The 2-Year Sleep Regression: Why Your Toddler’s Sleep Just Fell ApartIf your toddler just turned 2 and suddenly refuses bedtime, fights naps, or wakes up crying at night… you’re likely facing the 24-month sleep regression. This one’s a doozy—because at this age, your toddler has opinions, words, and stamina to push back on sleep in a whole new way. As a pediatric sleep consultant, I see this regression hit even the most sleep-trained toddlers. The good news? There are clear, effective ways to work through it. What Causes the 2-Year Sleep Regression?At age two, your toddler is in a major leap of independence and development. You’ll likely notice:
Signs of the 24-Month Sleep Regression
How Long Does the 2-Year Sleep Regression Last?Like most regressions, the 24-month sleep regression usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks—but only if handled with consistency. If you start laying down with your toddler every night or bringing them into your bed, those habits can stick around a lot longer than the regression itself. How to Handle the 24-Month Sleep Regression
Not sure if it’s still a regression—or something else entirely?By age 2, sleep can get disrupted by imagination, boundary testing, and life transitions. If your toddler’s sleep has been off for more than a few weeks, it may be time to talk it through. An Ask Me Anything Call is ideal if:
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s figure it out together. Need a Proven Plan for This Regression?My Sleep Regression Solution Guide will help you handle the 24-month regression and give you tools to keep sleep on track through future bumps.
Inside you’ll get:
The toddler years are full of big transitions—and yes, some big emotions. But sleep doesn’t have to be one long battle. With the right strategies, you can get through this phase and get your evenings (and nights) back. You've got this—and I'm here to help every step of the way. — Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist The 18-Month Sleep Regression: What’s Going On and How to Handle ItIs your once-solid sleeper suddenly fighting bedtime, waking up during the night, or throwing a tantrum when it’s time for a nap? You may be facing the 18-month sleep regression—a very real and very frustrating phase that can catch even the most well-rested families off guard. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I’ve supported many families through this particular regression, and here’s the truth: this one is a little more emotional, a little more dramatic—and a lot more behaviour-driven. Let’s talk about why this regression happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do to support your toddler through it without backtracking on sleep. What Causes the 18-Month Sleep Regression?At 18 months, your toddler is in the thick of major developmental and emotional changes:
Your toddler suddenly says “No!” to bedtime, refuses naps, or wakes up at 2:00 a.m. demanding snuggles, snacks, or songs. This is when many parents feel blindsided and start to wonder: Are we doing something wrong? You’re not. This is all part of toddlerhood—and it’s temporary with the right approach. Signs of the 18-Month Sleep Regression
How Long Does the 18-Month Sleep Regression Last?The 18-month sleep regression typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks, but it can drag on longer if your toddler starts to rely on new habits like sleeping in your bed, needing to be rocked to sleep again, or getting snacks at night. The key is staying consistent and supportive—without giving in to every protest. How to Handle the 18-Month Sleep Regression
Wondering if this is a regression or something deeper?The 18-month regression can feel like toddler sleep has completely unraveled. If you’re unsure whether it’s just a phase—or if it’s time for more structured support—I’m here to help. 🎯 Book an Ask Me Anything Call here We’ll talk about:
Want a Proven Plan to Handle Every Sleep Regression? My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is your go-to toolkit for navigating the most common sleep setbacks—without creating new habits you’ll have to undo later. Inside, you’ll find:
You don’t have to let this phase undo your progress. With the right support, your toddler can get back to sleeping soundly—and so can you. 💛 — Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist The 12-Month Sleep Regression: Why It's Happening and What to Do About ItHas your baby suddenly started waking during the night again, fighting naps, or resisting bedtime as they near their first birthday? If so, you might be dealing with the 12-month sleep regression—a frustrating (but totally normal) phase that can turn sleep upside down just when you thought you’d found your rhythm. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I’ve helped countless families navigate the ups and downs of regressions—including the tricky one-year mark. And here’s what I want you to know: this regression doesn’t have to derail your progress. Let’s break down what’s behind the 12-month sleep regression, how long it typically lasts, and most importantly—what you can do to get sleep back on track. What Is the 12-Month Sleep Regression?The 12-month sleep regression is a period of disrupted sleep that often happens right around your child’s first birthday. You might notice:
What Causes the 12-Month Sleep Regression?A lot is going on developmentally around 12 months, and these big leaps can absolutely impact sleep:
How Long Does the 12-Month Sleep Regression Last?Most sleep regressions—including the 12-month sleep regression—last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. But how you respond during this phase can make a big difference. If you suddenly start rocking or feeding your baby to sleep every time they wake, or if you rush to drop a nap that they’re not actually ready to lose, you may find that the short-term sleep disruption becomes a longer-term habit. How to Handle the 12-Month Sleep RegressionHere are my top sleep consultant tips for getting through this regression:
Is It Really a Regression—Or Something More?Sometimes what looks like a sleep regression is actually a sign of a bigger sleep challenge. If your baby has never slept well, or if you were already struggling with frequent wakings, short naps, or bedtime battles before this phase began, it might be more than just a regression. If you’re unsure whether this is a temporary setback or a deeper issue with sleep habits, I’d love to help. I offer a 30-minute Ask Me Anything call where we can talk through your child’s sleep, see if I can give you some actionable steps to take, and see whether they’d benefit from more personalized support. 👉 Book Ask Me Anything Call Here Want Help Getting Through the 12-Month Sleep Regression?My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is your go-to toolkit for navigating the most common sleep setbacks—without creating new habits you’ll have to undo later. Inside, you’ll find:
Sleep regressions are tough—but they’re temporary. With the right support, your little one can get back to restful, independent sleep—and so can you. You don’t have to guess your way through this. I’m here to help you every step of the way. 💛 — Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression: What’s Going On and How to Get Through ItIf your baby has suddenly started waking more often at night, skipping naps, or fighting bedtime like never before, you might be in the thick of the 8-10 month sleep regression. And I know how exhausting that can be. As a certified pediatric sleep coach, I’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this exact phase—and I want you to know: you’re not alone, and this doesn’t have to derail your sleep forever. Let’s walk through what’s really going on during this stage, why it’s happening, and what you can do to survive—and even thrive—through it. What Is the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression?The 8-month sleep regression (which can happen anytime between 8 and 10 months) is a totally normal, developmental stage where your baby’s sleep suddenly becomes disrupted. This might mean:
What Causes the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression?Several major developmental leaps happen between 8 and 10 months, and they can all impact sleep. These include:
How Long Does the 8 to 10-Month Sleep Regression Last?Most sleep regressions last around 2 to 6 weeks. But here’s the key: how you respond during this regression matters. Without support or structure, short-term sleep struggles can become long-term habits. If your baby is suddenly waking multiple times a night and you're rocking, feeding, or bouncing them back to sleep each time—understandably just trying to survive!—they may start to rely on those responses going forward. That’s why many families reach out to me during regressions: to stay on track and avoid forming habits that stick around long after the regression ends. Tips to Survive the 8-10 Month Sleep RegressionHere’s what I recommend:
Is It Really a Sleep Regression?Sometimes, what looks like a regression is actually a sign of an underlying sleep issue—like an overtired schedule, a reliance on sleep associations, or an inconsistent sleep environment. If your child has never been a good sleeper, or things were already tough before this regression hit, it’s worth asking: Is this truly a temporary phase—or has sleep been a struggle for a while? If you’re not sure, I invite you to book a 30-minute Ask Me Any Thing Call with me. We’ll talk through what’s going on and figure out whether your little one is experiencing a short-term regression… or if it’s time to get personalized support. 👉 Book Ask Me Anything Call Need Help Getting Through the 8-10 Month Sleep Regression?If this is definitely a regression and your baby was sleeping well before—it’s still tough, but there’s good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is designed to walk you through the 8-10-month regression and prepare you for future ones, too. It’s packed with gentle strategies for getting sleep back on track, and tools to stay consistent even through the toughest nights. 👉 Grab the Sleep Regression Solution Guide (Perfect for 4, 8-10, 12, 18 and 24-month regressions!) Sleep regressions are hard, but they don’t have to break your progress—or your spirit. With the right strategies and support, you can help your baby (and yourself) get back to restful, consistent sleep.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you. 💛 — Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist The 4-Month Sleep Regression: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Get Through ItIf your newborn was sleeping great for long stretches and then--bam—suddenly starts waking up constantly, taking short naps, and fussing at bedtime, you may be dealing with the dreaded 4-month sleep regression. As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I can tell you: this is one of the most common and confusing sleep challenges parents face. It feels like it comes out of nowhere—and it’s completely exhausting. Let’s unpack what the 4-month sleep regression is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do (right now) to survive it—and come out stronger on the other side. What Is the 4-Month Sleep Regression?The 4-month sleep regression is a permanent developmental change in how your baby sleeps. Around 3.5 to 4.5 months, your baby’s sleep cycles mature and begin to look more like an adult’s—moving between lighter and deeper stages of sleep. As a result, your baby now experiences partial arousals between sleep cycles—every 45 minutes during naps and every 2-4 hours overnight. If they don’t know how to fall asleep on their own yet, they’ll wake fully and cry out for the same conditions they had at bedtime (like rocking, feeding, or bouncing). Signs of the 4-Month Sleep RegressionYou might be noticing:
Which means… this is the perfect time to teach healthy sleep habits that last. How Long Does the 4-Month Sleep Regression Last?If no changes are made, the struggles can continue indefinitely. Some babies start waking every hour and stay stuck in that pattern for weeks or even months. But the good news? With the right guidance, your baby can learn to connect sleep cycles and fall asleep independently. That’s why so many families reach out to me at this stage—because this is one of the most impactful points to shape lifelong healthy sleep. How to Get Through the 4-Month Sleep Regression Here’s what I recommend to my clients:
Not sure what to do next?If you’re in the thick of the 4-month sleep regression and want expert support to make sure you’re on the right track, book an Ask Me Anything Call with me. This 1:1 call is perfect if:
👉 Book an Ask Me Anything Call here Want a Proven Plan to Handle Every Sleep Regression? My Sleep Regression Solution Guide is your go-to toolkit for navigating the most common sleep setbacks—without creating new habits you’ll have to undo later. Inside, you’ll find:
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this stage. With the right tools and support, your baby can sleep beautifully—and so can you. 💛
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you. — Erin, B.A. Psychology, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Infant Mental Health, Integrated Feeding Specialist The Truth About Teething and Sleep: What You Need to Know! As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I often hear, “My baby is teething, and that’s why they’re not sleeping.” It’s easy to see why teething gets blamed for many sleepless nights. After all, the sight of swollen gums and the sound of a fussy baby can make us believe that teething is the culprit. But is it really? Let’s take a closer look at the facts surrounding teething and sleep and why waiting for teething to be over is not the best strategy when it comes to sleep training. Does Teething Really Hurt? Yes, teething can cause discomfort. As those little teeth push through the gums, some babies experience swollen, tender gums, which may lead to irritability. However, the pain from teething is often short-lived and comes in spurts rather than lasting for weeks or months at a time. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teething typically causes minor discomfort but not enough to disrupt a baby’s life long-term or interfere with their ability to sleep consistently. Can Teething Keep Babies Awake at Night? While a baby cutting a tooth may have the occasional rough night, teething is not the reason why babies wake up multiple times a night for weeks or months. Teething might lead to a cranky night or two, but if your baby has been waking frequently over a long period, something else is likely going on, such as sleep associations or a lack of proper sleep routines. Sleep training and helping your baby establish good sleep habits will ensure that minor disruptions—like teething—won’t lead to months of sleepless nights. The National Sleep Foundation supports this, explaining that babies who have learned to self-soothe will generally go back to sleep, even when dealing with temporary discomfort like teething. How Long Does Teething Last? Teething is a gradual process that starts around six months of age and can continue until the age of two or even three. That means if you wait for all teething to be over before committing to a solid sleep training routine, you could be waiting for years! Other factors like developmental milestones or growth spurts may also occur during this time, so it’s important not to let teething be the excuse for delaying sleep training. Teething is Not a Good Excuse to Avoid Sleep Training It’s easy to fall into the habit of blaming teething for ongoing sleep issues, but the truth is, teething is not the reason your baby is waking up multiple times every night for weeks or months. The real key to long-term sleep success is consistency. If you wait until your baby’s teething is finished, you’ll likely be waiting for over two years—during which time poor sleep habits can become even more ingrained. A Few Tips for When Baby Is Cutting a Tooth Yes, the teething process can lead to a rough night or two, but here’s the good news: if you’ve already established good sleep habits, your baby will get back on track quickly. Here are some tips to help manage teething while staying consistent with sleep routines:
Final Thoughts In short, teething may cause some temporary disruptions, but it is not the root cause of ongoing sleep issues. By sticking to healthy sleep habits and routines, your baby will be able to navigate teething with only minimal disruption to their sleep. So don’t let teething become the excuse to avoid sleep training—your baby (and you!) deserve the rest. Sources:
AuthorErin Neri - Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of To The Moon and Back Sleep Consulting since 2016. how can you help make Daylight Savings transition smoother for your child's sleep? |
To The Moon and Back Sleep ConsultingProviding families the tools & support they need to get their little ones sleeping through the night and napping like champs! Everyone has more fun when they are well rested! Visit Woolino - Use the LINK to get 10% off.
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