Do you feel like your child is becoming more difficult to fall asleep and has longer, interrupted nights of sleep? You may be dealing with a 20-month sleep regression. This stage can make it stressful for parents, but there are several practical tips and tricks that can help you cope better.
In this article, we’ll discuss the signs and causes of the 20-month sleep regression and strategies for helping your little one back into a regular sleeping pattern. Keep reading if you want to learn all about this often-misunderstood phase in early childhood development!
Developmental Leaps
The 20-month sleep regression is a common occurrence in childhood development, often seen in babies and toddlers’ sleep aged 18 to 24 months. This developmental leap can sometimes cause a disruption in an otherwise sound and consistent routine when it occurs. While this period of adjustment can be disruptive, it is important to recognize it as a learning moment for little ones.
During the regression, children develop more complex communication and motor skills and cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, creating symbols, and understanding language. As such, parents need to acknowledge the nighttime sleep regressions as opportunities for their child’s growth rather than potential sources of turmoil.
The best approaches during this period include maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. However, this provides the comfort necessary for understanding the importance of patience, considering each child’s unique needs.
Also Read: Can A Baby Sleep In A Mamaroo?
Teething
Sleep regression at the 20-month mark is a common challenge many parents face. Although it can be difficult and tiring, with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be a painful experience.
Teething is one of the most common reasons for toddler sleep regression during this age, and it’s important to understand how to accommodate your little one during this time. You can help ease your baby’s discomfort by offering cold teething toys or items such as a clean washcloth frozen in the refrigerator for them to chew on.
Additionally, lukewarm baths before bedtime are known to provide relief from painful gums. With these simple measures, you can help make the transition more comfortable for your child – and allow everyone to enjoy some much-needed rest!
Illness
Sleep regressions can be quite challenging to deal with, especially when an illness accompanies them. During the 20-month sleep regression, babies and toddlers may fall into a sleep pattern of sleeping worse when they develop a cold or other infection. Parents may notice changes in sleeping habits, such as needing more comfort, waking more often at night, or sleeping for shorter periods.
While this will be difficult to navigate, it is important to remember that these developmental sleep issues are usually temporary and will pass as soon as your child gets better. In some cases, it’s helpful to reach out to a professional pediatrician or child sleep consultant so you can find ways to manage any disruption caused by your child’s illness while ensuring they have plenty of time to rest and recover.
Also Read: Can You Donate A Bassinet
Separation Anxiety
Sleep regressions are a common occurrence for growing toddlers. However, the 20-month sleep regression often indicates a need for extra comfort due to the child’s increasing awareness of their separation from Mom and Dad. This type of separation anxiety can often manifest in sleep disturbances even after the typical regression period.
To help alleviate this regression, it is important for parents to ensure their toddler feels secure and physically close with regular cuddles, hugs, and snuggles at bedtime and throughout the day – with extra attention during times of stress or illness. If left unchecked, this separation anxiety can be extremely disruptive to the child’s fall asleep and their entire day-to-day life.
Also Read: What Size Is A Bassinet Mattress?
Hunger
For parents dealing with toddler sleep regressions, hunger is often an issue. While this age is a time of rapid physical and mental development, it can leave children feeling extra hungry and restless. This can result in your usually good sleeper waking up in the middle of the night due to feeling extra hungry or having difficulty settling down because their tummy aches from being so empty.
If you’re discovering that this is a factor in your child’s sleep woes, try adding more healthy snacks throughout the day or offering them a healthy snack before and earlier bedtime to help limit nighttime hunger. Not only will this help with their nighttime rest, but it also ensures they are getting enough of the proper nutrients they need for their development.
Sleep Needs For 20-Month Old
It’s no secret that 20-month-old children need plenty of sleep. While the exact amount can vary from child to child, generally, they should get 11 to 14 hours of combined nighttime and daytime sleep in 24 hours. Nighttime sleeping hours should range from 10 to 12 hours, with babies at the higher end of the range being better rested overall.
To ensure adequate rest for your 20-month-old, ensure that their daytime nap is regular and not cut too short. It is also beneficial for them to have consistent bedtime and wake-up times as this helps to regulate their circadian rhythm and promotes healthy sleep habits overall. With enough continuous shut-eye, your toddler should have more energy throughout the day and improved cognitive function as they grow into an independent adult!
Also Read: How To Put A Bassinet Together?
Frequently Asked Question
How Long Does The 20-Month-Old Sleep Regression Last?
Sleep regressions are a normal part of development for 20-month-olds and can often last from 1 to 3 months. Even though it can seem like an eternity when you’re in the middle of it, it usually passes more quickly than you think.
Is It Better To Buy A Crib Or Bassinet?
An important decision you must make when expecting a baby is choosing where the baby will sleep. Both bassinets and cribs are viable options for babies to sleep safely in. However, there are many factors to consider when determining which one will be better for your family. A bassinet is preferable for young infants as it is lightweight, easily transported, and allows parents to have the baby close by at night time.
Also Read: Stroller Bassinet Vs. Car Seat Stroller
“Understanding the 20-Month Sleep Regression: A Comparison with the 6-Month Sleep Regression”
Sleep regression can be a challenging phase for both parents and children, and it commonly occurs at various stages of a child’s development. At around 20 months, your toddler may start to resist bedtime, wake up frequently during the night, or skip naps, all signs of the 20-month sleep regression. This stage often coincides with a burst of cognitive and physical development, including increased language skills and more complex motor abilities.
These new skills can lead to your child being more aware and thus more resistant to sleep. This regression is different from the 6-month sleep regression which usually occurs when babies are starting to be aware of their surroundings and are learning new skills such as rolling over. However, both regressions are normal parts of a child’s growth and development. They require patience and consistent sleep routines to help your child navigate through these challenging times and eventually return to their regular sleep schedule.
Conclusion
Now you know the possible causes of 20-month sleep regression among our babies. However, recognizing the signs of this regression can help you prepare and make it through with as little hardship as possible. You will get through this together by being patient, sticking to a routine, and providing plenty of love and support.
