The 18-month sleep regression is a developmental phase that typically occurs between 15-24 months, often around 17-19 months. During this period, toddlers experience significant changes in their sleep patterns, leading to disturbances. This regression often aligns with the transition from two naps to one and coincides with an explosion in cognitive development. Understanding the causes and manifestations of this regression can help parents manage it more effectively.
Why Does the 18-Month Sleep Regression Occur?
At 18 months, toddlers undergo substantial cognitive development. They start to test limits and explore the world around them more assertively. This developmental leap can disrupt their sleep as they experiment with actions and consequences, such as yelling at bedtime or refusing naps. This period also sees a resurgence of separation anxiety, making bedtime a challenging experience for both toddlers and parents.
The transition from two naps to one nap is a significant milestone that often coincides with the 18-month sleep regression. Rushing this transition or not adjusting bedtime can lead to overtiredness, exacerbating sleep disturbances. Toddlers need a gradual adjustment period to adapt to the new sleep schedule. Check out my Comprehensive Nap Transition Guide here if you are curious about how this transition [and all other nap transitions] should look from beginning to end.
How This Regression Differs from Earlier Ones
Unlike earlier regressions (such as the 4-month or 8-month), the 18-month sleep regression is closely tied to significant cognitive developments and the assertion of independence. Earlier regressions are often related to physical growth spurts or the development of new sleep cycles. The 18-month regression is unique in its connection to language development, increased mobility, and the emerging sense of self, making it particularly challenging for both toddlers and parents.
It's important to note that sleep practices vary across cultures. While Western parenting styles often emphasize independent sleep, many cultures practice co-sleeping or have different expectations for toddler sleep patterns. The strategies suggested in this article can be adapted to fit various cultural norms and family preferences.
How Can Parents Manage the 18-Month Sleep Regression?
Setting clear boundaries around sleep times is crucial during the 18-month sleep regression. A consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers understand that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. Without clear boundaries, bedtime can turn into a prolonged negotiation, leading to increased resistance and sleep issues.
Tips for Setting Clear Boundaries
- Consistent Routine: Establish a bedtime routine that includes the same steps in the same order every night. This could involve activities like brushing teeth, reading a book, and singing a lullaby.
- Defined End Time: Ensure there is a clear and defined end to the bedtime routine. Use a specific phrase or song to signal that it’s time to sleep.
- Avoid Negotiations: Do not negotiate with your toddler during the bedtime routine. Giving in to demands for "one more book" or "one more hug" reinforces stall tactics and undermines the routine.
Your baby's sleep can be transformed using these tips by establishing a consistent routine, ensuring plenty of daytime activity, choosing the right sleepwear, minimizing screen time before bed, and paying attention to their nap schedule. Implementing these strategies will help create a more restful environment, leading to better sleep for both your baby and you.
Example Scenario: Successfully Handling the 18-Month Sleep Regression
Sarah is a 17-month-old toddler who has recently started resisting bedtime and waking up frequently during the night. Her parents, Jenna and Mark, are struggling to manage her sleep routine during this phase.
Challenges they are experiencing
- Sarah fights bedtime by asking for "one more book" or "one more hug."
- She wakes up multiple times during the night, often crying and needing reassurance.
Strategies They Implemented
- Establishing a Consistent Routine: Jenna and Mark created a bedtime routine that includes brushing teeth, reading one book, and singing a short lullaby. They start the routine at the same time each night and use a specific phrase, "It's time to sleep," to signal the end of the routine.
- Providing Choices: To give Sarah a sense of control, they let her choose between two sets of pajamas and two bedtime stories. They also involve her in small tasks, like placing her favorite stuffed animal on the bed.
- Avoiding Major Changes: Jenna and Mark decided to delay moving Sarah to a big bed and starting potty training until after the regression period. They kept her crib and avoided making any significant changes that could add to her stress.
Outcome:
- Reduced Resistance: After a few weeks of consistent routine, Sarah started to show less resistance at bedtime. She understood that bedtime was non-negotiable and settled into the routine more easily.
- Fewer Night Wakings: Sarah’s night wakings decreased as she adjusted to the new routine and felt more secure in her sleep environment.
Lesson Learned:
Consistency and providing a sense of control within the established boundaries helped Jenna and Mark navigate Sarah’s sleep regression. They were able to maintain a structured routine and avoid introducing additional stressors, which contributed to a smoother transition through the regression phase.
How Can You Give Your Child Some Control Over Bedtime?
Toddlers often test limits as a way to assert control over their environment. Providing age-appropriate choices within the bedtime routine can help satisfy their need for control while maintaining necessary boundaries.
Tips for Providing Choices
- Offer Options: Let your child choose between two sets of pajamas or two bedtime stories. This gives them a sense of control without compromising the routine.
- Assign Bedtime Jobs: Give your child simple tasks like putting toothpaste on the toothbrush or placing their lovey in the crib. This involvement can make them feel more in control and cooperative.
Why Should Major Changes Be Avoided During the 18-Month Sleep Regression?
The 18-month sleep regression is not the time to introduce major changes in your child's life. Such changes can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep even further.
Changes to Avoid
- Moving to a Bed: Keep your child in a crib until at least age 3, as moving to a bed too early can lead to more sleep disturbances.
- Starting Potty Training: Delay potty training until the regression has passed. The added stress of learning to use the toilet can worsen sleep issues.
- Taking Away Comfort Items: Do not remove pacifiers or other comfort items during this time. Wait until your child has adjusted to the new sleep routine.
What If These Strategies Don't Work?
If you've consistently applied the suggested strategies for several weeks without improvement, consider the following
- Consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues affecting sleep.
- Seek help from a pediatric sleep consultant for personalized advice.
- Temporarily adjust your expectations and focus on maintaining consistency until the phase passes.
- Consider gradual methods like the "sleep lady shuffle" or "camping out" to slowly reduce your presence at bedtime.
Long-Term Effects
While the 18-month sleep regression can be intense, it typically doesn't have long-term effects on sleep patterns or development if handled appropriately. In fact, successfully navigating this phase can lead to improved sleep habits and a more independent toddler. However, if sleep issues persist well beyond this age, it may be worth consulting a professional to ensure there are no underlying problems.
Dr. Jodi Mindell, a pediatric sleep expert, states: "The 18-month regression is often the most challenging for parents because toddlers at this age have the physical and verbal skills to resist bedtime more effectively. Consistency is key to overcoming this phase."
Success Indicators
Parents can look for these signs to know they're successfully navigating the regression
- Gradual reduction in nighttime wakings
- Easier bedtimes with less resistance
- Longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep
- Improved mood and behavior during the day
- Return to previous sleep schedule within 2-6 weeks
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Inconsistency in applying sleep routines
- Introducing too many changes at once
- Ignoring signs of overtiredness
- Relying too heavily on sleep crutches (like rocking to sleep)
- Skipping the bedtime routine when you're tired
- Giving in to every demand to avoid tantrums
How to Adjust the Schedule During the Nap Transition?
Adjusting your child’s schedule during the transition from two naps to one is essential to prevent overtiredness and sleep disturbances.
Tips for Adjusting the Schedule
- Earlier Bedtime: Temporarily move bedtime earlier to compensate for the loss of the second nap. An overtired child will have more difficulty falling and staying asleep.
- Age-Appropriate Schedule: Once on a solid one-nap schedule, ensure your child is awake for about 5.5 hours before the nap, ideally with the nap occurring between 12:30-1:30 pm. Then, allow no more than 5 hours between the nap and bedtime.
Here are some tips for daytime activities to help your baby get the most out of their day and promote better sleep at night
How to Avoid Creating Bad Habits During Sleep Regressions?
While it can be tempting to resort to quick fixes like letting your child sleep in your bed, these habits can prolong the regression and lead to long-term sleep issues.
Tips for Avoiding Bad Habits
- Consistent Sleep Routines: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and avoid introducing new habits that you don’t want to continue in the long term.
- Brief Interactions: Comfort your child as needed but keep interactions brief and boring. Avoid staying in the room or rocking your child to sleep.
- Separation and Reassurance: Make sure your child sees you leave the room after putting them down. Offer reassurance with a quick verbal check-in over the monitor if needed, but maintain consistency in not re-entering the room.
The 18-month sleep regression is a challenging but normal phase in toddler development. By understanding its causes and implementing strategies like setting clear boundaries, offering age-appropriate choices, avoiding major changes, adjusting the schedule during nap transitions, and avoiding the creation of bad habits, parents can help their toddlers navigate this period and establish healthier sleep patterns. Consistency, patience, and a supportive approach will ultimately lead to better sleep for both parents and children.
Additional Resources for Parents:
- Books "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth, M.D.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) for evidence-based sleep information
- Online Support Group and forums - BabyCenter's toddler sleep group
Huckleberry or Moshi Apps for sleep tracking and soothing sounds
Pam Edwards is a Certified Infant & Child Sleep Consultant and founder of Wee Bee Dreaming Pediatric Sleep Consulting, based out of Kamloops, B.C. Healthy sleep is addicting and she has made it her life mission to help families all across the world since 2013 get the sleep they deserve through her blog, social media pages, comprehensive sleep guides, and 1-on-1 personalized support. A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a dream!