18 Month Sleep Regression

Sleep regressions happen when the baby is going through a major developmental milestone. When they begin to roll, walk, climb, or talk, expect a bit of sleep regression. Some regressions are more difficult than others, and some babies don’t sleep regress at all.

For sleep deprived parents (like myself) just knowing a regression is coming can be enormously helpful. Knowing what a specific regression might look like and how to help the baby get more sleep is paramount.

I’ve done a lot of research on the topic this week. Our daughter has had serious problems with sleep regression in the past, and being the unprepared-fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants person that I am, I did not know this regression was coming. Hopefully, this post will help you not be in the same position.

What does 18 month sleep regression look like?

All sleep regressions can include suddenly having trouble falling or staying asleep, wanting night feedings that have long been dropped, and having trouble at nap time. But 18 month sleep regression is unique in that it also includes the baby staying up for hours in the middle of the night talking to themselves.

The first time it happened, the baby woke at midnight and talked to herself until almost 4. She refused to be put back down, wanted to be rocked, and was clearly tired but could not sleep. Over the course of those 4 hours, We changed her diaper 3 times, checked for gas, fed her twice, and spent 2 hours rocking. It was horrible.

The second night, we noticed she wasn’t crying, she was talking. Loudly. (Mostly) in her sleep. So we just left her to talk. Eventually, she went back to sleep.

What causes sleep regression?

Sleep regressions typically happen around major milestones like rolling over, walking, and learning to talk. The brain is trying to process this new ability and can wake the baby up while doing so.

Sleep regressions can also happen in times of major change. When they start day care and moves or changes in everyday routines can cause all kinds of small regressions as the baby tries to adjust– including sleep regressions.

Regardless of why the sleep regression starts, the remedy is often the same.

How long does 18 month sleep regression last?

Sleep regression episodes can last as long as 6 weeks. If the sleep regression is not addressed, new habits can form that may hinder good sleep for much longer than 6 weeks.

What can I do to help everyone get more sleep?

First, observe the baby and see if they are actually awake. They could be in a light doze, not really awake. Be sure to keep an eye (and an ear) out for distress. Is the baby just babbling? Are they calling for you? Are they actually crying like they need something? Once you know that, you can begin to act accordingly.

Obviously, if the baby actually needs something, take care of it. Change the diaper, give them a night feed, rock them out. Do whatever you would usually do in the middle of the night to take care of them.

But if they are just babbling? If they aren’t actually indicating they need something, then leave them alone. Let them self-soothe back to sleep.

It is also important to become rigid in your nighttime routine. Change can make small children feel insecure. No matter what change is happening, a solid routine will help the baby settle down and go to sleep.

If the sleep disruption becomes very bad, consider sleep training again. Use the same methods for sleep training used previously. If sleep training is new to you, there are a number of methods that are gentle and do not involve much crying.

If other siblings are having a hard time sleeping through the noise of a sleep regression, consider implementing some white noise to drown it out.

Finally, be sure to prioritize your own sleep. The baby will be okay. Take shifts with your significant other if necessary. But you will not be able to properly care for everyone if you are too tired. Get some sleep, and take naps where possible.

If you are going through a sleep regression rough patch, I wish you all the luck in the universe. What are your sleep regression stories? How did you survive? Let me know in the comments below.

Related Posts