The 18 Month Sleep Regression - What to Do When it Strikes

A lot is happening within your toddler's body and mind at this age. They are going through a big development stage, so any and all of these changes can contribute to sleep issues.

• Your Toddler Is More Active
  Your child is becoming more active mentally and physically as they learn to walk and talk. All this extra stimulation can make it hard for them to transition from “busy time” to sleep time especially if they've learnt a new physical skill like running or climbing.
• Separation Anxiety May Peak
  Being worried about being away from mum or dad often starts much earlier. But, it does tend to peak around 18 months.
• Your Child Is Becoming Independent
  Your little one is learning new skills all the time. Most we are proud of, but some are not so great! As they become more able to communicate and do a few things for themselves, they realise they can say no! This is where you will see them trying to exert control, resulting in the infamous bedtime battles. An example of that is the Cause & Effect scenario where your child realises they can make things happen by exhibiting certain behaviours.
• Under Or Overtiredness
  Too much sleep during the day can interfere with bedtime. So, it may be time to transition your toddler to one nap. Conversely, not enough sleep causes extra crankiness and sleep refusal, creating a vicious circle of an overtired, cranky toddler!
  
  

Many parents find this sleep regression the hardest to handle as it can require a more measured approach that the preceding phases did not. How you deal with this phase is important. You need to make a plan that works for your family and aligns with your parenting styles. Keep in mind that it does set boundaries for future behaviour for your increasingly independent toddler! With that in mind, try to...

Be Consistent

As much as possible, try to stick to the normal bedtime routines that have worked before. As tempting as it is, try not to enter into negotiations or stray away from the routine you have set. If your little one realises they can negotiate with you, they might just keep on doing so! Set reasonable boundaries and keep your pre-sleep routines simple, relaxing and familiar.

Offer Choices

To accommodate your child’s increasing independence, try giving them a sense of control over some aspects of their bedtime routine. You can let them be in control of some big decisions! For example, they can choose which PJs they sleep in and which books you should read.

Give Reassurance

If you suspect separation anxiety is part of the issue, spend extra time snuggling and playing calmly with your child leading up to bedtime. Reassure them that you will be there when they wake up in the morning.

Promote Sleepiness

• Leading up to bed or nap time, make sure you encourage quiet play and reduce the time spent in front of a screen.
• Make sure your toddler has had enough awake time prior to a nap or bedtime to ensure they have enough sleep pressure to fall asleep quickly.  
• Make sure their room is dark enough, play white noise and keep sleep rituals clear and consistent.

It is believed that physical activity taken 3 hours before bedtime can help promote deeper more restorative sleep over night. Try getting your toddler out to the park or beach for a run around in the fresh air, it really does work wonders.