#15MonthSleepRegression

[healthybalance]

Surviving the 15-Month Sleep Regression: What You Need to Know

Ah, sleep regressions—the bane of every parent’s existence! Just when you think you’ve got your little one into a nice, predictable sleep routine, BAM! The 15-month sleep regression hits, and suddenly, you’re back to sleepless nights and cranky days. If you’re reading this while bleary-eyed and fueled by caffeine, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly, how to survive it.

What Is the 15-Month Sleep Regression?

Sleep regressions are phases where your baby, who was sleeping well, suddenly starts waking up more frequently or resisting sleep altogether. The 15-month sleep regression is particularly common as your toddler reaches major developmental milestones, like walking, talking, and exploring the world around them.

At this stage, your child is becoming more aware of their surroundings, which can make sleep feel less appealing. They might be so excited to practice their new skills that they wake up more often or resist naps altogether. On top of that, separation anxiety can peak during this time, making your toddler more clingy and less willing to settle down for sleep.

Signs of a 15-Month Sleep Regression

Wondering if your little one is going through a sleep regression? Here are some signs to look out for:

Frequent night wakings: Your toddler may wake up more often during the night, even if they were previously sleeping through.

Nap struggles: Naps can become shorter or harder to come by, leaving your toddler overtired by bedtime.

Difficulty falling asleep: Whether it's bedtime or nap time, your child might resist sleep or take longer to fall asleep.

Increased clinginess: Separation anxiety can be strong during this phase, leading to tears and protests when it’s time to say goodnight.

Why Is This Happening?

At 15 months, your toddler is hitting some big developmental milestones. They might be:

Learning to walk: All those new movements can make it hard for them to “turn off” at night.

Improving communication skills: They’re starting to understand and say more words, which can be exciting and overstimulating.

Growing independence: As they learn to explore their world, they may struggle with the idea of being alone, especially at night.

These changes can throw their sleep schedule out of whack. But remember, this is temporary!

How to Survive the 15-Month Sleep Regression

Here are some tips to help both you and your toddler get through this challenging phase:

Stay consistent: Stick to your usual bedtime routine as much as possible. Familiarity and consistency are comforting to toddlers and can help them settle more easily.

Watch for signs of sleepiness: Look out for yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness, and put your toddler down for a nap or bedtime before they become overtired.

Adjust naps if necessary: Your toddler may be transitioning from two naps to one, which can make this period tricky. Experiment with nap times to see what works best.

Offer comfort: If your toddler is struggling with separation anxiety, offer comfort and reassurance, but try to avoid creating sleep associations that could become long-term habits (like needing to be rocked to sleep every night).

Give it time: As frustrating as it is, this regression is a phase that will pass. Be patient with yourself and your child, and know that better sleep is on the horizon.

A Final Word of Encouragement

The 15-month sleep regression can be tough, but like all phases in parenting, it will eventually end. Try to stay calm, offer comfort when needed, and remember that your toddler is going through big changes right now. It’s a sign that they’re growing and developing in wonderful ways! Soon, this regression will be a distant memory, and you’ll be enjoying peaceful nights once again (at least until the next sleep hurdle comes along!).

Hang in there, parents—you’ve got this!