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I love the toddler years. Yes, toddlers are messy and demanding and so stinkin’ rigid about everything. But they bounce when they walk. They are fascinated by the most ordinary things. They love you even when you suck. And their rigidity has actually helped you settle into a comfortable stride over the past few months!
So why has your tiny, change-averse tyrant suddenly decreed that the existing bedtime routines, which have served you both so well, no longer suffice?
The not-so-great news: If your little one is around 18-24 months, it’s likely that he’s experiencing a sleep regression. So, what is sleep regression? By definition, it’s is a period of time when a baby or toddler experiences a shift in their sleeping pattern. It usually begins with the infamous 4 month sleep regression and occurs every three to four months after that.
The good news: This will pass! Toddler sleep regressions normally last one to three weeks, and the two year one is typically the last one. With some consistent approaches and lots of patience and grace, you’ll all be slumbering till dawn in no time.
Sleep regression ages, signs, and causes
How do you know it’s sleep regression?
“Sleep regressions are common at several ages, including 4 months, 8 months, 18 months, and 2 years,” according to Healthline.com.
Here are some signs to look out for, according to Medical News Today:
- Fighting naps or bedtime (i.e., fussing and crying)
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Taking shorter naps or skipping naps
- Frequently waking at night
- Waking up too early
It’s important to note that if your child has always had challenges falling asleep, you might look for other causes. “…this is not a sleep regression, but an existing sleep association issue,” sleep consultant Dr. Sarah Mitchell said on her site, Helping Babies Sleep.
Common causes of toddler sleep regression include:
- Developmental advances — Two year olds are experiencing growth spurts in their physical, language, and social abilities. They’re also growing their second molars!
- Anxiety and fears — Separation anxiety, fear of the dark, FOMO (fear of missing out)
- Life changes — New bed, new sibling on the way, potty training
- Bedtime timing is off — Bedtime is too early or too late
How to deal with sleep regression
Once you identify the most likely cause(s) of your toddler’s sleep regression, try a combination of the strategies below, recommended by experts and real moms.
- Be consistent
“Staying consistent is so important,” Emily Ganiko, mom of two and pediatric nurse, shared with Mom.com. “Both mommy and daddy should be on the same page!” For Ganiko, what worked best was keeping the room dark, refraining from any kind of stimulation, and gently singing a Japanese sleeping song to her daughters, while patting them down in the crib. “No milk, even if they asked for it, and no picking them up unless they started crying inconsolably,” she added. - Make sure they have an active and nutritious lifestyle
Outdoor play over screen time and high-protein foods over sugar and caffeine play a big role in preparing your toddler physically and mentally for bedtime. Foods like bananas, turkey, chicken, and dairy products are recommended by pediatric sleep specialists like Nicky Barker, which contain an enzyme that helps the release of melatonin (and makes us calm and sleepy!). - Adjust your sleep timing
Dr. Mitchell recommends that if your child seems overtired, move bedtime up 15 minutes. If your child is fussing and taking a long time to settle, move bedtime back 15 minutes. Naps should not go past 3:30 or 4:00 in order to preserve bedtime. Whatever adjustments you make, remember that toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep per day. - Ensure your toddler feels safe, comfortable, and distraction-free
Remove any stimulating toys from sight, provide a nightlight if your little one is scared of the dark, and make sure it’s not too cold or hot in the room. Consider a white noise machine, which will help soothe your toddler’s active mind. If teething, lightly massage his gums with a cool washcloth, or offer her a soft, cool teething toy to chew on. - Try Twinkle Interruptus
Recommended by The Happiest Baby, this technique involves telling your child you’ll be right back (after finishing the usual bedtime routine), returning a few seconds later, then leaving again, this time for a longer interval. After gradually increasing the wait time, your child will likely fall asleep while waiting for your return, because you’ve shown them you’ll come back! See more tips for coping with separation anxiety at SleepFoundation.org.
When it's time to call your child's pediatrician
If sleeping issues continue for a month or more, it might be time to talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Sleepfoundation.org also recommends looking out for the following signs, which could signal more serious problems:
- Significant snoring or abnormal breathing during sleep
- Limited weight gain
- Reduced energy or other daytime impairment
- Longer naps during the day
- Significant changes to appetite, bowel habits, or urination
Don’t give up, Mama. Resist the urge to focus all your energy and time on your child’s sleep patterns (or lack thereof), and remember to care for yourself, too!
