How To Deal With Toddler Sleep Regressions

A toddler sleep regression is different from the 4 or 6-month regression. Now your sweet little one can’t be swaddled into slumber and may prefer to cruise around their crib during the wee hours of the night, meaning you’re awake too. Many parents dread their child’s bedtime during this short phase, as fussiness, fighting, and frequent waking are nearly inevitable.

Because, of course, you’d rather be sleeping and well rested for tomorrow. And you certainly want your baby to feel the same.

Here are 4 tips that will help you learn how to deal with toddler sleep regressions so you can get your child back on track at bedtime and snag the sleep the two of you so desperately want and need.

1.  Be Patient

First and foremost, be patient. It’s understandably frustrating when all the hard work you’ve put in over the past year seems to fly out the window, especially if your child has already learned how to self-settle.

It can be mind-blowingly challenging, but try to be patient. Your child’s current sleep regression will not last forever – even if it feels that way. Luckily, their sleeping habits should straighten out within a few days to 4-6 weeks, depending on the cause. It’s usually your child smashing a developmental milestone that’s to blame.

So again, have patience. Your child and your health will thank you. If you need, take 4-5 deep belly breaths to calm down your nervous system before opening their bedroom door for the fifth time. Remind yourself that this is temporary.

2.  Pinpoint The Cause

Teething, separation anxiety, changes in routine, and moving through developmental milestones can all cause your child to resist naps and bedtime.

For starters, teething can disrupt a toddler’s sleep because it’s uncomfortable when their 2-year molars come in. Separation anxiety also peaks around 18 months, so your toddler may cling to you during bedtime or cry for you to stay in their room. And it’s not uncommon for toddlers to experience some fear of the dark or “monsters” in their closet, preventing them from falling asleep when they’re supposed to.

Furthermore, many parents find that changes in their routine, like starting daycare or dropping a nap, can also negatively affect their child’s bedtime. Because these kids have to be out of bed early in the morning, they’re often way overtired by the end of the day, mainly if they don’t get a nap or quiet time. And instead of being ready for bed, their bodies become more active, making it much harder for their minds to quiet down and fall asleep.

And lastly, developmental milestones are the most common cause of these infamous sleep regressions. Your growing toddler is exploring with more independence, may be speaking more simple sentences, and wants to imitate what they see others do. This is exciting for them, and all those new experiences can make it hard for them to wind down.

3.  Continue Naps

While there are no hard and fast rules for when a child stops taking naps, 1-2 year olds still typically need 1-2 naps a day, even if they resist and refuse. Because unfortunately, an overtired toddler will have a more challenging time hitting the sack. Alternatively, an undertired child will also balk at bedtime if they napped too late in the day.

So how much sleep does your little one need? Toddlers need around 12-14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps. Try not to let them sleep after 4 PM to allow them enough time to get tired for bedtime. They should go down for their last nap around 1-2 PM.

4.  Create A Consistent Bedtime Routine

If you already had a solid system for bedtime before your toddler started their sleep regression, keep doing that. If not, it’s time to create a consistent bedtime routine.

Following the same routine, every night helps children feel safe because they know what to expect. When the body feels safe, relaxing and falling asleep is easier.

Follow these 4 steps to create a consistent bedtime routine:

• No screens 30 minutes before bed: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests shutting down electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed because toddlers tend not to wind down when watching TV. If you’re used to screens during bedtime, wean it down and use a timer to signal shut off. Then, invite your tot to help turn off the TV so they can exert some independence.
• Rough house and play: Have some fun with your toddler before bedtime, especially the rough-and-tumble kind. Children don’t necessarily need to get their energy out but get sensory input that their tiny bodies need in, which helps them regulate their emotions and behavior. For example, play a fun game of hide and seek, chase, or red light green light.
• Bath and books: After you’ve had some time to play (ideally 15-30+ minutes), give your child a calm, relaxing bath. Warm water is soothing and a great cue that it’s almost bedtime. After a tub scrub, slip them into their PJs.
• Stay calm and consistent: Now that you’ve put your child to bed, it’s time to say goodnight – and stay calm and consistent despite their shenanigans. Most experts recommend against sleep training during a sleep regression, so it’s best not to leave them to ‘cry it out’ suddenly on their own. Instead, put them back to bed when they come out. Yes, every time.

Final Thoughts

To parents who have put so much effort into getting their baby to sleep soundly, a sudden sleep regression seems like a nightmare. Fortunately, these new sleep habits last only a few days to several weeks. And while they’re cumbersome for parents, they’re developmentally normal for your child. So remember to be patient with yourself and your toddler, figure out the underlying issue and keep up with those naps and a consistent bedtime routine.

Bio: Kris McCormick is a boy mama, wife, and blogger. Since becoming a mom seven years ago, she’s been researching the best advice, resources, and baby gear from small businesses to make pregnancy and child-raising easier for all parents. You can read more about Kris here.