The 18-Month Sleep Regression
Your baby has grown from a cute, cuddly baby to an active toddler. They have a lot of personalities and make each day fun.
Your child suddenly turns 18 months, and it seems like the days never end. It’s hard to understand, as you would love to curl up in a warm bed …).
What can a parent do if their child is not interested in drinking coffee or using under-eye creams? Why did your snoozing toddler suddenly start a sleep boycott? Below are the answers to all these questions and others you may not be able to think of right now.
What’s the 18-month sleep regression?
The 18-month sleep regression is considered the most difficult of all the baby and toddler sleep regressions. This is when your toddler may stop sleeping well at night and start to wake up more often.
Sometimes, your child might refuse to nap or go to sleep. These can happen quickly and without apparent reason.
This may bring back memories of bedtime fights and sleepless nights when your child was around 4 or 8. Your toddler’s sleep regression presents a new challenge. They have already made great strides in their ability to communicate their desires.
Although you didn’t have to worry about your 8-month-old understanding the importance of sleep or worry that they would be able to climb out of their cribs, 18-month-olds are more skilled and can make it more difficult.
The 18-month sleep regression requires more diplomacy, creativity and independence than in the past due to increased independence and better motor skills. It doesn’t matter if you have a good sense of humor or a strong cup of coffee to get you through.
How long does it last?
The duration of the 18-month sleep regression can vary depending on the child. However, it is usually 2 to weeks.
Be careful not to be too afraid of the idea of six weeks of sleepless nights. Some children might never experience it, while others may only experience it briefly.
The 18-month sleep regression, like all sleep regressions, is individual in its duration. These tips may help you keep it short.
What is the cause?
It’s sometimes called a “sleep regression”, but it is a sign that your child is growing and developing.
The 18-month sleep regression is not an exception. It’s often associated with physical milestones and brain development.
Your child may grow like a weed or maybe even have more teeth. Your child’s sleep patterns can be disrupted by growth hormones, which are released to aid in child growth. Teething is notoriously painful. You can partly blame the new height and sharpened teeth for some less restful nights.
Your child might feel separation anxiety as part of their social-emotional development around 18 months. They may become anxious if their parents or trusted caregivers don’t leave them to go to sleep.
You may notice that your child is more determined because they are more interested in independence and have a greater sense of themselves. This can cause them to protest if they choose to sleep over other things they want to do.
What are you going to do?
Remember that the 18-month sleep regression is temporary. This should be temporary.
Bad habits can be more damaging than sleep regression. It’s important to avoid getting into routines that you don’t want to keep.
This sleep regression can be a way to support your child and keep them awake, but it shouldn’t throw out their schedule or any sense of consistency.
You may want to revisit a sleep training method you used in the past. Your child must continue to use the bedtime routine you have established.