If your toddler has suddenly started fighting bedtime, waking up more often, or refusing naps, you’re not alone. We’ve been there with those long nights where it feels like all the sleep progress you made has disappeared overnight.
This is what’s known as toddler sleep regression, and it’s a very normal and temporary phase. The good news is that there are ways to survive it and even come out of it with better sleep habits than before. Here are five things that helped us get through toddler sleep regression with a little more calm and a lot more rest.
Remember That It’s Normal and Temporary
When your toddler starts waking through the night or resisting bedtime, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong. But toddler sleep regressions often happen around major developmental milestones like learning new skills, starting daycare, or language leaps.
We remind ourselves that sleep regressions are a sign of growth, not failure. This stage won’t last forever, even if it feels endless at two in the morning. Keeping that perspective helps us stay patient and supportive.
2.
Stick to the Routine as Much as Possible
When sleep feels unpredictable, routine becomes your best friend. Toddlers thrive on consistency because it gives them a sense of security when everything else feels new or overwhelming. We try to keep bedtime and nap schedules the same, even on weekends. Our evening routine of bath, pyjamas, books, cuddles, then sleep stays unchanged. The familiarity helps signal that it’s time to rest, even when their body and brain are in overdrive. If you’ve fallen out of routine, start small. Even a simple repeated order of events before bed can make a big difference.
Offer Extra Comfort Without Starting New Habits
During a sleep regression, toddlers often need more reassurance. Night wakings, separation anxiety, or sudden fears can appear out of nowhere. It’s okay to comfort your child, but try to keep things consistent. We’ve learned to offer calm reassurance without introducing habits we don’t want to maintain long term, like bringing them into our bed every night or adding an extra hour of rocking. A quick cuddle, a gentle pat, or soft words can help them settle while still keeping boundaries clear.
4.
Adjust Sleep Schedules if Needed
Sometimes sleep regressions happen because your toddler’s sleep needs are changing. Around 18 months to 2 years, many toddlers drop from two naps to one, or they might need slightly less daytime sleep overall. If bedtime battles suddenly start, it might be worth tweaking their schedule. We try adjusting nap lengths or bedtime by 15 to 30 minutes to see what helps. A small change can often reset the whole night’s rhythm.
5. Take Care
of Yourself Too
Sleep regressions test everyone’s patience, and exhaustion doesn’t help anyone. We’ve learned that it’s just as important to look after ourselves as it is to support our toddler.
If you have a partner, try to tag-team the rough nights so you can each get some rest. When one of us feels frustrated, the other steps in to keep things calm. We know that not every family has this option, but if it’s possible, sharing the load can make a big difference for everyone’s patience and peace of mind.
If you’re solo parenting, give yourself grace and find small ways to recharge, like a few minutes of quiet before bed or a warm drink once your toddler is asleep. Taking care of yourself helps you stay steady through the sleepless stretches.
Our Final Thoughts
Toddler sleep regression can make even the best bedtime routine feel like it’s falling apart. But with patience, consistency, and a few gentle tweaks, you’ll both find your rhythm again. These phases are tough, but they’re also a reminder of how quickly our little ones are growing and changing. Hang in there. Peaceful nights are coming back soon.
If you found this helpful, check out our related post:
👉 5 Things That Make Bedtime Easier for Toddlers
