Why Your Toddler Won’t Sleep and How to Get 18 Month Old to Sleep Through the Night
It’s no secret that sleep is important for our health and well-being. In fact, it’s so important that not getting enough sleep can actually lead to some serious health problems. But what about when our little ones don’t want to sleep?
If your toddler is anything like mine was, bedtime was a battle. I would do everything in my power to get him to sleep, but it seemed like nothing worked. He would cry, scream, and thrash around until he finally fell asleep – only to wake up an hour or two later. It was exhausting for both of us.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help your toddler sleep through the night. Here are a few tips:
How to Get 18 Month Old to Sleep Through the Night
1. Establish a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine helps to signal to your child that it is time for sleep. Try to do the same things in the same order each night so that your child knows what to expect.
2. Keep a consistent bedtime
Try to put your child to bed at the same time each night so that their body gets used to a regular sleep schedule.
3. Make the bedroom sleep-friendly
Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool to create an environment that is conducive to sleep.
Here are some tips on how to make the bedroom sleep-friendly:
- Keep the room dark by using blackout curtains or shades.
- Play soft, calming music to help your child relax.
- Use a nightlight if your child is afraid of the dark.
- Keep the room cool by setting the thermostat to between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Avoid screen time before bed
The light from screens can stimulate the brain and make it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
5. Give your child a bedtime snack
A light snack can help your child feel sleepy and comfortable enough to fall asleep. Try a small glass of milk or a couple of crackers before bed.
6. Provide extra comfort
If your child is used to sleeping with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, don’t take it away at bedtime. This can help your child feel more secure and comfortable and make it easier to fall asleep.
7. Avoid roughhousing before bed
Try to avoid playing any active games before bedtime as this can make it harder for your child to settle down and fall asleep.
8. Sleep training
If you’ve tried all of the above tips and your child is still having trouble sleeping through the night, you may want to consider sleep training. Sleep training can be a helpful way to teach your child how to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep all night long.
9. Be patient
It may take some time for your child to adjust to sleeping through the night. Try to be patient and consistent with your bedtime routine and eventually, your child will get used to it and start sleeping through the night.
These are just a few workable tips on how to get 18 month old to sleep through the night. If you have any other tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
Reasons 18 Month Old Refuse to Sleep Through the Night and How You Can Help
Does your 18-month-old always wake up in the middle of the night? Here are some possible reasons why and what you can do to help your little one (and you) get a good night’s sleep.
The early days of parenting are a special time filled with lots of love, joy, and exhaustion. You’re probably getting used to the fact that your baby doesn’t sleep through the night yet, and you may be wondering when (or if) this will ever happen.
It’s perfectly normal for babies and toddlers to wake up during the night. In fact, most children don’t start sleeping through the night (defined as sleeping for a full six to eight hours without waking up) until they’re about three years old.
There are a few reasons why your 18-month-old may be waking up during the night. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Teething
Teething can cause pain and discomfort that makes it hard for your child to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your child is teething, you may notice that they’re extra cranky, drooling more than usual, and wanting to chew on everything in sight.
Solution
To help ease the pain of teething, give your child a frozen teething ring or washcloth to chew on. You can also try giving them a dose of infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen (if they’re over six months old) before bedtime.
2. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common in young children, and it can make it hard for them to fall asleep at night. If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, they may be clingy, cry when you leave the room, and have trouble sleeping through the night.
Solution
To help ease separation anxiety, try to establish a bedtime routine that your child can look forward to. This may include reading a book together, singing a lullaby, or giving them a hug and kiss goodnight. It’s also important to be consistent with your bedtime routine so that your child knows what to expect.
3. Night Terror
This is a type of sleep disorder that can cause your child to wake up in the middle of the night screaming or crying. Night terrors are most common in children between the ages of three and eight. If your child is having night terrors, they may seem awake but be unresponsive to you.
Solution
There’s not much you can do to prevent night terrors, but you can try to comfort your child if they happen. Try to stay calm and reassure your child that they’re safe. You can also try gently leading them back to bed.
4. Nightmares
Nightmare is another type of sleep disorder that can cause your child to wake up in the middle of the night. Nightmares are different from night terrors in that your child is usually able to remember them when they wake up. If your child is having nightmares, they may be scared and upset.
Solution
To help prevent nightmares, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. You can also try to comfort your child if they wake up from a nightmare. Try to stay calm and reassure them that it was just a dream.
5. Sleep Apnea
This is a sleep disorder that causes your child to stop breathing for short periods of time during the night. Sleep apnea can cause your child to wake up gasping for air. If your child has sleep apnea, they may snore loudly or have trouble staying asleep.
Solution
If you think your child has sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to their doctor. Sleep apnea can be treated with medication or surgery.
These are just a few of the reasons why your 18-month-old may be waking up during the night. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep habits, talk to their doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing the problem and how to get 18 month old to sleep through the night.
READ ALSO: Activities for Babies 12- 18 Months: Fun and Educational Activities