17 Month Sleep Regression: A Guide for Parents

As your toddler approaches the 17-month mark, you may start to notice changes in their sleep patterns. This is a common occurrence known as the 17-month sleep regression. During this time, your child may become more resistant to bedtime, wake up more frequently during the night, and have difficulty falling back asleep.

While the 17-month sleep regression can be frustrating for parents, it is important to remember that it is a temporary phase. With patience and consistency, you can help your toddler get back on track with their sleep.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of the 17-month sleep regression, as well as tips for helping your child overcome it.

17 month sleep regression

Common sleep disruption in toddlers.

• Increased night wakings
• Early morning awakenings
• Refusal to go to bed
• Shorter naps
• Increased separation anxiety
• Developmental milestones
• Teething
• Illness

Temporary phase, with patience and consistency, toddlers can overcome it.

Increased night wakings

One of the most common signs of the 17-month sleep regression is increased night wakings. Your toddler may wake up several times during the night, crying or calling for you. This can be very frustrating for parents, especially if they are already sleep-deprived.

There are a few possible causes for increased night wakings during the 17-month sleep regression. One possibility is that your toddler is going through a developmental milestone, such as learning to walk or talk. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Another possibility is that your toddler is teething. The pain and discomfort of teething can make it difficult for them to sleep soundly. Additionally, your toddler may be experiencing separation anxiety, which can also lead to night wakings.

Finally, your toddler may simply be going through a phase where they are not sleeping as well as they used to. This can be due to a number of factors, such as changes in their routine or illness.

If your toddler is experiencing increased night wakings, there are a few things you can do to help them get back to sleep. First, try to identify the cause of the night wakings. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can start to address it.

Early morning awakenings

Another common sign of the 17-month sleep regression is early morning awakenings. Your toddler may wake up several hours before their usual wake time, and they may have difficulty falling back asleep.

There are a few possible causes for early morning awakenings during the 17-month sleep regression. One possibility is that your toddler is getting too much sleep during the day. If your toddler is napping for more than two hours per day, try reducing their nap time to see if that helps.

Another possibility is that your toddler is going to bed too early. Try pushing their bedtime back by 15-30 minutes to see if that makes a difference. Additionally, your toddler may be waking up early because they are hungry or thirsty. Try offering them a small snack or drink before bed to see if that helps.

Finally, your toddler may simply be going through a phase where they are not sleeping as well as they used to. This can be due to a number of factors, such as changes in their routine or illness.

If your toddler is experiencing early morning awakenings, there are a few things you can do to help them get back to sleep. First, try to identify the cause of the early awakenings. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can start to address it.

Refusal to go to bed

One of the most frustrating signs of the 17-month sleep regression is refusal to go to bed. Your toddler may suddenly start crying, screaming, or tantruming when it is time for bed. This can be very challenging for parents, especially if they are already struggling with sleep deprivation.

• Separation anxiety: Toddlers may be experiencing separation anxiety at bedtime, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may worry that they will be alone or that something bad will happen while they are sleeping.
• Fear of the dark: Toddlers may also be afraid of the dark, which can make them reluctant to go to bed. They may imagine that there are monsters or other scary things in their room.
• Overtiredness: If your toddler is overtired, they may be more likely to refuse to go to bed. When toddlers are overtired, they can become fussy, irritable, and resistant to sleep.
• Inconsistent bedtime routine: If your toddler's bedtime routine is inconsistent, they may not know what to expect at bedtime. This can make them more likely to resist going to bed.

If your toddler is refusing to go to bed, there are a few things you can do to help them. First, try to identify the cause of the refusal. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can start to address it. You may also want to try the following tips:

Shorter naps

Another common sign of the 17-month sleep regression is shorter naps. Your toddler may start taking shorter naps, or they may stop napping altogether. This can be a problem, as toddlers need naps to help them consolidate their sleep and stay well-rested.

• Developmental changes: Toddlers are going through a lot of developmental changes at this age, which can make it difficult for them to nap. They may be more interested in exploring their environment or playing with toys than sleeping.
• Increased night wakings: If your toddler is experiencing increased night wakings, they may be too tired to take a long nap during the day.
• Inconsistent nap schedule: If your toddler's nap schedule is inconsistent, they may not know when to expect to nap. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Overtiredness: If your toddler is overtired, they may be more likely to have shorter naps. When toddlers are overtired, they can become fussy, irritable, and resistant to sleep.

If your toddler is taking shorter naps, there are a few things you can do to help them get the sleep they need. First, try to identify the cause of the shorter naps. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can start to address it. You may also want to try the following tips:

Increased separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common problem during the toddler years. Toddlers may become anxious or upset when they are separated from their parents or other loved ones. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep, especially at bedtime.

There are a few possible causes of increased separation anxiety during the 17-month sleep regression. One possibility is that your toddler is going through a developmental milestone, such as learning to walk or talk. This can make them more aware of their surroundings and more sensitive to changes in their environment.

Another possibility is that your toddler is experiencing a change in their routine. For example, if they have recently started daycare or preschool, they may be feeling anxious about being away from you. Additionally, your toddler may be feeling anxious or insecure due to other factors, such as a new sibling or a change in their family situation.

Finally, your toddler may simply be going through a phase where they are more clingy and dependent on you. This is a normal part of toddler development and will usually pass with time.

If your toddler is experiencing increased separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them. First, try to identify the cause of the anxiety. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can start to address it. You may also want to try the following tips:

Developmental milestones

Toddlers are going through a lot of developmental changes at 17 months old. They are learning new skills, such as walking, talking, and using their hands. They are also becoming more aware of their surroundings and more independent. All of these changes can be exciting for toddlers, but they can also be disruptive to their sleep.

When toddlers are learning new skills, they may be more active and alert at bedtime. They may also have difficulty settling down to sleep because they are excited about all the new things they can do. Additionally, toddlers who are becoming more aware of their surroundings may be more easily distracted or frightened at bedtime.

Finally, toddlers who are becoming more independent may resist going to bed because they want to stay up and play. They may also try to get out of their beds or cribs during the night.

If your toddler is experiencing sleep problems due to developmental milestones, there are a few things you can do to help them. First, try to create a calming bedtime routine. This may include reading a book, singing a song, or taking a bath. You may also want to try using a white noise machine or blackout curtains to help your toddler sleep.

Teething

Teething is a common cause of sleep problems in toddlers. When your toddler is teething, they may experience pain, discomfort, and inflammation in their gums. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

There are a few things you can do to help your toddler cope with teething pain and sleep better. First, try giving them a cold washcloth or teething ring to chew on. The cold temperature can help to numb the pain in their gums. You may also want to try giving them a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions on the medication label carefully.

In addition, you may want to try massaging your toddler's gums. This can help to relieve pain and discomfort. You can also try using a teething gel or ointment. However, it is important to choose a product that is safe for toddlers to use.

Finally, try to be patient and understanding with your toddler during this time. Teething can be a very frustrating and painful experience for them. By providing them with comfort and support, you can help them get through this difficult time.

If your toddler's sleep problems are severe, you may want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other ways to help your toddler cope with teething pain and sleep better.

Illness

If your toddler is sick, they may have difficulty sleeping. This is because illness can cause a number of symptoms that can interfere with sleep, such as fever, cough, congestion, and diarrhea. Additionally, illness can make toddlers feel uncomfortable and irritable, which can also make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

There are a few things you can do to help your toddler sleep better when they are sick. First, try to keep their bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. You may also want to use a humidifier to help relieve congestion. Additionally, you may want to give your toddler a warm bath before bed to help them relax.

If your toddler has a fever, you may want to give them a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions on the medication label carefully. You should also avoid giving your toddler aspirin, as this can cause serious side effects.

Finally, be patient and understanding with your toddler during this time. Illness can be a very frustrating and uncomfortable experience for them. By providing them with comfort and support, you can help them get through this difficult time.

If your toddler's sleep problems are severe, you may want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other ways to help your toddler sleep better while they are sick.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 17-month sleep regression:

If you have any other questions about the 17-month sleep regression, please talk to your doctor.

In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for dealing with the 17-month sleep regression:

Tips

Here are some practical tips for dealing with the 17-month sleep regression:

Tip 1: Create a consistent bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine can help your toddler wind down and prepare for sleep. This routine could include activities such as taking a bath, reading a book, or singing a song. Try to start the bedtime routine at the same time each night and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.

Tip 2: Avoid overtiredness. Overtiredness can make it difficult for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to put your toddler to bed before they become overtired. You can also try to avoid activities that are too stimulating in the hour or two before bedtime.

Tip 3: Create a calming bedtime environment. A calming bedtime environment can help your toddler relax and fall asleep. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You may also want to use a white noise machine or blackout curtains to help block out light and noise.

Tip 4: Address any underlying causes of sleep problems. If your toddler is having sleep problems, it is important to address any underlying causes. This could include things like teething, illness, or changes in routine. Once you have addressed the underlying cause, your toddler's sleep should improve.

Remember, the 17-month sleep regression is a temporary phase. With patience and consistency, you can help your toddler get back to sleeping soundly.

If you have tried the tips above and your toddler is still having sleep problems, you may want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other ways to help your toddler sleep better.

Conclusion

The 17-month sleep regression is a common sleep disruption that can be frustrating for parents and toddlers alike. However, it is important to remember that this is a temporary phase. With patience and consistency, you can help your toddler get back to sleeping soundly.

There are a number of things you can do to help your toddler cope with the 17-month sleep regression, such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding overtiredness, creating a calming bedtime environment, and addressing any underlying causes of sleep problems.

If you have tried these tips and your toddler is still having sleep problems, you may want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other ways to help your toddler sleep better.

Remember, the 17-month sleep regression is just a phase. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your toddler get through it and back to sleeping soundly.