I love the toddler years. Yes, toddlers are messy and demanding and so stinkin’ rigid about everything. But they bounce when they walk. They are fascinated by the most ordinary things. They love you even when you suck. And their rigidity has actually helped you settle into a comfortable stride over the past few months!
So why has your tiny, change-averse tyrant suddenly decreed that the existing bedtime routines, which have served you both so well, no longer suffice?
The not-so-great news: If your little one is around 18-24 months, it’s likely that he’s experiencing a sleep regression. So, what is sleep regression? By definition, it’s is a period of time when a baby or toddler experiences a shift in their sleeping pattern. It usually begins with the infamous 4 month sleep regression and occurs every three to four months after that.
The good news: This will pass! Toddler sleep regressions normally last one to three weeks, and the two year one is typically the last one. With some consistent approaches and lots of patience and grace, you’ll all be slumbering till dawn in no time.
Sleep regression ages, signs, and causes
When it's time to call your child's pediatrician
If sleeping issues continue for a month or more, it might be time to talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Sleepfoundation.org also recommends looking out for the following signs, which could signal more serious problems:
- Significant snoring or abnormal breathing during sleep
- Limited weight gain
- Reduced energy or other daytime impairment
- Longer naps during the day
- Significant changes to appetite, bowel habits, or urination
Don’t give up, Mama. Resist the urge to focus all your energy and time on your child’s sleep patterns (or lack thereof), and remember to care for yourself, too!
