YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NAVIGATING TODDLER SLEEP REGRESSIONS
Every parent knows the joy of finally settling into a sleep routine with their toddler—only to have it disrupted by unexpected night wakings, skipped naps, or early morning risings. These disruptions are often due to sleep regressions, which can feel like a frustrating step backward. But take heart: sleep regressions are a normal part of your toddler’s development. In this guide, we’ll dive into what sleep regressions are, why they happen, and, most importantly, how to manage them.
What Are Sleep Regressions? Sleep regressions are periods when a toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up at night, resisting naps, or experiencing disrupted sleep. These regressions typically align with major developmental milestones, growth spurts, or changes in routine. Understanding the timing and causes of these regressions can help you better navigate them.
Common Toddler Sleep Regressions:
12-Month Sleep Regression:
Why It Happens: Around the first birthday, your toddler is experiencing rapid growth, developing new skills like walking, and may also be transitioning to one nap. This surge in physical and mental development can lead to disrupted sleep.
How to Manage: Stick to a consistent bedtime routine and consider an earlier bedtime if naps are shortened. Offer extra comfort, but avoid creating new sleep associations that could become habits.
18-Month Sleep Regression:
Why It Happens: Separation anxiety peaks around this age, and your toddler is asserting their independence.
How to Manage: A comfort item like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can help ease separation anxiety. Be patient and consistent with your routine, even if it means more frequent check-ins at night.
2-Year Sleep Regression:
Why It Happens: Your toddler’s language skills are exploding, their independence is at an all time high along with pushing those boundaries, and nightmares/fear of the dark can start at this age as their imaginations grow!
How to Manage: Acknowledge your toddler’s fears and provide reassurance, but maintain boundaries around sleep. Consider a nightlight (red in colour) or a bedtime story that addresses common fears. Stick to a regular bedtime routine & sleep schedule and don’t give in to their stalling tactics.
One of my clients, Sarah, came to me a few months ago when her 18-month-old, started waking up every two hours after previously sleeping through the night. After discussing his routine and sleep challenges, we identified that Leo was struggling with separation anxiety (he just started daycare), especially at night. By introducing a special comfort item (one of Sarah’s old t-shirts that smelled like her - tied in a knot as a lovey) and gradually reducing the amount of time Sarah spent in the room at bedtime, Leo began to settle more easily and the night wakings decreased. Within 2 weeks, he was back to sleeping peacefully through the night!
Actionable Strategies for Managing Sleep Regressions:
Stick to a Routine: Consistency is your best friend during a sleep regression. Keep the bedtime routine and nap schedule as consistent as possible to reinforce sleep cues.
Adjust Bedtime: If naps are disrupted, consider an earlier bedtime to prevent overtiredness, which can worsen sleep challenges.
Offer Reassurance, Not New Habits: It’s natural to want to comfort your toddler during these regressions, but be mindful not to introduce new sleep associations, like rocking or feeding to sleep, or staying in your child’s room until they are asleep. Offer frequent check-ins instead as reassurance.
Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment: Ensure your toddler’s room is conducive to sleep—dark, cool, and quiet. White noise can help mask household sounds that might wake them up. One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make with toddlers is creating what I call a “carnival atmosphere” in their child’s room. The reason is simply that all this extra “stuff” can be distracting (or downright overstimulating) for a child. And the last thing you want to deal with at bedtime is an overstimulated child! Once your child is in bed, they should be tucked in with just one sleep toy/stuffy and/or a special blanket
Be Patient: Sleep regressions are temporary, even though they can feel endless. Remember that these phases are a sign of your toddler’s growth and development, and with time, their sleep will improve.
Navigating sleep regressions can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can help your toddler get through them more smoothly. By understanding the causes and sticking to consistent routines, you’ll set the foundation for better sleep in the long run. And remember, you’re not alone—many parents experience these same struggles, and with patience and persistence, you’ll come out on the other side! If you find yourself needing some extra support during one of these pesky regressions, LET’S CHAT!
