well, depending on the underlying cause and your response. Remember that this is a common phase, and you will get through it!
