Navigating the Storm: 18 Month Sleep Regression Guide

Your baby was sleeping perfectly, naps were great and your bedtime route had your toddler sleeping through the night… until he wasn’t. Between 4 months and 2 years, there are four sleep regression stages and the 18 month sleep regression and 2 year old sleep regression are major ones! Snag your Survival Guide for Sleep Regressions and get back to sleeping well. 

Understanding 18 Month Sleep Regression

Have you ever found yourself pacing the floor at 2 a.m., wondering “Why isn’t my toddler sleeping? What’s changed?”

You’re not alone.

That gnawing question marks the beginning of what’s commonly known as the 18 month sleep regression.

Unlike baby not sleeping phases, this one’s a unique beast. It’s a stormy period where your once perfect sleeper suddenly resists bedtime, wakes frequently, and might skip naps altogether.

If you’re scratching your head thinking this sounds like every sleep regression, let me share why the 18 month milestone is particularly tricky.

At this age, toddlers are in a whirlwind of development. They’re learning to assert independence, perfect walking, and may even start testing boundaries like tiny rebels without a cause.

This developmental leap is what makes the 18 month sleep regression stand out.

Add teething into the mix, and it’s the perfect storm for sleep disturbances, turning bedtime into a battleground for both toddlers and exhausted parents.

And, if you’ve muttered “Why isn’t my baby sleeping like they used to?” you’re navigating the choppy waters of the toddler sleep regression.

 

If You’re in a Hurry or Looking for Quick Sleep Regression Wins…

 

Common Signs & Symptoms of the 18 Month Sleep Regression

When your toddler, who used to snooze like an angel, suddenly starts not sleeping or faces a period of sleep regression, especially around 18 months, you know you’ve hit the notorious 18 month sleep regression.

If one evening you’re scratching your head, wondering, “Why isn’t my baby not sleeping?”, you’re not alone.

Let’s unpack some telltale signs together, shall we?

• Your formerly great sleeper is suddenly resisting bedtime like it’s the last thing on their agenda.
• Nap times? What nap times??? Your little one is suddenly boycotting those precious daylight snoozes.
• Waking up at night becomes the new norm, and not just once but multiple times, disrupting not only their sleep but yours.
• Even when they’re dead tired, settling down to sleep seems like an uphill battle.

If these scenarios sound all too familiar, hang tight. You’re navigating the choppy waters of the toddler sleep regression, a phase as exhausting as it is common.

Generally this sleep regression stage lasts about 3-4 weeks (6 at the most). Try, try, try not to make long-term habits for a short-term phase or your regression might “last months.”

 

Why It Happens: Unpacking the Causes

Have you ever stopped to wonder “Why, oh why, is my toddler suddenly waking up in the middle of the night, refusing naps, or fighting bedtime tooth and nail?”

It seems like we finally get into a groove with toddler sleep, and then, bam, the 18 month sleep regression hits us like a freight train.

You’re not alone in this struggle, and there’s a why to this madness.

At 18 months, our little ones are undergoing significant developmental and psychological changes. It’s a period full of milestones where toddler not sleeping becomes the norm. They’re learning to walk, talk, have strong opinions (oh, the tantrums!), and they’re beginning to understand they’re separate individuals from us.

This newfound independence is exciting for them but can wreak havoc on sleep patterns.

They test boundaries, and yes, that includes their sleep routines. So, when you’re pacing the floor at 2 am, wondering why your baby not sleeping has become the new normal, remember, it’s all part of their growth.

Your toddler could be getting hungry in the middle of the night, again. It’s takes a lot of energy to do what toddlers do every day at this age! Make sure you are offering 3 meals and 3 snacks every day.

Sometimes canine teeth are cutting through. Not fun! Revive your teething strategy.

You’ll want to stay consistent so that your toddler continues to be independent with sleep. Yes, we want to be sensitive to all he’s going through, but in the end, if you’re consistent, you will get through this regression MUCH faster!

But, hang in there, it’s just a phase, and this guide’s got your back.

 

Creating a Supportive Sleep Environment

When it feels like your toddler is not sleeping, trust me, I’ve been there, pacing the floor at all hours, wondering if the night will ever end. And with twins, it was a double whammy!

But let’s pause, take a deep breath, and tackle this together, focusing on creating a supportive sleep environment that might just turn those restless nights around. It’s all about the sensory experience; soft, calming colors in their room can make a world of difference. Think pastels or earth tones that whisper, “It’s time to relax.”

• Lighting is key: A dim, soft light or even a night light can provide just enough comfort for a toddler not sleeping well, without rousing them fully awake. Even better if you’re using blue-light blocking lights so their circadian rhythm isn’t interrupted.
• Sound matters: White noise or soothing lullabies can mask household noises that otherwise disrupt sleep. It’s about creating a cocoon of calmness amidst the storm of sleep regression.
• Comfort is everything: Ensure their bedding is comfortable, and their room is at a pleasant temperature—not too hot, not too cold. It’s like Goldilocks finding just the right conditions for sleep.

Remember, navigating through the 18 month sleep regression is a journey.

With patience, empathy, and a bit of trial and error, establishing a restful environment can be a cornerstone in helping our little ones (and us) reclaim those precious Z’s.

Sample Sleep Schedules

When the clock strikes a certain hour, and you find yourself googling ‘baby not sleeping’ more often than not, it might be time to try a new game plan for your little one dealing with the notorious 18 month sleep regression.

Trust me, I’ve been there, racking my brain about why my toddler’s not sleeping, despite having sailed past the earlier sleep regression phases with relative ease.

It’s like all the progress we made suddenly hit a snag, and here I am, a parent on a quest for that magic schedule to make things right again.

• 7:00 AM – Wake-up and playtime, making sure they’re exposed to natural light to help regulate their internal clock.
• 9:00 AM – A light snack followed by a calming activity, steering clear of too much stimulation.
• 9:30 AM – Attempt the first nap of the day, even if it’s just quiet time in their crib.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch, then some free-play to burn off energy. Getting outdoors helps!
• 2:00 PM – Another try for a nap, or at least some downtime to decompress from the morning.
• 5:30 PM – Dinner, followed by a serene bath time to signal that the day is winding down.
• 7:00 PM – Begin the bedtime routine; low lights, soft music, or a quiet story to ease into sleep mode.

Remember, consistency is your friend during the topsy-turvy phase of toddler sleep regression. It won’t be an immediate fix, but with patience and a touch of empathy for what your toddler is going through, you’ll find a rhythm that works for everyone. Hang in there; you’re not sailing this storm alone.

 

Routines Help You Get Through This Sleep Regression Phase

You might just be in the middle of the 2 year sleep regression. Here are our best 2 year old sleep repression tips:

• First, let’s talk naps. When it comes to naps at this age, my #1 piece of advice is DON’T STOP OFFERING THE NAP! One big mistake I see people make is deciding that their 2 year old doesn’t need naps anymore since she started skipping them every day or crying so hard you think she will never fall asleep.

• Skipping some naps or maybe even all naps for a short period of time is just a phase 95% of the time. It might last 2-3 weeks but if you’re consistent then your toddler might go right back to napping.

• There are a rare few who may actually be done napping, but most will need a nap until 3-4 years old, on average, and there are some who start Kindergarten at 5 years old still napping. Don’t give up on your 2 year old’s nap too soon!

• When it comes to “needing” you in the room to fall asleep… All children have peaks and valleys when it comes to the dreaded Separation Anxiety. This is a peak. So, be sensitive and restore her feeling of security. And, then GET OUT of the room!

During this sleep regression stage, you will need to get back to the routine soon, otherwise, you will be in the room at bedtime for weeks…months…even years.

When it appears the separation anxiety is subsiding and now she just wants you there, it’s time to ease out of the room and get her becoming more independent again.

This is usually around the 3 or 4 week mark.

 

Behavioral Strategies to Encourage Sleep

When your toddler is deep in the throes of the 18 month sleep regression, each night can feel like a battle you’re not quite prepared for.

But here’s the thing: consistency and patience can be your strongest allies.

As challenging as toddler sleep regression can be, there are behavioral strategies that can morph those restless nights into peaceful slumbers.

1. First off, make a calming bedtime ritual your new best friend. Think of activities that soothe rather than stimulate—a warm bath, a gentle story, perhaps some soft lullabies. The key is predictability; your little one craves it, even if they don’t know it yet.
2. Consider also the role of positive reinforcement. Praise and small rewards for toddler sleep successes make a big difference. A sticker chart for staying in bed or falling asleep on their own encourages them without you needing to resort to frustration.
3. Remember, toddlers seeking independence will test boundaries. They’re not doing it because they’re not sleepy or to push you to the edge; they’re just growing up. If my experience tells me anything, it’s that navigating this sleep regression is as much about adjusting our actions and expectations as it is about managing theirs.
4. And, finally, we often see a schedule change around 2 years old. Some toddlers this age are ready for more awake time. You might actually believe them when they say, “I’m not tired.” Yes, toddlers stall for no reason ..but… sometimes they actually need more awake time. While at 18 months, most toddlers can stay awake about 5 hours, some 2 year olds are ready for 5 ½ to 6 hours. But, watch carefully since overtired toddlers tend to have more tantrums, wake at night, and wake too early.

And while the question of “why isn’t my toddler sleeping?” may loom large in your mind, focusing on these positive, consistent strategies will help guide you both back to more restful nights.

 

Holistic Approaches to Try

Now, if you’ve tried everything under the sun to get your toddler sleeping through the night again, and you’re at your wit’s end, it might be time to consider some holistic approaches to tackle this 18 month sleep regression.

Believe me, I’ve been there, searching for something—anything—to help my little ones (and, let’s be real, me) get more rest. Here’s what I’ve found:

• Essential oils can be soothing and calming, but make sure they’re safe for your toddler. A lavender-scented bath before bed or a diffuser in the nursery might just make a difference.
• A bedtime yoga routine designed for toddlers can work wonders. Think gentle stretches that mimic their favorite animal poses to get those last wiggles out.
• Quiet meditation time with soft, soothing music or nature sounds can signal to your toddler that it’s time to wind down for sleep.

Navigating Naps During Regression

When it feels like you’re navigating through a never-ending storm of toddler not sleeping and your sanity is teetering on the edge, naps become your beacon of hope.

But hang on, the 18-month sleep regression has made even naps a battleground.

Now, you’re wondering, “How on earth do I manage naps during this chaotic phase?”

Let me share a slice of wisdom that took me too long to figure out: It’s all about timing and flexibility.

Don’t cling too tightly to the old nap schedule; it’s okay to adjust.

Initially, you might find the baby not sleeping at their usual nap times. If that happens, push the nap a little later, or try a shorter quiet time instead. Remember, the goal is rest, no matter the form it comes in.

And here’s a little secret: Sometimes, letting go of rigid schedules helps everyone breathe a bit easier. So, during this toddler sleep regression, give yourself and your little one the grace to find what works best for you.

Adjust, adapt, and remember, this storm too shall pass. Nothing lasts forever.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Now, when do we draw the line and accept it’s time for some professional intervention with our toddler’s sleep regression?

Sometimes, no matter how many strategies we try, we need to face the realization that it might be time to consult a healthcare professional or a sleep consultant.

I know, admitting we might not have all the answers can feel like waving a white flag, but here’s the thing—it’s okay. If your toddler is not sleeping despite your best efforts, or if the sleep regression refuses to improve after you’ve tried everything from a structured bedtime routine to holistic methods, it may signal underlying issues that need professional evaluation.

Also, if your baby’s not sleeping and it’s significantly disrupting family dynamics, seeking help can be a game-changer. Trust me, acknowledging the need for outside expertise is not a defeat; it’s an active step towards regaining peace for your toddler and your family.

 

Maintaining Your Sanity: Tips for Parents

When you’re navigating the treacherous waters of toddler sleep regression, especially that infamous 18 month sleep regression, your toddler not sleeping can quickly turn your life upside down.

I get it; you’re exhausted, your baby not sleeping feels like a puzzle you can’t solve, and you’re asking yourself, “Why aren’t you sleeping?“

But here’s a life raft for you – taking care of yourself is just as crucial.

When we’re frazzled, our toddlers pick up on our energy, making the situation feel even more intense. So, take a moment, breathe, and perhaps indulge in a little self-care.

Whether it’s a hot bath, a quick walk, or just enjoying a cup of tea in silence, taking this time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

It doesn’t solve toddler sleep regression overnight, but it helps you face it with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.

 

Sailing Through to Quieter Nights

I know, you’re feeling swamped, like you’re navigating through an unending tempest of toddler sleep regressions—be it the 18 month sleep regression, toddler not sleeping, or your baby not sleeping, leaving you wondering, “When does this end?”

Let me grab your hand and reassure you, this stormy phase is temporary.

With a heart full of empathy, I understand the sleepless nights, the endless soothing, and the attempts at bedtime routines that seem fruitless. Yet, with patience, consistency, and the right strategies in place, we can chart a course towards calmer waters.

Remember, you’re not alone in steering through these turbulent times of toddler sleep regression. Together, we can navigate this, finding our way to quieter, more peaceful nights.

 

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More Sleep Regression & Toddler Sleep Resources: 

• Sleep Regressions: What You Need to Know to Survive Them
• 9 Signs of a Tired Baby: Reading Baby’s Cues Sleep is Near
• Sleep Strategies for a Good Night’s Sleep & Daily Routines for Kids
• Best Hack to Get Kids to Sleep is to Change the Narrative About Nap & Bedtime
• 2 Year Old Sleep Regression or More of the 18 Month Sleep Regression?