Toddler Sleep Regression

As you may know, babies don’t sleet through the night (for good reason); however you may not know, especially as a new parent, that your child may go through sleep regression during several stages in their life. One of the stages being the toddler sleep regression; you know, just when you thought you could finally sleep through the night. Well, here’s your wake-up call. Because your little one is learning so much so fast their brain sometimes has a hard time shutting down (along with some potentially other reasons) which makes it difficult for them to get to and stay asleep. So, let’s go through the why and what you can do to catch some Z’s your self during this tying time.

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What Does Sleep Regression Look Like? 

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It’s when a toddler suddenly has trouble with sleep—like fighting bedtime, waking up at night, or skipping naps—even if they were sleeping well before.

But technically it’s not really a “regression”, some may call it “Progress“, because that means your child is developing like a typical toddler

Toddler sleep struggles are usually be caused by things like growth, separation anxiety, stress, or changes in routine. Toddlers are also learning independence, and bedtime is one way they might try to assert their own independence (and stubbornness).

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The Million Dollar Question: How Long Does it Last?

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Unfortunately, there’s not easy answer. A toddler can experience sleep regression at any time; some children have multiple bouts of sleep regression while others don’t have any at all (and we’re all jealous). However, typically a toddler will experience sleep regression for a few weeks before they get back into their routine and start sleeping through the night again.

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Ways Sleep Regression Shows Up

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Stalling

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Toddlers learn pretty quickly that they don’t have to do everything you say-this includes going to bed. Toddlers are designed to learn and test boundaries; this is why they look at you right after they do something naughty, like knock their juice to the floor or hit their sibling. So, when your toddler decides that they need to go potty, are hungry and/or thirsty, need to play with their toys, or what ever else they have decided is SUPER important that they have to do it right now; they have learned that they can control when they go to bed.

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Solution: Stick to your routine, but make some adjustments that allow your toddler some independence. Let your toddler choose what to do first: bath, or brush teeth; you can also let them choose what to wear to bed and which of their favorite stuffed animals to sleep with.

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The Great Escape

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If your toddler has graduated to their big kid bed (or maybe they haven’t and they’re little Houdini’s) and have taken it upon themselves to do some night time exploring or go to your room and stare at you until you wake up.

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Solution: When you find your little one out of their room gently walk them back to their bed each time. It may be more appealing and less of a hassle just to let let them sleep with you, this can turn into a habit that can be tough to break.

To try and stay ahead of those surprise visits, you could hang a small bell on your bedroom door—it gives you a heads-up so you can guide them back before they get too cozy. It can also act as a deterrent. Or better yet, you can put it on their door so when they open it, it’ll jingle and alert you to their break out attempt.

Another option, which may be the best option: use a baby gate at their bedroom door. You can explain it’s there to help keep them safe at night—since walking around in the dark can be risky and lead to them getting hurt. If you chose this option, leave their door open so they still feel connected and not shut away.

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Monsters Under The Bed

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Your toddler has a great imagination, but that imagination can also lead to them imagining things that go bump in the night. Even if they haven’t been afraid before, they may all of a sudden for seemingly no reason.

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Solution: It’s normal for toddlers to feel scared sometimes. Let them know you understand and that it’s okay to feel afraid. Remind them that you’re close by and that their room is a safe place and that monsters aren’t real.

You can also help your child feel more comfortable by making their room a fun and familiar space. Spend time playing there during the day, or even have a “camp-out” night together. Try giving their favorite stuffed animal the job of “nighttime guard” who’s job it is to watch over them.

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Nap Time “Schmapt Time”

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Your toddler may try to explore the boundaries of their new found independence by refusing to take naps during the day. Even if you’re able to get them into their bed they may stay awake just because they can. Which can ultimately lead to them being overtired and fussy at bedtime.

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Solution: Watch for signs your toddler is getting ready to take a nap. When your little one starts getting clingy, zoned out, hyper, or rubbing their eyes, it’s probably time for a nap. Make naptime feel cozy and familiar—just like bedtime. Dim the lights, read a short story, or sing a lullaby to help them wind down. If they’re not falling asleep, that’s okay! Try calling it “rest time” instead. Encourage quiet play or looking at books in their room—sometimes just a little downtime does the trick for both them and you.