a 15-month-old toddler may start exhibiting disrupted sleep patterns, such as resistance to falling asleep at bedtime or frequent night-wakings, which may be signs of a sleep regression. this is a period when a baby's brain and body are rapidly developing and changing, making it normal for them to experience brief disrupted sleep.
What is sleep Regression?
Sleep regression is a term used to describe a normal developmental phase that occurs in some children around the age of 15 months. it is marked by a return to earlier sleep routines and bedtime struggles. although each child is different, most babies and toddlers experience a sleep regression around this age as their brains and bodies continue to grow and change. this phase typically lasts for a short period, typically 2-6 weeks.
What causes sleep Regression in 15 month old toddlers?
Sleep regression can be caused by several factors, including:
- Physical development: At 15 months of age, a baby may be rapidly developing new physical skills, such as walking, which can lead to a temporary return to earlier sleep routines.
- Emotional milestones: As a child gains independence and learns to test boundaries, they may exhibit behavior that leads to sleep disturbances.
- Teething: The emergence of teeth during the teething process can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
- Growth phases: Sleep regression may occur in correlation to growth phases such as crawling or walking, which can be distracting to a sleeping baby.
How can parents help their 15 month old through sleep regression?
parents can adopt several strategies to help their 15-month-old through sleep regression:
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment to create predictability and security for the baby.
- Comfort: Offer comfort and reassurance to the baby during night wakings without picking them up, and be patient and responsive to their needs.
- Nap adjustments: If the nap is necessary, gradually increase the length of naps as the child adapts to the changes and adjust bedtime accordingly.
- Ease separation anxiety: Practice short periods of intentional separation during the day and provide toys and playtime to help ease separation at night.
- Pain management: Address teething pain with appropriate pain relief, such as teething gels or warm foods and drinks.
What is the ideal sleep schedule for a 15-month-old?
The ideal sleep schedule for a 15-month-old typically includes 11-12 hours of sleep at night and a 1 nap schedule with 2-3 hours of daytime sleep, usually in one mid-day nap. This allows the child to receive adequate amounts of sleep and maintain healthy sleep patterns.
What to do if sleep regression continues beyond a few weeks?
If sleep regression persist after several weeks, it may be necessary to seek medical advice. a pediatrician can help rule out any medical issues and offer guidance on supporting the child's sleep needs, which may include consulting a sleep coach.
Conclusion
Sleep regression is a normal part of a child's growth and development. by understanding the causes and implementing strategies to support their little one, parents can help their 15-month-old through this challenging phase and return to better and more regular sleep patterns.
