Evie Summers
Many toddlers go through a sleep regression phase at 18 months, which can be challenging for parents. During this time, toddlers may refuse to nap or sleep at all, waking up frequently and protesting sleep. Sleep regression can be caused by increased mobility and awareness, as well as a heightened sense of independence and advanced motor skills. While it may seem like a never-ending phase, it is important to remember that it is temporary and not every toddler will experience it. There are strategies to help toddlers improve their sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and providing comfort items.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep regression
At 18 months, toddlers are undergoing significant physical and cognitive changes. They are gaining mobility, becoming more communicative, and experiencing deeper emotional reactions. This increased awareness and independence can contribute to sleep regression. The resistance to bedtime may be tied to their newfound sense of autonomy, making this sleep regression phase more challenging than previous ones.
Several factors can influence sleep patterns during this stage. Firstly, toddlers are seeking independence and testing boundaries, often resulting in bedtime battles. Secondly, separation anxiety can play a role, leading to new habits that impact sleep, such as requiring a parent's presence to fall asleep. Additionally, teething discomfort can disrupt sleep patterns.
To improve sleep during this regression phase, it is recommended to reinforce a bedtime routine and sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment. Prioritising naps and offering an age-appropriate bedtime are also crucial. While this phase can be challenging, it is essential to remember that it is temporary and will not last forever. Maintaining healthy sleep habits and providing comfort and reassurance can help toddlers navigate this stage successfully.
While sleep regression is a common occurrence, it is important to note that sleep patterns vary among toddlers. Some 18-month-olds may even show improvements in sleep, highlighting that sleep regression is not a guaranteed phase for every child. Individual differences and the parent's response to sleep challenges also play a significant role in managing sleep regression.
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Separation anxiety
Sleep is an important factor in the developmental milestones of 18-month-olds, including walking and talking. While some 18-month-olds sleep through the night, individual sleep patterns can vary significantly. The 18-month sleep regression is considered one of the toughest sleep regressions, where toddlers might suddenly refuse to nap or sleep at all. This is often accompanied by increased mobility, awareness, and a heightened sense of independence.
To help manage separation anxiety, it is important to respond to your child's needs and instill confidence in their ability to be away from you. Extra cuddles and kisses during the day can help, while also maintaining a consistent bedtime routine as this is comforting to children. Comfort objects, such as a "lovey" or a transitional object, can provide emotional support and make children feel safe. These objects are often chosen by children themselves and can include blankets or soft toys.
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Teething
- Irritability and crying
- Drooling, which can cause a rash around the mouth, cheeks, chin and neck due to the extra bacteria on the skin from the saliva
- Gnawing and chewing on objects to alleviate gum pain
- Disrupted sleep
- Swelling or inflammation of the gums
- Loss of appetite
- Mild temperature
- Diarrhea
- Increased biting, gum-rubbing and even ear-rubbing
It is important to note that many symptoms attributed to teething can also be associated with illness or other conditions. For example, a high fever with cold and flu symptoms is not related to teething but is indicative of an illness that requires medical attention. Similarly, tooth decay, a diet-related disease that damages teeth, can present similar symptoms to teething, such as white patches or brown spots on the teeth. Therefore, it is always recommended to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your toddler's health or if they exhibit persistent symptoms.
To help your toddler through the teething process, there are several remedies you can try. Providing extra cuddle time can comfort and reassure your child, alleviating their pain. Chilled or frozen teething rings, chew beads, or commercially bought teething toys can also provide relief. Additionally, keeping the area around your toddler's mouth clean and dry, as well as applying a barrier cream, can help manage the skin rash caused by excessive drooling.
If your toddler is still experiencing discomfort, you may consider giving them a paracetamol-based medicine after consulting with a doctor. It is important to follow the recommended dosage based on your child's age and body weight. Remember, while teething can be challenging, it is a temporary phase, and with patience and care, you can help your toddler through it.
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Screen time
Sleep regression can occur at any time, but it is most common between 14 and 19 months. During this time, your 18-month-old may experience periods of unsettled sleep, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up very early, or suddenly deciding to forgo naps altogether. While some toddlers will experience this sleep regression, others will not, and some may even see an improvement in their sleep patterns.
If your 18-month-old is struggling to sleep through the night, it may be helpful to lengthen your pre-sleep routine to include extra cuddle time and comfort. This is especially important if your child is experiencing separation anxiety or is in pain from teething. While it is understandable to want to help your toddler fall asleep, keep in mind that this extra support can change their expectations, and they may begin to rely on your presence every night.
One factor that may be contributing to your 18-month-old's sleep difficulties is screen time. Excessive screen time can negatively impact a child's sleep and overall well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 18 months old avoid all screens, except for video chats. However, many children in this age group are regularly exposed to screens, with one study finding that children under 2 spend an average of 49 minutes a day using screens.
For children 18 months and older, the AAP suggests limiting screen time to one hour per day. Exposing children to screens before bedtime can disrupt their sleep patterns and reduce the overall quality of their sleep. This is because screens emit blue light, which inhibits the natural production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Young children are more sensitive to blue light than adults, and their eyes absorb more of it. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid screens beginning two to three hours before bedtime and to use dim red lights in your child's bedroom.
In addition to impacting sleep, excessive screen time can contribute to behavior issues, including tantrums, difficulty paying attention, and impulsivity. It is important to set healthy boundaries around screen time and prioritize creative play, outdoor activities, and social interactions to support your child's overall development and well-being.
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Bedtime habits
Sleep is an important factor in the variety of developmental milestones seen in 18-month-olds, including walking and talking. While some toddlers sleep through the night, individual sleep patterns in very young children can vary significantly. The 18-month sleep regression is a temporary interruption in your toddler's normal nighttime and napping routine. It can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several weeks. Your toddler might go from sleeping pretty well both day and night to protesting sleep or waking frequently. They may even refuse to nap or sleep at all. This can be attributed to their increased mobility and awareness, heightened sense of independence, and more advanced motor skills.
- Work on their bedtime skills throughout the day.
- If your toddler is still hungry after dinner, offer a healthy snack like a banana or cheese stick about 45 minutes after dinner. Avoid giving them a snack any later.
- Include a comfort item like a stuffie or blanket in their bedtime routine.
- Dress your child in warm pajamas during the colder months to prevent them from waking up due to the cold.
- Limit screen time before bed as it can disrupt their sleep.
- Ensure your toddler gets active play during their awake time.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, with bedtime falling between 8 and 9 pm.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this. Firstly, sleep regression is common around 18 months. This is when toddlers experience a disruption to their normal sleep patterns, which can include more frequent wakings and daytime naps. Sleep regression usually passes within a few weeks. Secondly, your child may be experiencing separation anxiety, which can impact their sleep. They may be concerned when you leave them alone to sleep or show a preference for one caregiver over another. Thirdly, your child may be learning new skills, such as walking and talking, which can lead to sleep disruptions. Finally, teething can make it uncomfortable for toddlers to fall asleep and sleep through the night.
It is important to maintain healthy sleep habits during this time. Reinforce a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, and create a comfortable sleep environment. Try to remain calm and relaxed, as this will help your toddler feel more relaxed, too. You can also try to improve their sleep space, for example, by making sure the room is quiet and they are dressed warmly enough.
You can provide your child with a security object, such as a small soft blanket or stuffed animal, which can help them feel more comfortable when falling asleep. You should also make sure to provide reassurance if they wake up during the night and you need to leave the room. However, try to keep your interactions brief to avoid encouraging further wakings.
It is important to make sure your child is getting enough sleep overall, even if they are waking more frequently at night. Toddlers need around 11 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one afternoon nap. You can also try to make sure their new skills are not impacting their sleep by, for example, limiting screen time or avoiding giving them toys that could encourage them to climb out of their crib.
