Understanding Toddler Sleep Regression: Why Your Little One’s Bedtime Suddenly Feels Harder

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.

Discover Montessori: The Philosophy That Inspires Confidence and Independence in Children If you’ve ever searched for ideas to help your child become more confident, independent, and curious, you’ve probably come across the term “Montessori.” But what exactly is the Montessori method, where does it come from, and how can it influence the way we design our homes and choose our children’s furniture? At Snuglee, we believe that great design can nurture great development and the Montessori philosophy is a beautiful example of that. Let’s explore how this approach has shaped the way modern parents think about learning, play, and bedtime.  The Origins of the Montessori Method The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 1900s. When she opened her first school, Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”), she observed that children learn best when they are free to explore and make choices independently. Instead of relying on rigid instruction, Dr. Montessori designed an environment where children could move, touch, and learn at their own pace. This revolutionary idea that learning happens naturally when children are trusted to explore, spread across the world and changed early education forever. The Core Principles of Montessori At its heart, Montessori is about respecting a child’s natural curiosity and giving them the tools to grow with confidence. Some of its main principles include: Independence – Encouraging children to do things on their own, from dressing to tidying up. Freedom within limits – Allowing children to make choices in a safe, structured environment. Hands-on learning – Using real, tactile materials to help children understand new concepts. Respect for the child – Valuing each child’s pace and individuality. A prepared environment – Creating calm, organized spaces that invite discovery and learning. How Montessori Philosophy Shapes the Home The Montessori approach isn’t limited to schools. It’s just as powerful when applied at home. By designing spaces that are accessible, safe, and inviting, parents can help children develop independence from an early age. Here are a few everyday items that bring the Montessori philosophy to life: Montessori-Inspired Beds A Montessori floor bed sits close to the ground, allowing young children to get in and out safely on their own. This simple design encourages confidence and autonomy essential building blocks for independence. Our Montessori beds are crafted from solid pine wood, ensuring both durability and safety. With styles like our floor beds and low rise beds with 20cm legs, children can enjoy a cozy sleeping space that also supports their freedom to move and play. Every Snuglee bed is eco-friendly, UK-stocked, and shipped quickly via FedEx, helping parents create a Montessori-style bedroom without the wait. Child-Sized Furniture From low tables and chairs to reachable shelves, furniture made to a child’s scale helps them take responsibility for their own space. They can pick out clothes, choose books, or organize toys all without adult help. Montessori Toys and Learning Tools Montessori toys are simple, natural, and purposeful. They often focus on one skill at a time, encouraging concentration and problem-solving. Think wooden stacking blocks, sorting trays, and puzzles that engage the senses rather than flash with lights or sounds. Practical Life Tools Montessori families often provide small, child-sized utensils, dishes, or cleaning tools so children can take part in everyday activities. Setting the table, sweeping, or helping prepare meals become meaningful learning moments. Organized Spaces A key part of the Montessori home is clarity and order. Open shelves, baskets, and accessible storage help children learn how to take care of their belongings and tidy up after play. Why Parents Love Montessori Parents around the world appreciate Montessori because it nurtures real-world skills independence, focus, confidence, and respect. It’s a philosophy that believes children are naturally capable and simply need the right environment to thrive. Whether it’s choosing a Montessori bed that encourages self-reliance or arranging toys at a child’s height, every decision contributes to raising capable, curious, and confident little ones. Bringing Montessori Home with Snuglee At Snuglee, we’re proud to create furniture that supports this thoughtful approach to childhood. Our beautifully crafted kids beds are designed not only to look great but also to empower children in their daily routines. Each piece is made from solid pine wood, ensuring strength and safety, while our Montessori-inspired designs promote freedom, comfort, and independence, perfectly in tune with Dr. Montessori’s vision. Explore our collection at snuglee.co.uk and discover how a simple design choice can make a big difference in your child’s growth.  FAQs What is the Montessori method? The Montessori method, created by Dr Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, encourages independent learning through hands-on exploration in a calm, structured setting. Why do parents choose Montessori? It helps children grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. Montessori encourages kids to make choices, solve problems, and take responsibility from an early age. What are Montessori-inspired products? These are items designed to support independence such as floor beds, low tables, child-sized furniture, and wooden toys. Explore Snuglee Montessori-beds, crafted from solid pine wood for safety, comfort, and freedom of movement. What is a Montessori bed? A Montessori bed (or floor bed) sits low to the ground so children can get in and out safely on their own. It encourages independence and builds confidence. When can a child use a Montessori bed? Most parents switch from a cot to a Montessori bed between 18 months and 5 years, depending on the child’s readiness to move freely.

Moving your little one from a cot to their first “big kid” bed is a big step for both you and your child. You want something that feels safe, comfortable, and age-appropriate, but also helps them grow in confidence and independence. That’s where Montessori floor beds with rails come in. As someone who has worked closely with parents and children’s bedroom design for years, I can confidently say these beds strike the perfect balance between safety and freedom, exactly what every parent hopes for during bedtime transitions. What Is a Montessori Floor Bed with Rails? Inspired by the Montessori approach to early learning, a Montessori floor bed is designed to be low to the ground, giving children the freedom to get in and out safely on their own. The addition of side rails or guard rails keeps your child secure while sleeping, especially during those first few weeks of adjustment. Unlike traditional toddler beds that often sit higher or have bulky frames, floor beds are simple, open, and closer to the child’s world, helping them feel calm and independent in their own space. Why Rails Make a Difference Many parents ask whether rails are necessary on a floor bed. My answer is always — for most toddlers, yes. A floor bed with rails gives you the best of both worlds: Low height for safety – Even if your child rolls, there’s little risk of injury. Rails for reassurance – They act as a soft boundary, keeping your little one safely tucked in while still giving them freedom to move. A gentle transition – It’s an ideal middle step between a cot and a full-size bed. For restless sleepers, a Montessori floor bed with high rails offers that extra layer of comfort for both the child and parent. Encouraging Independence One of the biggest benefits of a Montessori toddler bed with rails is the independence it encourages. Because the bed is so accessible, children learn to: Get in and out on their own Take part in simple routines like making their bed Feel proud of their own “grown-up” sleeping space This independence builds confidence and often leads to smoother bedtimes and happier mornings. Size Options to Fit Every Family Montessori floor beds come in different sizes, and it’s worth choosing one that fits both your child’s needs and your room: Single floor bed with rails – Great for toddlers or smaller bedrooms Double floor bed with rails – Perfect for siblings or parents who like to read together at bedtime Full-size Montessori bed with rails – Ideal for older children or long-term use King-size floor bed with rails – A family favourite for shared spaces and snuggly story time Find the UK bed size guide For younger toddlers, start with higher side rails for added safety. As they grow, you can remove the rails or switch to a more open frame. Final Thoughts A Montessori floor bed with rails isn’t just a piece of furniture — it’s an investment in your child’s growth and confidence. It gives them the freedom to move, the security to sleep soundly, and the independence to feel proud of their own space. At Snuglee, we’re passionate about designing beds that make bedtime easier and safer for families without compromising on style or quality. FAQs Are Montessori floor beds with rails safe for toddlers?Yes. They’re designed for little ones — low to the ground, made from sturdy materials, and supported by safety rails. When should I move my child to a floor bed?Most families make the switch between 18 months and 3 years, once their child can climb confidently and is ready for more independence. Can I use any mattress on a Montessori bed?You can, but choose a low-profile mattress that fits the frame securely and maintains good airflow. Do rails limit a child’s independence?Not at all. They provide a gentle boundary for safety but still allow your child to get in and out freely. Where can I buy one in the UK?You can find beautifully made solid pine Montessori floor beds with rails at Snuglee.co.uk. They’re crafted with care and delivered quickly across the UK.