When your baby becomes a toddler, you might expect sleep to get easier but for many parents, that’s when new challenges begin. While there’s plenty of advice on baby sleep, information about toddler sleep regression can feel limited. The truth is, toddlers go through incredible developmental changes, and these can greatly affect their sleep patterns.
If your baby is fighting sleep, restless at night, or suddenly waking up crying, you’re not alone. Let’s explore what causes these changes, how to manage bedtime battles, and how to create a peaceful environment that encourages independent sleep.
Why Does Toddler Sleep Regression Happen?
Sleep regression is usually a sign of growth and development rather than a sleep problem. Around 18–24 months, toddlers experience major mental and emotional leaps — their language, independence, and imagination are blossoming. While exciting, these changes can make it harder for them to settle down at night.
Common reasons for toddler sleep regression include:
Separation anxiety: As toddlers grow more aware of their surroundings, they may fear being apart from parents at bedtime.
Developmental leaps: Walking, talking, and asserting independence can make their brains too active to switch off.
Changing nap schedules: Many toddlers start resisting naps or transitioning from two to one nap, which affects nighttime sleep.
Big emotions: Tantrums and boundary testing can spill over into bedtime routines.
Nightmares and night terrors: A developing imagination can lead to restless nights or sudden wakings.
Toddler Night Wakings. What’s Normal?
It’s perfectly normal for toddlers to wake during the night just like adults do between sleep cycles. The difference is, toddlers often need more reassurance to fall back asleep.
Your little one might wake because they’re thirsty, uncomfortable, or simply need a cuddle. However, frequent night wakings combined with tiredness during the day may signal that something in their sleep routine needs adjusting such as nap timing, bedtime, or the sleep environment.
If your 1-year-old won’t sleep or your baby fights naps but is tired, try adjusting wake windows or offering a slightly later bedtime to build up sleep pressure.
Nightmares and Night Terrors in Toddlers
As your toddler’s imagination develops, they may start to experience nightmares dreams that can feel very real and frightening. These occur during REM sleep and may cause your child to wake up crying or calling for you. Offer calm reassurance, a gentle hug, and remind them that they are safe.
Night terrors, on the other hand, are different. They occur during deep (non-REM) sleep, often within the first few hours of bedtime. Your child may appear awake but isn’t conscious of what’s happening. The best response is to keep them safe, speak softly, and let the episode pass avoid trying to wake them fully.
Both nightmares and night terrors usually lessen as children grow, especially when they feel secure and well-rested.
How to Manage Bedtime Battles
Bedtime can easily turn into a power struggle during the toddler years. Routine, consistency, and connection are key to success.
Tips for smoother bedtimes:
Establish a calm routine: A warm bath, story, and cuddle time help signal that sleep is near.
Limit screens before bed: Blue light from screens can delay melatonin and make it harder for toddlers to fall asleep.
Keep a predictable sleep space: A cozy, familiar environment helps toddlers feel secure and calm.
Give simple choices: “Do you want the bunny or bear pajamas?” — giving toddlers control can reduce resistance.
Use gentle transitions: If your toddler resists bedtime, try slightly delaying bedtime for a few nights until they fall asleep more easily.
If your child seems restless at night or keeps fighting sleep, staying patient and consistent is key.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A calm, child-centered sleep space makes a world of difference. Many parents find Montessori floor beds help toddlers feel more independent while staying safe and comfortable.
The Snuglee Montessori Bed, made from solid pine wood, is designed with your child’s independence in mind. Its low-to-the-ground design allows toddlers to climb in and out safely, encouraging confidence while promoting healthy sleep habits.
Parents often notice that after transitioning from a cot to a Snuglee Montessori Bed, their toddlers become less anxious at bedtime and fall asleep more easily even during sleep regression phases.
Whether you’re helping your toddler sleep through the night for the first time or transitioning from cot to bed, providing a secure, familiar space helps reduce night wakings and bedtime struggles.
When to Seek Support
Occasional sleep regression is normal, but if your toddler is consistently overtired, anxious, or experiencing frequent night wakings, consider speaking with your pediatrician or a child sleep consultant. Sometimes, underlying issues like allergies or sleep apnea can affect sleep quality.
Final Thoughts
Toddler sleep regression can be exhausting, but it’s also a natural part of growing up. With patience, consistency, and the right sleep environment, most toddlers return to healthy sleep patterns on their own.
A nurturing bedtime routine, a calm space, and your comforting presence will help your little one feel safe and loved. And if you’re looking to make bedtime easier, explore the Snuglee Bed where comfort meets independence, helping your child drift off to dreamland peacefully.
FAQs
Why is my toddler suddenly fighting sleep?
Sleep regression often happens around 18–24 months due to major developmental milestones. Your toddler’s growing independence, imagination, and emotions can make it harder to settle down at night.
How long does toddler sleep regression last?
Most sleep regressions last from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the child. Consistent routines, gentle reassurance, and a secure sleep setup like a Snuglee Montessori Bed can help your toddler readjust more quickly.
What can I do if my 1-year-old won’t sleep through the night?
If your 1-year-old won’t sleep through the night, check for overtiredness, nap timing, and environmental comfort. Reducing night feeds gradually and creating a calm bedtime routine can also help.
How can a Montessori bed help with toddler sleep?
A Montessori-style floor bed, such as the Snuglee Montessori Bed, gives toddlers a sense of freedom and safety. Its low-to-the-ground design encourages independence and reduces bedtime anxiety, making it easier for your little one to fall asleep peacefully.
