Gina Johnson
There are many reasons why a 17-month-old baby might be fighting sleep. One reason could be that they are simply not tired enough and need more active awake time during the day. Alternatively, they might be overtired, which can cause a surge of cortisol and adrenaline, making it harder to fall asleep. Other reasons could include teething pain, separation anxiety, or overstimulation from a bright, busy household, screens, or beeping toys. It's also common for babies to fight sleep when they reach new developmental milestones, such as rolling over, crawling, or sitting up, as they may want to practice their newfound skills at night. Additionally, babies older than 4 months can develop sleep associations, such as needing to be rocked or fed to sleep, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep independently. Finally, toddlers often go through a phase of asserting their independence, which may manifest as crying or fighting bedtime.
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What You'll Learn
Your child might be overtired
Your 17-month-old might be fighting sleep because they are overtired. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
Too much daytime sleep
If your toddler is taking longer than 30-35 minutes to fall asleep at night, it could be because they are getting too much sleep during the day. It is recommended that toddlers have a morning wake window of about 6 hours before their nap and an afternoon wake window of about 5 hours before bedtime.
Not enough sleep overall
Your toddler might be overtired if they are not getting enough sleep overall. Most toddlers younger than 4 years old still need a nap or quiet time during the day. If your toddler is skipping their nap, they are more likely to be overtired at the end of the day and stall at bedtime.
Sleep regression
Your toddler might be experiencing sleep regression, which is a common issue that can happen anywhere between 15-24 months. This is often due to an explosion of cognitive and emotional development, as well as an increase in independence and testing boundaries.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can also be a factor in your toddler's sleep issues. This can be caused by big changes in your toddler's life, such as starting a new school or daycare, or expecting a new sibling. To help with this, try to spend more 1-on-1 time with your child, even just 10-15 minutes a day of intentional face-to-face time.
Overstimulation
Overstimulation can also lead to your toddler fighting sleep. This can be caused by a bright, busy household, screens, beeping toys, or a crying spell. Try to avoid stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime and create a calm environment to help your toddler wind down.
It's important to pay attention to your toddler's sleepy cues and unique patterns to determine if they are overtired and adjust their schedule accordingly.
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They could be experiencing separation anxiety
It is common for young children to experience distress when separating from their parents until around the age of three. Separation anxiety often peaks between 9 and 18 months, but it can vary from child to child. It is a normal developmental stage and doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your child.
Infant separation anxiety usually begins around 6 to 8 months, when babies develop a sense of object permanence, meaning they understand that something continues to exist even when it is out of sight. Before this, they are unable to grasp the concept that an object or person still exists when they can't see it. So, when you leave your baby with another caregiver, they may think you are gone forever.
Separation anxiety can impact your baby's sleep. It often shows up at bedtime, when being apart from you feels especially difficult. Your child may be waking more frequently overnight, resisting falling asleep, or needing extra reassurance during the night. They may also be wary of new people and places, as they associate their parents with familiarity and safety.
If your 17-month-old is experiencing separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to help:
- Maintain consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines.
- Keep the bedtime routine calm and consistent so your child feels secure.
- Add extra cuddles or a few minutes of quiet connection before lights out to reassure them.
- Offer brief, soothing check-ins if they cry after you leave.
- During the day, practice short separations and give plenty of one-on-one time. These moments help build trust and teach your baby that you'll always return.
- A comfort object, such as a blanket or soft toy, can help your child feel safe and secure.
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They might be teething
Teething can be a painful process for toddlers, and it can disrupt their sleep patterns. The first set of molars typically emerge around 18 months, and the second set comes in around 20-30 months. The larger size of these teeth can make their arrival through the gum line particularly uncomfortable. The 24-72 hours before a tooth erupts is usually the most painful. Signs of oncoming teeth include swollen gums and a white nub.
Teething can cause babies to wail and fight sleep. If your 17-month-old is teething, you can offer relief by gently massaging their gums with a damp, cool washcloth or providing them with a soft teething ring to chew on. It's okay to comfort your baby while they're in pain, and you can return to your usual sleep approach once the tooth has emerged.
If your toddler is skipping their nap and is overtired at the end of the day, they may be more likely to resist bedtime. Signs of overtiredness can include hyperactivity and bursts of energy. However, it can be tricky to distinguish between being overtired and undertired, as both can lead to a longer-than-ideal wake period.
It's important to note that sleep regressions can be caused by various factors, and teething is just one possible explanation. Other reasons for sleep disruption in 17-month-olds could include increased independence, overstimulation, expanded mobility, and physical discomfort from conditions like ear infections.
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They might be overstimulated
It's possible that your 17-month-old is fighting sleep because they are overstimulated. Overstimulation can make it difficult for children to wind down and fall asleep. This is because their nervous systems are still developing, and they may have trouble regulating their emotions and calming themselves down when they are feeling excited or overwhelmed.
There are several factors that can contribute to overstimulation, including
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They might not be tired enough
It is important to understand your baby's sleep cues and patterns. A 17-month-old baby needs about 11 to 14 hours of sleep, which is less than the 12 to 16 hours they needed when they were younger. As they grow, their sleep needs change.
If your 17-month-old baby is fighting sleep, it could be because they are not tired enough. This could be caused by a longer daytime nap or a sign that they need less sleep overall. It is important to establish a sleep schedule and bedtime routine that aligns with their age-appropriate wake windows.
Wake windows refer to the amount of time your baby can handle being awake at a stretch, which varies by age. For example, a 1-month-old can be awake for about an hour at a time, while a 3-month-old can stay awake for up to two hours. As your baby gets older, their wake windows get longer, and they may need to drop a nap.
If your baby is not tired enough, consider extending their wake windows or dropping a nap. Ensure they are getting enough physical activity and mental stimulation during their awake time. A cool, dark, and calm environment can also help your baby fall asleep.
Additionally, it is important to be consistent with your bedtime routine. A soothing bedtime ritual, such as a bath, reading books, or cuddling, can help ease your baby into sleep. Be consistent by doing the same things in the same order and at the same time each night.
By understanding your baby's sleep needs and patterns, you can make the necessary adjustments to their schedule and environment, promoting a better night's rest.
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