18 MONTH AND 2 YEAR SLEEP REGRESSIONS

Is your child who had been a great sleeper now all of a sudden protesting at bedtime, waking in the middle of the night, rising early and/or protesting naps? If so, keep reading!

The moment I heard my youngest daughter, Collins, speak a full sentence I was filled with so much excitement! The thought of her being able to tell me exactly what she wanted when she wanted made me soooo proud of her! She began to tell me stories (that only made half sense - ha!) , and tell me when she needed water. It was amazing. As I processed the new cognitive development with a huge smile on my face, my body started to tingle as I realized .... Here. Comes. The. Sleep. Regression.

Collins is my youngest of three and has been sleeping through the night since she was 8 weeks old. A true pandemic baby, we nailed a sleep foundation and sleep routine from the beginning. Her solid foundation is what helped her to get through the 18 month and 2 year sleep regression. Babies and toddlers thrive off routine. The more you stay on track with prioritizing sleep and having a solid routine, the more a child can handle disruptions in sleep, such as sleep regressions.

Think of regressions more like progressions! Even though sleep regressions can be tough on parents, it's a sign that your baby is developing right where they should be!

Signs of the regression:

  • Separation anxiety

  • Tantrums (they are on the verge of being able to communicate better!)

  • All of a sudden protesting bedtime or naps, longer night wakings, and/or early rising

  • Cranky due to less sleep

Here are some facts:

  • 18 month regression: Typically happens between 17 & 19 months

  • 2 year regression: Typically happens between 23 & 25 months

  • Both regressions can last 2-6 weeks

  • Both regressions are tied to language bursts and cognitive developments. In some cases, the regression could happen prior to you actually noticing a new development. Although, before you know it, within a few weeks you will see big language bursts!

Tips:

  • Over communicate! Have a happy and upbeat tone around sleep.

  • Have a solid wind-down routine leading up to naps and bedtime and prepare them for it so they feel more in control.

  • Have a plan to tackle the protests and night wakings.

Many sleep issues start to become more behavioral as a toddler gets older. It’s super important that you have a plan and stick to it so that this remains a regression and a phase! It is very important to not fall into bad habits at this age because that will only prolong the regression and create new expectations. Giving your toddler the time and space they need to fall asleep on their own is vital! If your little one is lacking sleep, prioritizing an earlier bedtime will only help in your endeavor of solid sleep once again. When they fall back into their restorative nights once again, praise the heck out of them! Give them lots of kisses and hugs all around! Y'all made it through!!


Written by: Megan Duffy

Alexandra Coffman