Sleep regression in toddlers is common.
It’s a battle that many parents fight and lose every day.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-4 get 11-14 hours of sleep per day!
Reading statistics like this can be frustrating as a parent of a toddler who never sleeps.
Sleep with a toddler can quickly turn into a roller coaster ride. One day they are sleeping in their beds, the next they are up all night, then they are sneaking into your bed, or requesting for stories and water for hours.
Do toddlers have sleep regression?
Toddlers can go through sleep regressions as they grow and develop.
Remember that your toddler will be teething with several molars coming in during the toddler years. This discomfort can also play a part in sleep regression.
How long does toddler sleep regression last?
Toddler sleep regression can last for weeks. Take some peace of mind in knowing that it won’t last forever.
Once your little one gets over their teething pain or falls back into a routine you will be back on track.
What do I do if my 2 year old has sleep regression?
If your toddler is having sleep regression there are several things you can do as a parent to get them back on track.
- Speak with your pediatrician– Sometimes your baby is having sleeping trouble do to digestive pain or teething. Make sure to check with your baby’s pediatrician to see if there isn’t anything health related that might be waking your baby at night.
There may be something your baby’s pediatrician can prescribe to help your baby feel better so they can get more sleep. - Join a baby sleep support group– Baby sleep programs are really useful. We’ve used Baby Sleep Site in the past with great results. (Read more below)
- Be Consistent– Try to stick with a sleep routine even through the sleep regression.
If you normally have bath time or story time before bed time continue with this. - Be Flexible– Remember your toddler is going through lots of growth and changes. You may have to change your routine or adapt to their needs.
Use an expert resource like Baby Sleep Site to help get you on track. - Being willing to change – It can be hard to give up on a sleep routine that has worked for you for so long.
But, with baby and toddler sleep you have to be willing to change, adapt, and be flexible. Your toddlers routine will change as they grow.
They may be losing a nap or going to sleep at a different time. A family member’s changing work schedule, family travel, time changes, or holidays may also call for a change in your toddler’s sleep routine.
You might also like: The Easiest Way to get a Free Breast Pump Online!
How can I get help with 18-month sleep regression and 2 year sleep regression?
There are several places you can look to for support with 18-month old sleep regression, 2 year old sleep regression, and everything in between!
- Mom support groups– Most cities have mom support groups. These could be through a local non-profit, preschool, church, government program, or just a support group on Facebook.
There are pro’s and con’s of mom support groups. On the plus side you have a support system, a group of experienced moms to talk to. They’ve been through the trenches just like you with their babies and are willing and ready to share their advice about what has and hasn’t worked to get their little ones sleeping.
Watch out for bad advice from well meaning moms. Most of these moms are giving you real life advice without research to back it up. Not to say you can’t get good tips here! - Your Pediatrician– You can always ask your pediatrician for toddler or baby sleep advice. They have some knowledge about the science behind baby and toddler sleep and will be able to rule out any medical issues that might be preventing your toddler from falling asleep.
- Baby Sleep Site– A subscription to the baby sleep site comes with toddler sleep books, access to the members area, and sleep advice from professionals.
The information you get from Baby Sleep Site is invaluable because it they put a lot of time and dedication into researching the best sleep advice for your family and baby.
You will find information about how to get your baby sleeping in a way that works with your families personal needs. Including methods to get your baby into a sleep routine that doesn’t involve crying it out.
The Baby Sleep Site Membership
If you are still struggling to get some sleep in with your baby or toddler I would highly recommend a membership to The Baby Sleep Site.
It comes with e-books, sleep training strategies, and schedules for every age and situation. There is also a members chat area where you can speak with a baby sleep expert and other parents going through the same thing.
I think the key is finding the method that works for you and your baby. Everyone has different needs and living situations and The Baby Sleep site addresses those for you.
Membership to The Baby Sleep Site starts at $69 per month. They also have a great selection of FREE resources for parents!
What baby/toddler sleep problems are you having? What resources have helped you and your toddler get more sleep? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!