Toddler Sleep: Milestones And Their Impact

Sleep is an essential building block for a child's mental and physical health. However, it is common for toddlers to experience sleep regression as they go through developmental milestones. During these periods, toddlers may struggle with their sleep habits, such as refusing to go to bed, waking up during the night, resisting naps, and stalling bedtime. These sleep disruptions are temporary and typically last for a few weeks. They occur as toddlers go through significant progress in their mental, emotional, or physical development, such as learning new physical abilities, cognitive advancements, and increased independence. While these changes are exciting, they can lead to sleep disturbances as toddlers adapt to their new skills and understanding of the world. Understanding the reasons behind these sleep regressions can help parents provide the necessary support and strategies to improve their toddler's sleep habits during these developmental milestones.

Separation anxiety

When toddlers develop object permanence, they become able to identify their special people, such as their parents or caregivers. They also realize that when these caregivers leave, they are not gone forever, and this is when separation anxiety occurs.

Maintain a regular bedtime routine

Keep a consistent and predictable schedule to minimize your toddler's anxiety. Avoid making their bedroom a punishment spot, and ensure that their room is a safe and fun place by playing with them there regularly.

Set a timer

Spend at least 15 minutes playing calmly with your toddler in their room before they realize it's bedtime. When the timer goes off, clean up, read a story, and then put them to sleep.

Watch your stress levels

Lack of sleep and dealing with bedtime tantrums can be challenging for parents. Try to remain calm and approach bedtime in a relaxed manner. Children pick up on emotional and behavioral cues, so staying calm will help your toddler feel more at ease.

Don't sneak away

Resist the temptation to sneak out of the room after your toddler falls asleep. Sneaking away can incite distrust and heighten their fear that you will disappear without warning. Instead, reassure them that you're still home and around, even if you're not sleeping next to them.

Comfort your child briefly

If your toddler wakes up crying in the middle of the night, offer comfort but keep it minimal. Rub their back or give quiet words of reassurance until they calm down. Avoid making this a rewarded behavior by not offering books, play, singing, or other wakeful activities.

Practice being separated even when together

Encourage your toddler to play independently to develop their sense of autonomy. You can also give them time with grandparents or other trusted family and friends so they learn that it's normal and they will be fine even when you're not around.

Acknowledge their feelings

Empathize with your toddler's emotions without coddling or prolonging the bedtime routine. Teach them that it's okay to feel how they feel and that big feelings and worry are normal.

Soothe them with comfort items

Give your toddler a snuggly blanket or a lovey toy to hug and kiss. This helps them feel your love and care even when you're not in the room. A lovey that lights up, such as a glow worm, can be especially comforting in the dark.

Teach coping and calming techniques

Model deep breathing and guide your toddler through visualizations to distract them from feelings of anxiety. You can also practice thinking of something that makes them happy before bed, such as their favorite part of the day or something they're looking forward to tomorrow.

Don't give up

If you've given in and brought your toddler to bed with you, don't worry—it happens! Just explain to them that it was a one-time thing and that you'll be going back to your regular sleeping arrangements. Reassure them that you'll still be around and that they are safe and protected.

Remember, separation anxiety in toddlers is typically a phase that lasts no more than 2-3 weeks, and most children outgrow it by the age of three.

Fear of missing out

Why toddlers don't sleep during developmental milestones: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Signs of FOMO

• Increased fussiness at bedtime
• Heightened awareness of the environment
• Resistance to sleep even when tired
• Crying more at bedtime
• Not sleeping even when tired

These behaviours may seem like typical developmental stages, but they are actually reactions to a fear of missing out on engagement or interaction.

Strategies to Address FOMO

Creating a good sleep environment and a consistent bedtime routine are essential for helping babies and toddlers with FOMO. Here are some specific strategies that can help:

• Set up a quiet and cozy sleeping area that is free from distractions, such as bright lights or noise.
• Use soft and soothing colours in the nursery to create a calm atmosphere.
• Use baby sleep aids or gentle lullabies to create a calming sound.
• Establish a regular bedtime and follow a consistent sequence of activities that signal it's time to wind down, such as a warm bath, gentle massage, reading a bedtime story, or singing a lullaby.
• Stick to the same routine every night to promote sleep independence.
• Encourage self-soothing in infants by teaching them to calm themselves and fall asleep on their own. This can be done through a regular bedtime routine that includes calming activities like rocking or soft music.
• Understand the role of parental interaction and create a nurturing and soothing sleep environment. Respond quickly and sensitively to your baby's cues to build trust and ease their anxiety.
• Adjust sleep strategies as your baby grows and reaches new milestones. For example, provide a quiet and cozy sleeping area, good baby sleep clothes, keep regular sleep times, and encourage self-soothing.
• Seek professional advice from doctors or child psychologists if your baby's sleep issues are causing distress. They can provide tailored guidance and support.

How FOMO Relates to Developmental Milestones

FOMO in babies and toddlers can be triggered by specific developmental milestones, such as sleep regression and developmental leaps during growth periods. For example, when a child learns to stand or walk, they often want to practice these new physical abilities instead of sleeping, leading to disrupted sleep. Additionally, toddlers may experience FOMO during family gatherings or busy times at home, showing sensitivity to environmental changes.

In summary, FOMO is a common issue that can affect babies' and toddlers' sleep during developmental milestones. By understanding the signs of FOMO and implementing strategies to address it, parents can help their little ones sleep soundly and promote healthy sleep habits.

Teething

The good news is that the acute teething pain typically only lasts for a day or two. While teething can affect sleep, it is not usually the sole cause of long-term sleep issues. It's important to consider other factors, such as sleep habits and routines, when addressing sleep problems.

To help your toddler through the teething process, you can offer extra comfort and attention during the day and before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Remember that this too shall pass, and with some extra care and patience, your toddler will be back to sleeping through the night in no time!

Changes in sleep patterns

Sleep struggles are a normal part of childhood development. As toddlers grow and develop, they will likely go through changes in their sleep patterns. These changes are referred to as sleep regressions or sleep progressions, and they are characterized by a decline in sleep quality. This may manifest as frequent night wakings, resisting bedtime, or fighting sleep. These phases are usually temporary, lasting from two to six weeks, and indicate that the child is progressing developmentally.

One of the most notable sleep regressions is the 4-month sleep regression, which occurs between three to five months of age. During this phase, babies experience rapid cognitive development and a shift in sleep cycle structures. They transition from having two sleep stages (REM and non-REM sleep) to more adult-like cycles, resulting in natural awakenings during the night. This is a sign that their sleep patterns are evolving, and it is an important step towards learning to fall asleep independently.

Another significant regression is the 8-month sleep regression, which coincides with the development of significant motor skills such as crawling and standing. The transition from three naps to two during this period can further disrupt sleep routines.

Around their first birthday, many toddlers go through another sleep regression as they begin to walk. The excitement of this new milestone often leads to sleep interruptions as they prefer practicing their new skill over sleeping. It is important for parents to provide opportunities for toddlers to practice their new skills during the day, so they are more inclined to sleep at night.

By 18 months, toddlers experience vast cognitive and verbal advancements, which can make settling down for sleep more challenging. Approaching two years of age, they also start to assert more independence and may resist naps or bedtime as they are reluctant to pause their activities.

While these are some of the most notable sleep regressions, minor sleep disruptions can occur at any time as toddlers are constantly learning and growing. Teaching children independent sleep skills is crucial to help them navigate these changes and continue to thrive.

Cognitive development

Sleep plays a critical role in cognitive development. Studies have shown that insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality can negatively impact a child's cognitive performance and brain development. This includes impairments in attention, memory, learning, and executive functioning.

For example, insufficient sleep in pre-teens has been linked to differences in brain structure and more problems with mood and thinking compared to those who get sufficient sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues with decision-making, conflict resolution, working memory, and learning.

Additionally, sleep supports cognitive performance and is essential for memory consolidation. Napping has been associated with improved vocabulary and enhanced memory in preschool-aged children. It also plays a role in the development of memory-related brain regions, such as the hippocampus.

Furthermore, sleep has been linked to the development of functional brain connectivity. Studies have found that sleep promotes inter-hemispheric coherence and may modulate neural connectivity in early childhood.

Overall, sleep is vital for cognitive development, and a lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on a child's brain and cognitive performance.

Frequently asked questions