Just like the four month and eight month sleep regression, the 18 month sleep regression can spring up out of nowhere – wreaking havoc on your once-perfected sleep routine. Suddenly, your little one is waking up every hour, or refusing to nap.

You’re certainly not alone – as children begin to grow and develop from babies into toddlers, there can be a rough patch in sleeping around the 18 month mark. The good news is, it’s completely normal, and there’s plenty you can do to navigate this new phase.

What Causes 18-Month Sleep Regression?

Not all toddlers will experience a shift in their sleeping habits at 18 months, but when it happens, it means that your little one, who used to sleep well, is now fussy before naps or waking up at night. Sleep regression can look different for every child, but common signs include disrupted sleep patterns or bedtime resistance.

So, what causes the 18 month sleep regression? As your toddler develops mentally and physically, they begin to experience unfamiliar sensations, urges, and curiosities that can ultimately disrupt sleep. Sleep regression can be caused by:

• Teething issues – A toddler’s first molars usually start coming in around 18 months. This can be very uncomfortable, making it harder to fall asleep and causing general restlessness.
• Separation anxiety – Around this age, toddlers become more aware of their parents’ presence and absence. It’s common (at any stage, really) for a child who was previously comfortable falling asleep on their own to suddenly call out for you during the night.
• Changing sleep needs – Your toddler will need fewer hours of sleep as they get older. If your little one finds it difficult to settle before bedtime, it could be that they’ve had too much sleep during the day. 
• Overstimulation – Active play right before bedtime can be stimulating for toddlers, making it harder for them to wind down and fall asleep.
• Increased independence – As your toddler grows, so does their interest in exploring and acting independently. Your toddler might simply be too curious about exploring their environment to fall asleep. 

How Much Sleep Do Toddlers Need At 18 Months?

Most toddlers need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, but every child is different. If you can pick up on your toddler’s tired signs, simply adjust nap or bedtime as needed.

Managing The 18-Month Sleep Regression

It often takes time for sleep patterns to settle again; it’s normal for this phase to last several days or weeks. If you’re looking for ways to have calmer and easier bedtimes with your little one, here are some practical tips you can try:

Set Bedtime Based on Your Toddler’s Day

There’s no single ‘right’ bedtime at this age. It can help to adjust bedtime based on your toddler’s naps and activity during the day. Rather than sticking to rigid timelines, be aware of your child’s natural tired signs, which may be rubbing eyes, becoming quiet, or getting fussy. These cues will give you the best indication of when your toddler is ready to start settling into bedtime.

Create A Sleep-Time Routine

While you can be flexible on your sleeping schedule, it is still important to set the scene when it is time to go to sleep. At 18 months, your toddler may be walking, climbing, or running around during the day – whether at home or in day care – this level of activity can make it difficult to calm down when it’s time for bed. 

Create a comfortable and predictable bedtime routine for your toddler through simple steps like changing into PJs, brushing teeth, reading a story, and cuddling. Over time, this routine will build predictability and confidence in the next step – settling to sleep.

Check in For Support

Sometimes, your toddler just needs you to be close by to feel safe. Checking in to offer comfort can help ease anxiety or soothe discomfort, enough to help them drift off back to sleep. It’s not something to create a habit out of, but it’s also not the end of the world if they are seeking comfort and you’re able to offer enough to help get back to sleep.

Work With a Sleep Consultant

If you’ve tried different strategies and sleep is still feeling challenging, reaching out for extra support can make a real difference. As a mum of two and an experienced sleep consultant based in Sydney, I understand how tough these phases can be for families. 

I can help you to build the confidence to navigate the 18 month sleep regression with ease. By tailoring my strategies to meet the demands of your family,  we’ll work together to create gentle routines and practical solutions that support your toddler’s sleep – now and as they grow.