As your toddler reaches the 18-month milestone, you may experience a common sleep problem known as 18 Month Sleep Regression. This can be a challenging time for parents and children alike, but understanding the symptoms and causes of this regression can help you navigate this phase with greater ease.
What is 18 Month Sleep Regression
The 18 Month Sleep Regression is a temporary phase of disrupted sleep that can affect toddlers around 18 months of age. This regression is typically characterized by changes in sleep patterns, difficulty in falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and daytime sleepiness and irritability.
While the 18 Month Sleep Regression can be challenging, it is a normal and natural part of your toddler's development. Understanding the causes and potential solutions to this regression can help you support your child through this phase and help them get the healthy sleep they need.
Symptoms of 18 Month Sleep Regression
The symptoms of 18 Month Sleep Regression are almost the same as of other sleep regressions however it may vary between children. Common signs include:
- Changes in sleep pattern: Your toddler may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night.
- Difficulty in falling asleep: Your toddler may take longer to fall asleep and require more soothing than usual.
- Waking up frequently during the night: Your toddler may wake up several times during the night and require comforting to go back to sleep.
- Daytime sleepiness and irritability: Your toddler may be more tired during the day, and this can result in increased irritability and moodiness.
Common Causes of 18 Month Sleep Regression
The 18 Month Sleep Regression can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Cognitive development: At around 18 months, your child's cognitive abilities are rapidly developing, and this can lead to increased awareness and curiosity about their surroundings.
- Separation anxiety: Your toddler may experience separation anxiety and fear of being away from you during the night.
- Teething: Teething can be painful and uncomfortable, leading to disrupted sleep.
- Changes in routine: Any changes to your toddler's routine, such as a new sibling or starting daycare, can be stressful and disrupt their sleep patterns.
Effective Solutions for 18 Month Sleep Regression
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to 18 Month Sleep Regression, there are several techniques that have been effective for many parents and children:
Gradual retreat method
The gradual retreat method involves slowly reducing the amount of time you spend with your child when they wake up during the night. This can involve gradually moving further away from your child's crib or bed each night until they learn to fall asleep on their own.
Bedtime fading technique
The bedtime fading technique involves gradually pushing your child's bedtime later in small increments until they are able to fall asleep more easily. This technique can be effective for children who have trouble falling asleep at bedtime.
Overcome the 18-Month Sleep Hurdle
Equip your toddler with the comfort they need during restless nights.
Early bedtime
While it may seem counterintuitive, an early bedtime can actually help improve your child's sleep. When your child is overtired, they can become more irritable and have more difficulty falling asleep. An earlier bedtime can help ensure that your child is well-rested and less prone to sleep disruptions.
Dream feeding
Dream feeding involves feeding your child during the night while they are still asleep. This can help reduce night waking and promote more restful sleep.
Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping can be an effective solution for some families. This involves having your child sleep in the same bed as you or in a bedside crib. Co-sleeping can provide comfort and reassurance to your child, and can also make night feedings easier.
Preventing Future Sleep Regression
While it may not be possible to completely prevent future sleep regression, there are several steps you can take to promote healthy sleep habits for your child:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule with a regular bedtime, wake-up time, and nap times.
- Avoid over-stimulation before bedtime by turning off screens, dimming lights, and engaging in quiet activities.
- Encourage healthy sleep habits such as ensuring a comfortable and safe sleep environment, using a consistent bedtime routine, and teaching self-soothing techniques.
- Respond promptly and offer comfort and reassurance when your child wakes up during the night.
- Be flexible and adapt to your child's changing needs.
Summary
18 Month Sleep Regression can be a challenging time, but there are effective solutions that can help ease the transition. By establishing a consistent sleep routine, encouraging self-soothing techniques, and offering comfort and reassurance when your child wakes up during the night, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and promote restful sleep. Additionally, by taking steps to prevent future sleep regression and being flexible as your child's needs change, you can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits.
FAQs
How long does 18 Month Sleep Regression typically last?
18 Month Sleep Regression can last for several weeks to a few months, but every child is different.
Can co-sleeping be a long-term solution for 18 Month Sleep Regression?
Co-sleeping can be an effective short-term solution for 18 Month Sleep Regression, but it is important to create a safe sleep environment and transition your child to their own bed when they are ready.
When should I consult with my child's pediatrician about sleep issues?
If you have concerns about your child's sleep habits or if your child is experiencing significant sleep disruptions, it may be helpful to consult with your child's pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues and discuss strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits.
Let customers speak for us
Wir haben den Schlafsack mit und ohne Beine und jetzt zuletzt auch die Weste gekauft.
Den Schlafsack haben wir gekauft, weil unser Baby damals immer schon um fünf Uhr morgens wach wurde, und nicht mehr weiter schlafen wollte. Nachdem sie mit dem Schlafsack geschlafen hatte, hat sie bis sieben Uhr morgens geschlafen und das einmal nachts Stillen hat sie auch aufgegeben und durchgeschlafen!!!
Seit her verwenden wir die Schlafsäcke vor allem wegen des frühen Aufwachens! Wir haben Phasen wo wir ihn nicht brauchen und Phasen, wo sie wieder damit schläft!
Einfach Top diese Schlafsäcke!
Für den Sommer schön dünn vom Stoff!
Im Winter haben wir in den Babyzeiten einen Wintersack drüber gezogen!
Und jetzt schläft sie einfach mit Decke drüber.
Vielen Dank für diese tollen Produkte.
Wir nennen unseren Schlafsack Schildkröte, weil es aussieht, als hätte sie einen Krötenpanzer an.
Ausprobieren und lieben!!!
Made it possible to put the baby down in the baby nest! Before baby could just sleep on me.
We had extreme problems with our 3rd child's sleep. After 3 months, we were at our wit's end and tried just about everything. He never slept for more than 45 minutes at a time and not by himself. It improved with the weighted sleeping swaddle. Now he is 5 months old and sleeps well for several hours.
Our daughter is 17 months old and she has a regular wake-up schedule around 9 PM, 11 PM, 2 AM, 4 AM, and 5:30 AM, usually staying awake between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM.
She frequently wakes up during the night, feeling upset, tossing and turning, and wanting to breastfeed. She gets upset if she doesn't get to breastfeed and prefers to sleep on us while we have to stand up and rock her back to sleep. She usually sleeps in my bed.
Nights have been challenging, and we were getting desperate. However, last night was our first experience with the weighted sleeping bag... 😱 😱
She woke up around 12 AM for the first time, climbed on me, and quickly fell back asleep. She woke up a few times after that but managed to soothe herself back to sleep. At 5 AM, I had to stand up and rock her, but she quickly fell back asleep. At 6:10 AM, there was a joyful wake-up call from our 1.5-year-old. She slept much more soundly and peacefully, and she managed to fall back asleep on her own, which she had never done before.
We noticed a significant improvement just on the first night. In fact, I don't feel utterly exhausted this morning and don't have that pressing need to take a nap during the day, which I usually do. I'm feeling enthusiastic about the upcoming nights and hoping to get a full night's sleep without interruptions, so I can regain some normalcy in my life. I can't imagine what we would have done if we hadn't found this weighted sleeping bag.
I just want to say... thank you!! ❤
About 4 months ago, we entered a nightmare period. Our little boy, who had been sleeping through the night and was generally happy, suddenly started waking up multiple times during the night, inconsolable. Initially, we attributed it to a cold, but even after he recovered, the night disturbances continued. About 2 months later, he was diagnosed with asthma, which seemed like a valid reason for his nighttime awakenings. However, despite responding well to asthma medication and having no issues during the daytime, the nights remained a pure ordeal. He would wake up incredibly anxious and screaming, and we often found ourselves staying up for hours trying to soothe him back to sleep. We tried everything and came across something called 'Night Terrors,' which seemed to describe his symptoms perfectly – an anxious nightmare from which he couldn't wake up, likely triggered by his illness.
I am a trained occupational therapist, and I understand the importance of sensory stimuli for many individuals. So, we began researching products related to weighted blankets/bags. That's when we discovered this sleeping bag.
We received it a week ago, and now, he puts it on when he has his nighttime bottle, creating a positive association. And I must say, it's been a tremendous success. He has slept for a full 11 hours every night for the past 7 nights. Our boy is now extremely happy and well-rested, and so are his parents
Our son used to wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep, sometimes staying awake for 2-3 hours. When we read a lot about weighted pajamas, we decided to give them a try. We noticed results almost immediately. He started falling asleep faster and sleeping more peacefully. Instead of having 2-4 wakeful nights a week, it reduced to just one. Now that he has moved in with his big sister, he sleeps through the entire night, and we still use the weighted pajamas because we're afraid to try without them.
We purchased the Baby Deepsleep for our son a couple of months ago. It worked very well in terms of his daytime naps, but it was challenging to determine if it helped at night since our son continued to wake up as frequently as before. Nevertheless, it's a nice product, and I can certainly recommend it to everyone I know to give it a try
When my daughter turned 4 months old, her sleep gradually started to deteriorate. By the time she was 7-8 months old, it had become so bad that going to bed seemed pointless. She would wake up crying 1-2 times every hour throughout the night, and sometimes even more frequently during the early hours of the night. It was absolute torture.
I was aware of weighted swaddle but had hesitated due to the price. However, after trying everything else without success, it was our last option. We've used it for the past 4 nights, and the results have been remarkable. For the first 2 nights, she slept for 7-8 hours straight, and for the last 2 nights, she slept for a whopping 10 hours (!!) before waking up for a bottle. It's been incredible, and it has truly been my salvation. I should have bought it several months ago. I can't recommend a weighted bag enough!
Our girl had colic for the first 2 months, and all her sleep was on us parents... 🤯 We couldn't get her to sleep on her own under any circumstances. The first few nights with the weighted swaddle were a bit challenging as it didn't wrap as tightly as she was used to. But then, something miraculous happened! We woke up one morning and were utterly amazed because she had slept for 11 hours straight. Initially, we thought it might be a one-time occurrence, but to our delight, she has been doing the same thing every night since! 🤩 It's been a month now, and we use the weighted swaddle every time she needs to sleep, whether it's in the sling, the stroller, or the crib. We're even considering getting an extra one because we can't do without it when it's being washed. 😅🙈 The weighted swaddle has truly been invaluable to us, and we wholeheartedly recommend it!
Highly recommended if you have a child who refuses to sleep. My daughter, who was then 5 months old, simply wouldn't sleep. But once she got the weighted sleeping swaddle, she started sleeping right away. I could even stop using the stroller, and she would continue sleeping.
She went from only sleeping for 20 minutes while being held to using the weighted sleeping swaddle, and on the first day, she slept for 40 minutes in her stroller. The naps only got longer from there. Now, she's a happy and well-rested child! 🤩😍
We purchased a weighted bag for our 13-month-old daughter, who hasn't had significant sleep issues. She used to wake up 3 times at night for breastfeeding. After using the weighted bag for 14 days, we've seen a noticeable improvement. She has at least halved the number of awakenings where she needs assistance to fall back asleep 🤪.
We also immediately noticed a slower respiratory rate, with deeper breaths.
We're very pleased with the customer service and the fast delivery to Norway.
Our baby becomes noticeably calmer as soon as we put on the sleeping bag.
I was recommended one for babies aged 8 months and older, with a minimum weight of 10 kg. However, it turned out to be too big for our child, so I am selling mine to buy a smaller one.
It does No magic, but it helped my Little one to sleep deeper and is a Great help. Still our Baby wakes up several times a night but now it finds into sleep faster and easier.
Our son has been using the weighted bag with great success (!) since he was 13 months old. We regret not investing in one earlier because we've always had challenges with his sleep. When he turned 18-19 months, he had outgrown the first one, and we considered whether we should buy the next size called "Weighted Sleep Suit" I was skeptical because it leaves the feet free, and I was worried it might cause restlessness at bedtime. We called your company and received excellent and helpful guidance, which made us confident in purchasing the larger size.
Now, we've been using it for a few months, and it continues to work wonders for our son's sleep. We are still very satisfied customers! In the first few nights with the larger size, he seemed a bit more restless in his legs and feet than we were used to, so we used socks, which helped. But now, socks are no longer necessary, and he absolutely loves his suit.
It's a brilliant product that has greatly improved both our son's ability to fall asleep and his sleep quality. Even during the awakenings he used to struggle with when we first started using it around 13 months, we noticed that the suit seemed to calm him down as soon as we put him in it. He became more relaxed and settled.
I highly recommend the weighted bag or "Weighted Sleep Suit" to families with young children experiencing sleep difficulties. It's such a simple way to improve sleep! Thank you for your consistently excellent service
Milas is a sensitive baby and has always had a hard time falling asleep without being held, rocked, or close to me. It used to take between 1-2 hours to get him to sleep. He just didn't want to settle down, and his arms and legs would swing around. We couldn't believe it was true on the first night when we tried the weighted bag. His body became completely calm, and he fell asleep without any assistance within 10 minutes. It's been like that ever since. We are immensely grateful and highly recommend it to everyone. We've regained our evenings and have so much more peace. A fantastic invention!