Navigating that stage of your child's life where they've grown beyond being a baby but they're not exactly fully autonomous yet, can be as rewarding as it is difficult. And yes, there will be those sleepless nights — especially when the 15-month sleep regression hits. If you find yourself suddenly dealing with a pounding headache every time you hear your toddler cry or protest going to bed, then congrats! You’re in the thick of this rough patch. Read on to discover everything you need to know about 15-month sleep regression and its signs and symptoms.
What Is The 15-month Sleep Regression?
The 15-month sleep regression is what happens when, out of nowhere, your little one who used to fall asleep at the drop of a hat now fights tooth and nail against bedtime and naps or refuses them altogether. You’ll also notice them waking up more often during the night, crying their eyes out until you come running.
Is There A 15 Month Sleep Regression?
Yup! It’s just as real as any other milestone that children experience in their young lives. At around this age —give or take a few months— toddlers’ physical growth starts to take off like a rocket ship while their minds are simultaneously expanding quicker than weed under the summer sun. All of these new developments make it pretty much impossible for them to get enough rest.
How Long Does The 15 Month Sleep Regression Last?
The length of the 15 month sleep regression varies from baby to baby but generally speaking it lasts between two and six weeks (although for some unlucky parents it can even stretch into months). Be sure to keep an optimistic outlook because once this phase passes, sweet dreams will no longer be just for you!
Signs Of A Toddler Experiencing The Sleep Regression
Your mini-me will give away hints left and right that show they’re currently experiencing this dreaded regression period including:
Demanding that they only sleep when they’re in your arms
Crying hysterically whenever it’s time to say goodnight or take a nap
Flat out refusing to go down easy even if they're extremely tired
Waking up crying at night so loudly that the neighbors can hear them through the walls
Remember, each child is unique, so adjust the schedule based on your toddler's cues and needs.
When Does It End?
The good news is that the 15-month sleep regression is temporary. Most parents see an improvement in sleep patterns within a few weeks. During this time, maintaining a positive and consistent sleep routine can make a significant difference.
15 Month Old Refusing Naps
At 15 months old, it can be common for your baby to begin refusing naps. They are likely going through a phase which is frustrating but also normal. This refusal usually stems from their developmental milestones taking them over. Factors such as mobility and expanding cognitive skills make staying alert seem like the best option for innovation. To counteract this, ensure that you have created a quiet environment fit for napping and implement a consistent pre-nap routine. A great way to do this is by reading them their favorite book or playing calm music to signal it’s winding down time. Regardless of whether they sleep or not, consistency will only help reinforce good habits.
15 Month Old Not Sleeping Through the Night
When your toddler doesn’t sleep through the night at 15 months old, it may be because of several reasons. Some include teething discomfort, separation anxiety, and in certain cases just another developmental phase. Make sure that you establish a soothing bedtime routine and offer a comfort object that they can latch onto such as a blanket or stuffed animal. If their waking up continues into the night to persist, check if they’re getting too much sleep during the day or see if you need to adjust their bedtimes slightly because sometimes even the slightest changes can fix everything.
15 Month Old Won't Sleep in Crib
If your 15-month-old refuses to sleep in its crib then don't feel alone because this is normal. It may stem from separation anxiety or maybe they’ve finally developed their own sense of independence but either way making the crib a positive space can help ease them back into sleeping there again. For example, spend some time playing with them inside of it in the daytime without any pressure on napping time itself — let them explore on their own while being around as support only when needed.. Also try implementing a consistent nighttime routine that reaches an end with placing them inside of their crib when they’re feeling drowsy but still awake. This should teach them to associate the crib with bedtime in general.
15 Month Old Refusing to Sleep at Night
No parent likes dealing with this, and no toddler is immune to it: nighttime sleep refusal. However, just understand that it’s a common occurrence during the 15-month sleep regression phase. It can get especially tough when your child seems like they’d rather play and be wide awake than sleep in the middle of the night. To help manage this issue, make sure that they receive plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout their day. A calming bedtime routine, low lighting around an hour before bed and limiting screen time will all factor into signaling that nightfall means quiet rest time for your child as well. In extreme cases, if you feel like you have tried everything then don’t worry — staying calm and consistent while responding will ensure that they know nighttime is meant for sleeping only.
Conclusion
The 15-month sleep regression is a bump in the road of your toddler's development, but with the right strategies, patience, and understanding, you can help your child (and yourself) get back to better sleep. Remember to pay attention to your toddler's cues, be flexible in adjusting routines, and offer plenty of cuddles and reassurance along the way. Here's to more restful nights ahead!
By addressing these specific challenges with understanding and patience, you can navigate the 15-month sleep regression more smoothly. While it may take time for your toddler's sleep patterns to stabilize, maintaining consistency with routines and being responsive to their needs will pave the way for better sleep for the whole family.
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