It’s not easy when your little one who had been sleeping like an angel suddenly starts to reverse course. This backtracking might just be the common 18-month sleep regression.
In this article, we’ll tell you what the 18-month sleep regression is, its signs, and what causes it. We’ll also give you some helpful tips on how to cope.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is a sleep regression?
- Signs of an 18-month sleep regression
- Causes of an 18-month sleep regression
- How to cope with your toddler’s sleep troubles
What is a sleep regression?
Before we talk about the 18-month sleep regression specifically, it’s helpful to know what a sleep regression is in general. A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in the sleep patterns of a child who, up until this point, had been sleeping well.
Although sleep regressions can be frustrating for both parents and children, they’re a normal stage of development. Babies typically experience sleep regressions periodically through the first years of life.
Some of the most common ages your child might have one include:
-
4 months old
-
6 months old
- 8-10 months old
- 12 months old
- 15-18 months old
- 2 years old
As you can see, if you’ve made it to the 18-month sleep regression, you’re in the home stretch.
Signs of an 18-month sleep regression
Refusing to nap
First, if your little one is suddenly telling you to talk to the hand when it’s time to nap, they may be experiencing a sleep regression. Restlessness during the day is a sign of this pesky milestone.
Throwing tantrums at bedtime
Throwing tantrums at bedtime is another sign of a sleep regression. Your child might fully melt down or just get extra fussy as they try to assert their independence.
Waking up in the night
If your child is experiencing a sleep regression, they may be waking up several times during the night. And that probably means you’re waking up as well.
Taking a long time to fall asleep
After the bedtime routine, it’s for those zzzs. If your child is still wide-eyed more than thirty minutes after winding down, it could be a sleep regression.
Waking up extra early
We all know about the early bird and the worm, but if your little one is beating the worm and the sun in the morning, they could be having a regression.
Causes of an 18-month sleep regression
There are a range of things that cause 18-month sleep regressions. Let’s take a look.
Physical and mental growth
Your toddler is talking and walking up a storm these days! With all of those changes and the accompanying excitement, they may be looking forward to practicing their newfound skills when they should be getting their shuteye.
Separation anxiety
Your little one may get extra nervous when you walk away after putting them down for their nap or to bed.
The separation anxiety they’re feeling is another possible reason for your child’s sleep regression. Although this anxiety might start before their first birthday, most children experience it between 12 and 24 months.
Teething
Is your little one cutting some teeth these days? It’s not surprising that the discomfort from teething (particularly their molars) will wreak havoc on their sleep.
Change in the daily routine
Your 18-month-old is sensitive to change, and that’s normal. Things like traveling, dropping a nap, or getting a new caregiver or sibling may disrupt their sleep and cause a regression.
Nightmares
At 18 months, your toddler’s imagination is running wild. At night, this can cause fear to set in, whether it's monsters under the bed or in the closet, making it hard to sleep.
How to cope with your toddler’s sleep troubles
When you’re bleary-eyed, it’s not easy to deal with your little one’s sleep troubles, but there are a few easy things you can do that will help.
Stick to the bedtime routine.
First and foremost, when your child is in the midst of a sleep regression, stick to their normal bedtime routine. Whatever you do for the wind-down to bed, be that giving them a bath, dimming the lights, or reading a short book, keep doing it.
The familiarity of your routine will signal to your little one that it’s time to hit the hay.
Set a sleep schedule.
It’s also important for you to set a sleep schedule and stick to it as best as you can. Put your little one to bed around the same time each night, and wake them up at the same time each morning.
Consistency is important, as it makes it easier to return to normal once the sleep regression is over.
Treat symptoms.
If your child is teething or under the weather, talk to your pediatrician about addressing the symptoms of their discomfort. With an over-the-counter medication or salve, they’ll be able to nod off more easily.
Optimize the room for sleep.
The better suited your toddler’s room is to a good night’s sleep, the better they’ll be able to get one. The room should be dark and quiet (blackout shades and a sound machine can help with that). Also, the ideal sleep temperature is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to getting to sleep, it’s important that your child has a quality mattress. Choose one that’s breathable so that your toddler doesn’t get too hot or sweaty as they’re trying to nod off.
Newton’s Original Mattress is not only breathable but also hypoallergenic and washable. Top it off with a set of our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets in your toddler’s bed for added comfort.
Get outside during the day.
It’s always nice to start the day with some fresh air. Getting out in the light early in the day helps to reset your toddler’s circadian rhythm, which will make it easier for them to get to sleep later in the day.
Be patient.
Don’t worry, sleep regressions are temporary! Be patient with your child as you keep up their sleep and bedtime routines. Soon enough, they’ll be back to their old (good) sleep habits.
Take care of yourself.
When your little one is struggling to sleep, it’s easy to ignore your own needs. Ask your partner, a friend, or a family member to tag team through the regression so that you don’t become too sleep-deprived. Taking care of yourself is part of being a good parent.
A good night’s sleep with Newton
If your child is going through an 18-month-old sleep regression, you’ll be ready with the tips above. You now know the signs and the causes, and what to do to make these sleep-deprived nights as easy as they can be.
With Newton crib mattresses, when your toddler does get to sleep, they’ll be comfortable and safe because our breathable Original, Essential, and Waterproof crib mattresses allow for better airflow.
Although sleep regressions aren’t fun, with Newton, you can rest assured that once they’re over, your child will be back to sleeping like a baby.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an 18-month sleep regression last?
18-month sleep regressions are short and sweet. Typically, they last two to six weeks, which isn’t too bad in the scheme of things. Keep in mind that just because many children experience these, it doesn’t mean all children do.
Can I let my child cry it out during a sleep regression?
Yes, you can let your child cry it out during a sleep regression. This is one of many different sleep training techniques aimed at promoting self-soothing and greater independence. However, keep an eye on your child as they go through the regression, and pay attention to their cues.
If they’re crying for a long time, check to see if something else is getting them upset. They could be teething or hungry, for instance, and it’s important to address their discomfort before putting them back to bed.
How many hours of sleep should my 18-month-old get?
In general, an 18-month-old should sleep between 12 and 14 hours in a 24-hour period. This includes 10 to 12 hours of overnight sleep and two to three hours of naptime.
