The 18-Month Sleep Regression: What’s Going On and How to Get Through It

Jennie Clarke
Jul 9
3 min read

From One Parent to Another — You’ve Got This.

Hi there, fellow parent.

If you're reading this with bleary eyes and a lukewarm cup of coffee in hand, wondering what on earth happened to your once-great sleeper, you’re not alone. The 18-month sleep regression is real—and it can feel like it hits out of nowhere.

As a mom and Certified Child Sleep Consultant, I want to tell you something upfront: this phase is hard, yes, but it’s also completely normal. And you can get through it with a plan (and maybe an extra dose of patience and chocolate).

What Is the 18-Month Sleep Regression?

Right around 18 months, many toddlers suddenly start resisting naps, waking multiple times at night, or fighting bedtime like it’s their job. And if it feels like your toddler went from sleeping like a champ to waking like a newborn again—you're not imagining it.

This regression is tied to major developmental leaps. Around this age, your little one is:

Saying more words (or trying to)
Testing boundaries (hello, newfound independence!)
Experiencing more vivid dreams or fears
Possibly just made the transition from two naps to one

These brain and body changes can wreak havoc on sleep.

What It Might Look Like

Here’s how it showed up in my house (and for many of the families I support):

Nap time suddenly becomes a circus (they may be throwing their favorite stuffy out of the crib)
Bedtime takes forever—stalling, tears, tantrums
Multiple night wakings after months of sleeping through
Early morning wakeups (like, painfully early)
Separation anxiety is hitting hard
They may even be trying to climb out of the crib

Sound familiar?

So… What Can You Do?

First, take a deep breath. This is a phase, not a failure. You didn’t break your good sleeper. They’re growing.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate this regression:

1. Stick to your routine. Toddlers thrive on predictability. Even if sleep is messy, keep the bedtime routine consistent. That predictability helps their brains settle.

2. Offer connection during the day. Many toddlers are suddenly more clingy. Offering extra snuggles and one-on-one time during the day can reduce the nighttime neediness.

3. Stay calm, but confident. Your child will mirror your energy. Be loving, but clear that it’s time for sleep. Boundaries help them feel secure, even if they push back.

4. Don’t drop the nap too soon. One of the biggest mistakes I see is assuming this regression means they’re “done” with naps. Most toddlers still need a nap until they are somewhere between the ages of 3 - 5.

5. Do not make the move to a big kid bed. The big kid bed will not entice them to nap/sleep. It may only make things worse. They are not developmentally ready yet for a big kid bed, but if they are climbing out, please be sure to read our tips to help curb crib climbing.

6. Watch for overtiredness. Late bedtimes or skipped naps can make things worse. It is harder to fall asleep and stay asleep when our littles are overtired. Sleep begets sleep (I know, it sounds backward, but it’s true!).

7. Make up for lost sleep. The best place to make up for lost sleep is with an early bedtime. Offer up a bedtime of at least 30 minutes earlier to help make up for the short nap or night waking.

When to Ask for Help

Sometimes, regressions turn into long-term habits. If this phase has lasted more than a few weeks—or if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed—it’s okay to reach out.

That’s exactly why I created Smart Night Sleep. Since 2016, I’ve been helping families find sleep solutions that actually work for their unique child. You're never meant to do this alone.

You can book a Free Intro Call here: smartnightsleep.com/bookyourappointment

From My Home to Yours

I know how exhausting the loss of sleep can be. I’ve been in those 2 a.m. moments where nothing makes sense and everyone’s crying. But I’ve also seen how consistency, connection, and a little support can turn things around.

Hang in there—you’re doing an amazing job.

With love and solidarity,

Jennie