Have you been having trouble with your toddler’s sleep lately? If your 15-month-old is waking up early in the morning, crying at bedtime, or refusing to take naps, he may be experiencing a 15-month sleep regression. This is a common issue for many parents, but don’t worry – there are ways to deal with it.
At this stage, first and foremost, consider adjusting your child’s sleep habits and environment. A consistent bedtime and a calming atmosphere can do wonders. Should you let your baby cry it out during a sleep regression? It may work for some babies, but make sure you respond according to your baby’s needs and comfort as he adjusts at this stage.
If your child is experiencing a sleep regression and waking up early in the morning, try to keep their morning routine quiet and calm to encourage them to fall asleep or get some quiet rest. Be patient and consistent. Remember, this too will pass. Read on for more tips to help you get through this difficult time.
Is there a 15 month sleep regression?
Yes, sleep regression occurs at 15 months. At this age, many toddlers experience changes in their sleep patterns, making it harder for them to fall asleep or waking up during the night.
It’s also common for babies to resist naps during the 15-month sleep regression. Some may stop napping altogether, while others may take shorter naps. Still, as they become more active and aware of their surroundings, some may find it harder to settle down for a nap with all that’s going on around them.
How long will the 15 month sleep regression last?
The 15-month-old sleep regression can be a tough time for both toddlers and parents. You might wonder why it happens. Usually, it’s because your child is going through a big developmental change. They’re learning new skills like walking and talking, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. When it comes to your 15-month-old’s sleep schedule, it can get erratic during this time.
15 months Sleep regression Separation anxiety
15-Month-Old Sleep Regression Separation anxiety is a big reason why many parents notice their toddler waking frequently during the night. When children reach about 15 months of age, they begin to realize they are separated from their caregivers and become fearful and anxious when their caregivers cannot see or touch them.
These fears disrupt sleep, causing your child to wake up more often and have a harder time getting back to sleep. So, parents may wonder why their 15-month-old isn’t sleeping well, but it’s because he or she knows their parent is going away and never coming back.
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What to do when you wake up in the middle of the night?
When a toddler wakes up crying, it’s usually because they’re scared of being alone, so setting up a reassuring bedtime routine can go a long way.
For example, you can ease your child’s separation anxiety by reading a favorite book with them, cuddling them with a special blanket or toy that gives them a sense of security, or playing soft music that fades out after you leave the room.
Spend quality time with your toddler during the day to make them feel loved and safe – this will help build their self-confidence. If they start crying in the middle of the night, offer them some gentle reassurance.
Keep all your nighttime interactions calm and soothing, which reinforces their sense of security at bedtime, knowing that everything will be okay until morning, even if you’re not in the same room.
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Gradual adaptation technology
There are also gradual adaptation techniques you can use to manage separation anxiety in your 15 month old baby’s sleep regression. A good example is to start with shorter periods of time away from your baby and then gradually increase the time and then the time you spend back with your baby.
This technique can be used any time and gradually incorporated into your nighttime routine to teach your toddler to feel safe when they can’t see you.
Signs of 15 month sleep regression
Nighttime sleep regression at 15 months can be difficult, but recognising the signs early can help you manage this stage more effectively. Symptoms to look out for in a 15 month old sleep regression include:
- Increased crankiness and clinginess during the day could be a sign.
- Reluctance to fall asleep at bedtime or during naps, even though they appear tired.
- They may wake up frequently during the night, crying or calling out.
- Waking up early in the morning means your child starts their day earlier than normal and can’t seem to get back to sleep.
- Refusing to take a nap or taking a shorter nap than usual disrupts total sleep time.
- Increased daytime irritability. This may be due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep.
- Changes in appetite can be caused by sleep disorders.
Recognizing these signs can help you understand when your child is experiencing a sleep regression and adjust their routine and activities to help them get through this temporary phase.
15 month sleep regression: how to stop the crying
When dealing with the 15-month sleep regression, many parents wonder if “crying it out” is a good strategy. As mentioned above, this is a stage where toddlers may have trouble sleeping due to changes in growth and development. The goal is to teach your child to soothe themselves and get back to sleep.
If you’re considering this method, it’s important to first make sure all of your baby’s needs are being met — for example, adequate nutrition, clean diapers, and a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
When thinking about 15-month-old sleep regression and how to deal with it, remember that consistency and a clear bedtime routine are key. This method won’t suit every child or parent, so consider your child’s temperament and your own comfort level.
15-month sleep regression: Early morning awakenings
Early morning awakenings can be especially distressing during the 12-15 month and 14-15 month sleep regressions. These early morning awakenings could mean your child is sleeping too much during the day, or it could be a sign that your child’s bedtime routine needs adjustments.
To combat early awakening, try going to bed a little later or adjusting your nap times so you’re not sleeping too long during the day. Also, make sure your sleep environment is conducive to rest; a dark, quiet room can help you sleep longer in the morning.
15 Month Sleep Regression Tips
Dealing with a 15-month-old sleep regression can be tough, but there are effective strategies to help your toddler and you get through it. Here are some practical tips:
- Keep your bedtime routine consistent so your child is settled and knows it’s time to sleep.
- Be patient during the night: if your child wakes, a calming presence can reassure them and help them get back to sleep.
- Provide your child with items that will help them feel safe and relaxed at bedtime, such as a favorite stuffed animal or a small blanket.
- Keep your room optimal for sleep (cool, dark, quiet).
- During the nighttime 15-month sleep regression period, avoid stimulating activities like screen time or active play before bedtime.
- If sleep problems persist, consider speaking to a paediatric sleep consultant who can provide appropriate advice and support.
Implementing these tips can help your child get through their sleep regression more smoothly and bring some peace back into their nighttime routine.
How do I fix my 15 month old’s sleep regression?
Dealing with toddler sleep issues can be a challenge. If you’re wondering how long a 15-month sleep regression lasts, it usually lasts a few weeks, although this can vary depending on individual development and environmental factors. When considering how to deal with a 15-month sleep regression, it’s important to keep the bedtime routine consistent and make sure your child’s sleep environment is conducive to rest.
It can also be helpful to make sure naps aren’t too long or too close to bedtime. Stick to a bedtime routine and be patient. This phase is temporary and usually passes as quickly as it appeared.
How do I survive a 15 month sleep regression?
Getting through a 15-month-old sleep regression requires patience and flexibility. As you work through how to fix your 15-month-old’s sleep regression, it’s important to stay calm and maintain a consistent bedtime routine. You may be wondering why 15-month-olds experience sleep regressions. Usually, it’s due to a developmental leap that disrupts your child’s normal sleep patterns.
You may need to make adjustments to your 15-month-old’s sleep schedule, such as changing bedtime or the length of his nap. Make sure his sleep environment is quiet, dark, and cool, and stick to a routine that lets your toddler know it’s bedtime.
Remember, this is a stage that many parents and children go through, and it will pass with time and the right strategies.
Final thoughts
Sleep regression at 15 months can be difficult, but understanding sleep needs and behaviors at this stage can help. How much sleep does a 15-month-old baby need? Typically, babies need about 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
If these tips don’t work and you’re still not sure what sleep regression at 15 months looks like, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician, who can guide you through typical developmental stages and address any concerns you may have about your child’s sleep habits.
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