As your toddler approaches the 21-month mark, you may be dreading the dreaded sleep regression. This common sleep disturbance can wreak havoc on your little one's sleep and your own. But fear not, parents! This article will provide you with the tips and tricks you need to survive the 21-month sleep regression and get your toddler back on track to a peaceful night's sleep.
The 21-month sleep regression is a temporary sleep disturbance that typically occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. During this time, your toddler may start waking up frequently at night, crying, and refusing to go back to sleep. They may also become more resistant to naps during the day.
Now that you know what to expect during the 21-month sleep regression, let's talk about how to cope. The following tips can help you survive this challenging time and get your toddler back to sleeping peacefully.
21 month sleep regression
Temporary sleep disturbance, typically 18-24 months.
- Frequent night wakings
- Crying and refusing to sleep
- Resistance to naps
- Early morning wakings
- Increased night feeds
- Separation anxiety
- Teething pain
- Developmental changes
Can last 2-6 weeks, but varies.
Frequent night wakings
One of the most common symptoms of the 21-month sleep regression is frequent night wakings. Your toddler may wake up several times a night, crying and refusing to go back to sleep. This can be very frustrating for both you and your child.
- Teething pain: Teething can cause pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult for your toddler to sleep. You can try giving your toddler a teething ring or pain reliever to help soothe the pain.
- Separation anxiety: Toddlers often experience separation anxiety around this age, which can make them wake up at night feeling scared or anxious. You can try to ease your toddler's separation anxiety by spending time with them during the day, reading them stories, and creating a calming bedtime routine.
- Nightmares and night terrors: Toddlers may also start having nightmares and night terrors around this age. Nightmares are vivid, scary dreams that can cause your toddler to wake up crying and upset. Night terrors are more intense than nightmares and can cause your toddler to scream, sweat, and thrash around in their bed. If your toddler is having nightmares or night terrors, you can try to comfort them by staying with them until they calm down.
- Developmental changes: Your toddler is going through a lot of developmental changes at this age, which can also contribute to night wakings. They may be learning new skills, such as walking or talking, which can make it harder for them to settle down at night.
If your toddler is experiencing frequent night wakings, there are a few things you can do to help them get back to sleep. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a calming sleep environment, and avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed. You may also want to try sleep training your toddler. There are many different sleep training methods available, so you can choose one that works best for you and your family.
Crying and refusing to sleep
Another common symptom of the 21-month sleep regression is crying and refusing to sleep. Your toddler may cry when you put them down for bed, or they may wake up in the middle of the night and refuse to go back to sleep. This can be very challenging for parents, who may not know what to do to help their child.
- Overtiredness: Toddlers who are overtired may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Try to put your toddler to bed before they become overtired. You can also try to create a calming bedtime routine to help your toddler relax before bed.
- Separation anxiety: As mentioned above, toddlers often experience separation anxiety around this age, which can make them cry and refuse to sleep when they are away from their parents. You can try to ease your toddler's separation anxiety by spending time with them during the day, reading them stories, and creating a calming bedtime routine.
- Teething pain: Teething pain can also cause crying and fussiness, which can make it difficult for your toddler to sleep. You can try giving your toddler a teething ring or pain reliever to help soothe the pain.
- Environmental factors: Sometimes, crying and refusing to sleep can be caused by environmental factors, such as a noisy room, a too-warm or too-cold room, or an uncomfortable bed. Make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and that their bed is comfortable.
If your toddler is crying and refusing to sleep, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to identify the cause of the crying and address it. You can also try to create a calming bedtime routine and make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. If your toddler is still having difficulty sleeping, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Resistance to naps
Many toddlers start to resist naps around the age of 21 months. This can be frustrating for parents, who may rely on naps to give them a break during the day. However, it is important to remember that nap resistance is a normal part of toddler development. Toddlers are becoming more independent and active at this age, and they may not want to miss out on any of the fun by taking a nap.
- Developmental changes: As mentioned above, toddlers are going through a lot of developmental changes at this age, which can make them less likely to want to take naps. They may be more interested in exploring their surroundings and learning new things.
- Overtiredness: Toddlers who are overtired may also be more resistant to naps. Try to put your toddler down for a nap before they become overtired. You can also try to create a calming naptime routine to help your toddler relax before their nap.
- Environmental factors: Sometimes, nap resistance can be caused by environmental factors, such as a noisy room, a too-warm or too-cold room, or an uncomfortable bed. Make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and that their bed is comfortable.
- Power struggles: Sometimes, toddlers resist naps simply because they want to assert their independence. They may enjoy the feeling of being in control and making their own decisions. If your toddler is resisting naps due to a power struggle, try to avoid getting into a battle with them. Instead, try to be patient and understanding, and try to find ways to make naptime more enjoyable for your toddler.
If your toddler is resisting naps, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to identify the cause of the resistance and address it. You can also try to create a calming naptime routine and make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. If your toddler is still having difficulty napping, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Early morning wakings
Early morning wakings are another common symptom of the 21-month sleep regression. Your toddler may wake up several hours before their usual wake time and refuse to go back to sleep. This can be very frustrating for parents, who may be exhausted from dealing with frequent night wakings.
There are a few possible causes of early morning wakings in toddlers. One possibility is that your toddler is simply not getting enough sleep at night. Try to put your toddler to bed earlier in the evening and make sure that they are getting at least 11-12 hours of sleep per night.
Another possibility is that your toddler is waking up early because they are hungry or thirsty. Try to offer your toddler a small snack or drink before bed to help them feel full and satisfied. You can also try to avoid giving your toddler sugary foods and drinks in the evening, as these can interfere with sleep.
Finally, early morning wakings can also be caused by environmental factors, such as a noisy room, a too-warm or too-cold room, or an uncomfortable bed. Make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and that their bed is comfortable.
If your toddler is experiencing early morning wakings, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to identify the cause of the wakings and address it. You can also try to create a calming bedtime routine and make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. If your toddler is still having difficulty waking up early, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Increased night feeds
Some toddlers who are experiencing the 21-month sleep regression may start waking up at night to feed more frequently. This can be frustrating for parents, who may be hoping to get a full night's sleep. However, it is important to remember that increased night feeds are a normal part of toddler development. Toddlers are going through a lot of changes at this age, and they may need more food to fuel their growth and development.
There are a few possible reasons why your toddler may be waking up to feed more frequently at night. One possibility is that they are simply hungry. Toddlers may need to eat more frequently at night if they are not getting enough to eat during the day. Try to offer your toddler a nutritious dinner and snacks throughout the day to help them feel full and satisfied.
Another possibility is that your toddler is waking up to feed because they are thirsty. Try to offer your toddler a drink of water before bed to help them stay hydrated. You can also try to avoid giving your toddler sugary drinks in the evening, as these can interfere with sleep.
Finally, increased night feeds can also be caused by teething pain. Teething can cause pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult for your toddler to sleep. You can try giving your toddler a teething ring or pain reliever to help soothe the pain.
If your toddler is experiencing increased night feeds, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to identify the cause of the night feeds and address it. You can also try to create a calming bedtime routine and make sure that your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. If your toddler is still having difficulty waking up to feed at night, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common problem in toddlers, and it can often lead to sleep problems. Toddlers who are experiencing separation anxiety may be afraid to sleep alone or they may wake up frequently at night feeling scared or anxious. This can make it difficult for both toddlers and their parents to get a good night's sleep.
- Normal developmental stage: Separation anxiety is a normal part of toddler development. Toddlers are starting to realize that they are separate individuals from their parents, and this can make them feel anxious when they are away from them.
- Changes in routine: Toddlers may also experience separation anxiety when there are changes in their routine, such as starting daycare or preschool, or when a parent goes back to work.
- Stressful events: Toddlers may also experience separation anxiety after a stressful event, such as a move or the death of a loved one.
- Inconsistent parenting: Toddlers who have inconsistent parenting may also be more likely to experience separation anxiety. For example, if a parent sometimes allows their toddler to sleep in their bed and other times makes them sleep in their own bed, this can make the toddler feel insecure and anxious.
If your toddler is experiencing separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to be patient and understanding, and avoid getting angry or frustrated with your toddler. You can also try to create a secure and loving environment for your toddler, and to establish a consistent bedtime routine. If your toddler is still having difficulty with separation anxiety, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Teething pain
Teething pain is a common problem in toddlers, and it can often lead to sleep problems. When a toddler is teething, they may have pain, swelling, and discomfort in their gums. This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Symptoms of teething pain: Some common symptoms of teething pain include drooling, irritability, chewing on objects, and difficulty sleeping.
- Teething timeline: Most toddlers start teething between 6 and 12 months of age. However, some toddlers may start teething earlier or later than this. The teething process can last for several months, and it can be very uncomfortable for toddlers.
- Relieving teething pain: There are a few things you can do to help relieve your toddler's teething pain. You can try giving them a teething ring to chew on, or you can rub their gums with a clean finger. You can also try giving them a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions on the pain reliever label carefully.
- Teething and sleep: Teething pain can make it difficult for toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your toddler is having trouble sleeping due to teething pain, you can try to create a calming bedtime routine and make sure that their bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You can also try to give them a warm bath before bed to help them relax.
If your toddler is experiencing teething pain, it is important to be patient and understanding. Teething is a normal part of toddler development, and it will eventually pass. However, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your toddler's pain and make it easier for them to sleep.
Developmental changes
Toddlers are going through a lot of developmental changes between the ages of 18 and 24 months. These changes can affect their sleep in a number of ways.
One major developmental change that can lead to sleep problems is the toddler's growing independence. Toddlers are starting to realize that they are separate individuals from their parents, and they may want to assert their independence by refusing to go to sleep or by waking up frequently at night.
Another developmental change that can affect sleep is the toddler's increasing awareness of their surroundings. Toddlers are starting to learn about the world around them, and they may be excited or anxious about all of the new things they are seeing and hearing. This can make it difficult for them to settle down and fall asleep.
Finally, toddlers are also going through a lot of physical changes at this age. They are growing rapidly, and they may be experiencing pain or discomfort from teething or other medical problems. These physical changes can also make it difficult for toddlers to sleep.
If your toddler is experiencing sleep problems due to developmental changes, there are a few things you can do to help them. Try to be patient and understanding, and avoid getting angry or frustrated with your toddler. You can also try to create a secure and loving environment for your toddler, and to establish a consistent bedtime routine. If your toddler is still having difficulty sleeping, you may want to talk to your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 21-month sleep regression:
Question 1: What is the 21-month sleep regression?
Answer: The 21-month sleep regression is a temporary sleep disturbance that typically occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. During this time, toddlers may start waking up frequently at night, crying, and refusing to go back to sleep. They may also become more resistant to naps during the day.
Question 2: Why does the 21-month sleep regression happen?
Answer: The 21-month sleep regression is caused by a combination of factors, including developmental changes, teething pain, separation anxiety, and changes in routine. Toddlers are going through a lot of changes at this age, and these changes can make it difficult for them to sleep.
Question 3: How long does the 21-month sleep regression last?
Answer: The 21-month sleep regression typically lasts for 2-6 weeks, but it can vary from child to child. Some toddlers may experience a shorter or longer regression, and some may not experience a regression at all.
Question 4: What are the symptoms of the 21-month sleep regression?
Answer: Some common symptoms of the 21-month sleep regression include frequent night wakings, crying and refusing to sleep, resistance to naps, early morning wakings, increased night feeds, separation anxiety, and teething pain.
Question 5: How can I help my toddler through the 21-month sleep regression?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to help your toddler through the 21-month sleep regression. Try to be patient and understanding, and avoid getting angry or frustrated with your toddler. You can also try to create a secure and loving environment for your toddler, and to establish a consistent bedtime routine. If your toddler is still having difficulty sleeping, you may want to talk to your doctor.
Question 6: When should I be concerned about my toddler's sleep?
Answer: If your toddler is experiencing severe sleep problems, such as refusing to sleep for more than a few hours at a time or waking up multiple times per night, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your toddler's sleep problems.
Question 7: Are there any tips to help my toddler sleep better during the 21-month sleep regression?
Answer: Yes, there are a few things you can do to help your toddler sleep better during the 21-month sleep regression. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a calming bedtime environment, avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed, and make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
The 21-month sleep regression is a challenging time for both toddlers and parents. However, by understanding the causes of the sleep regression and by using some helpful strategies, you can help your toddler get through this difficult time and back to sleeping soundly.
In addition to the tips provided in the FAQ section, here are a few more tips that may help your toddler sleep better during the 21-month sleep regression:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips that may help your toddler sleep better during the 21-month sleep regression:
Tip 1: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Toddlers thrive on routine, and a consistent bedtime routine can help them to wind down and prepare for sleep. Start your bedtime routine about 30 minutes before you want your toddler to be asleep. Give your toddler a warm bath, read them a story, and sing them a lullaby. Avoid roughhousing or playing exciting games before bed.
Tip 2: Create a calming bedtime environment. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. You may want to use blackout curtains to block out light and a white noise machine to help drown out noise. Avoid using electronic devices in your toddler's bedroom, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
Tip 3: Avoid giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed. Caffeine and sugar can both interfere with sleep. Avoid giving your toddler sugary drinks or snacks in the hours leading up to bedtime. You should also avoid giving your toddler caffeine-containing foods or drinks, such as chocolate or soda.
Tip 4: Make sure your toddler's bedroom is safe. Toddlers are curious and active, and they may try to climb out of their cribs or beds. Make sure your toddler's bedroom is safe by removing any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or loose cords. You may also want to use a bed rail to prevent your toddler from falling out of bed.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help your toddler create healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.
The 21-month sleep regression is a challenging time for both toddlers and parents. However, by understanding the causes of the sleep regression and by using some helpful strategies, you can help your toddler get through this difficult time and back to sleeping peacefully.
Conclusion
The 21-month sleep regression is a temporary sleep disturbance that can be challenging for both toddlers and parents. However, by understanding the causes of the sleep regression and by using some helpful strategies, you can help your toddler get through this difficult time and back to sleeping peacefully.
Some of the main points to remember about the 21-month sleep regression include:
- The 21-month sleep regression is a normal part of toddler development.
- The sleep regression is caused by a combination of factors, including developmental changes, teething pain, separation anxiety, and changes in routine.
- The sleep regression typically lasts for 2-6 weeks, but it can vary from child to child.
- Some common symptoms of the sleep regression include frequent night wakings, crying and refusing to sleep, resistance to naps, early morning wakings, increased night feeds, separation anxiety, and teething pain.
- There are a number of things you can do to help your toddler through the sleep regression, such as establishing a consistent routine, creating a calming sleep environment, avoiding giving your toddler caffeine or sugar before bed, and making sure your toddler's bedroom is safe.
If you are concerned about your toddler's sleep, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your toddler's sleep problems.
Closing Message:
The 21-month sleep regression is a challenging time, but it will eventually end. By being patient, understanding, and supportive, you can help your toddler through this difficult time and back to sleeping peacefully.