Welcome to a comprehensive guide to the 15-month sleep regression, a period when many toddlers experience unexpected sleep disruptions. Here, we'll delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon, explore signs to look out for, and suggest strategies to help your little one sleep through the night.
What is the 15-Month Sleep Regression?
The 15-month sleep regression is a normal part of your baby's developmental journey that causes them to temporarily lose interest in sleep, especially evening naps and bedtime. While this phase may seem difficult, it's a sign that your child's brain and body are hard at work processing new skills and growing.
How Long Will the 15-Month Sleep Regression Last?
Usually, the 15-month sleep regression lasts between two weeks and a few months. The duration can vary widely from child to child, depending on their individual development and the extent of sleep challenges they face.
Signs YourToddler is Going Through the 15-Month Sleep Regression
Irritability and Emotional Dysregulation
During the regression, your toddler may become irritable and difficult to handle. They may cry more frequently, have greater difficulty calming down, and exhibit more intense emotional responses.
Night Wakings
One of the most common signs of the 15-month sleep regression is frequent night wakings. Your child may wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty falling back asleep.
missed naps
If your toddler has consistently taken two naps per day, they may suddenly miss one or both. This drop in nap pattern can contribute to sleep disturbances at night.
Physical Discovered Naps.
Some children drop their morning naps entirely, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. If your child is still taking one nap and sleeping well at night, it may mean they are fine with a single daily nap.
Causes of the 15-Month Sleep Regression
Developmental Milestones
At 15 months, many toddlers are beginning to take steps, walk independently, and explore their environment more actively. Their brains and bodies are working hard to master these new skills, which can be distracting and exhausting.
Separation Anxiety
Your child may be experiencing separation anxiety as they become more independent. They may need to be close to you to feel secure and reassured.
Walking and Running
With improving motor skills, your child may be more mobile and interested in exploring the world around them. This increased activity can lead to disrupted sleep.
More Words and Teeth
From 12 months, your child may begin to utter their first单词 and teething can cause discomfort that affects sleep.
Nightmares.
As your child grows and develops a bigger imagination, they may encounter nightmares or worry when the lights go out in their room.
How to Handle the 15-Month Sleep Regression
Roll with It
When it comes to nap changes and disrupted sleep, just remain flexible and continue with your regular routine.
Watch Your Reaction
Toddlers love attention, but responding negatively to sleep issues can have the opposite effect. Stay calm and reassuring.
Get Back to the Basics
Consistency is key with bedtime routines, especially to retrain your child to go to bed when it's time for sleep.
Consider a Night Light.
A small night light in the corner or a light left on in the hallway may ease your child's fear of the dark.
Think About Sleep Training Again.
Sleep training is a great tool to overcome sleep problems at any age. It can support healthy sleep habits and development.
When to Call the Doctor
If your baby's sleep patterns persist and their sleep issues are interfering with their daytime functioning, it may be time to call the doctor for guidance.
What to Expect After the Regression
After passing through the 15-month sleep regression, your child will likely have new skills, confidence, and routines in place. If sleep issues remain, consider consulting a gentle sleep coach for personalized support.
##The 15-month sleep regression is a challenging phase that many parents face. With proper support and understanding, your child can overcome these challenges and emerge from this regression with newfound skills and confidence.
Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide on the 15-month sleep regression. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Recommended Amount of Sleep forPediatric Populations: A Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Chestnut Hill Pediatrics. (2022). Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-old.
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. (2022). Gross Motor Skills: Birth to 5 Years.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Language Development: Speech Milestones for Babies.
Stanford Children's Health. (2022).
National Center for Health Statistics. (2022). Developmental Milestones: YourBaby By Fifteen Months.
What to Expect. (2020). What to Expect When You're Expecting. Heidi Murkoff and Ellen Stofan.
Sleep Foundation. (2021). How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?