Understanding the 20-Month Sleep Regression

Just when you think that you have nailed sleeping through the night, they start waking up again. Why, oh why does this happen you are asking yourself. Pour yourself another coffee and let’s look at the 20-month sleep regression.

I am not going to lie, with my first child I thought the whole sleep regression thing was a bit of a con. She just didn’t experience any of them. She would sleep to a routine and would do it wherever we were. Then number two came along and hit every regression and some he made up on his own.

In this article, we'll explore what the 20-month sleep regression is, why it happens, and try to offer some practical tips to help both you and your toddler navigate this next challenge.

What is the 20-Month Sleep Regression?

The term "sleep regression" might sound ominous but rest assured, it’s temporary. Sleep regressions are periods when a previously good sleeper experiences a noticeable disruption in their sleep patterns. This can include frequently waking in the night, difficulty falling asleep, and shorter naps – which can be really hard if you need that hour to gather yourself.  The 20-month sleep regression usually happens around the 18 to 22 month mark.

Causes of the 20-Month Sleep Regression

1. Brain Development: One significant reason behind the 20-month sleep regression is your child's rapidly developing brain. At this age, toddlers are undergoing substantial cognitive and emotional growth. This can lead to an increased desire to explore their surroundings and test boundaries during bedtime, resulting in those oh so delightful bedtime battles.

2. Teething: Teething can continue to be a culprit in sleep disturbances until they are past two. Even though most toddlers have most teeth by this age, those last four molars like to make an appearance at this point, and let’s face it those things are not small.

3. Separation Anxiety: Around 18 to 24 months, separation anxiety tends to peak. Your toddler may become more attached to you, may have trouble settling down without you there, and even when you are there. They know what is coming at bedtime, they know you are going to leave.

4. Developmental Milestones: The 20-month mark is a time when many toddlers reach various developmental milestones. They are learning new skills, such as talking and running. These milestones can sometimes disrupt sleep as their brains are busy processing all the new information.

5. Routine Changes: Any changes in your child's daily routine or environment, such as moving into a new bed, the introduction of a sibling, starting nursery, or even moving rooms at nursery can trash their previously settled sleep.

 How to Navigate the 20-Month Sleep Regression

1. Stick to a Consistent Routine: Toddlers thrive on routine, so maintaining a consistent bedtime and nap schedule is important. Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal to your child that it's time to wind down. Activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, and cuddling are all great ways to indicate that it is bedtime, and they are safe. Check out our bedtime routine checklist

2. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet. White noise can help drown out any other external noises that might wake them up. Like slamming doors or the dog barking at the amazon delivery driver.

3. Help with Teething Pain: If you suspect teething is contributing to sleep disturbances, then give the appropriate pain relief and hope it passes quickly.

4. Be Patient and Stay Calm: Try to remain patient and understanding during the 20-month sleep regression. We know this is easier said than done when you have been plunged into disrupted sleep yourself.  Try and remember that your toddler is going through a period of development, and this is just temporary.

5. Consult a Sleep Coach: If sleep disturbances continue and significantly affect your child's well-being consider seeking advice from a sleep specialist. They will help you create strategies to help your child get back into a routine. We love the advice from Hannah at from dusktilldawn.

The 20-month sleep regression can be a challenging period for everyone. However, it's important to remember that this phase is temporary and is a sign of your child's wonderful growth and development. By maintaining a consistent routine you can help your toddler get back to having a full night’s sleep.  Every child is different and what works for one child might not work for another, even if they are both yours! So try and be patient you'll both enjoy more restful nights once again.

Check out our checklist on how to reduce bedtime battles here