These 6 play-based exercises will help your child get through this sleep regression!

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep schedules may be challenged between 18 and 24 months. A toddler who was sleeping well may suddenly resist bedtime, cry when you leave the room, or wake more often during the night. This change is common and is often linked to major developmental shifts, which at this point includes testing boundaries and rapid language development. While frustrating, rest assured that this phase is temporary. With patience and consistency, most sleep routines settle back to normal within 2 to 6 weeks.

What are the Signs?

Sleep challenges at this age often look different than they did a few month ago. Instead of simply crying, toddlers may stall sleep with repeated requests, or flat-out refuse to lie down. Night wakings return even if they've been sleeping well prior and naps can become inconsistent. These changes can lead to overtiredness during the day, which makes falling and staying asleep at night even more difficult.

The 18-24 Month Sleep Regression Survival Guide:

Toddlers are naturals when it comes to testing limits. They experiment to see which boundaries hold firm and which ones they can bend. Grabbing at something unsafe or begging for more or something are just a few ways they learn about limits. Sleep is no different. If your toddler starts resisting bedtime, it’s usually part of this learning process.

The best way to respond is with calm and consistency. Listen to their feelings and respond accordingly, offer them comfort, and reassure them that you’re nearby. But make sure to keep your routines steady. Changing up your routines too much, like introducing new sleep habits that you can’t maintain, can make the regression last longer. Firm but loving boundaries help toddlers feel secure and learn, even if they don’t like them in the moment.

If your child’s sleep doesn’t improve after several weeks, or if it becomes overwhelming, reaching out to a pediatrician or sleep consultant can provide additional guidance.

6 Play-Based Exercises That Help Your Child Gain Independence Safely

Around 18 months, babies are busy learning more than ever. You can take steps to support their development, and make sleeping easier, by making these play-based exercises part of their daily routine.

These exercises are free with the Fledgling's Flight app. CLICK HERE to create your FREE account. Once you have entered your child's details, click on the names of the exercises below to view the exercise.

1. Setting Healthy Boundaries - understand basic commands like "stop"

   
   

   When your toddler reaches for something off-limits, acknowledge their feelings by saying something like, “I understand that you want Jason’s toy,” then explain why they cannot have it. Making sure to name their emotions and offer a clear reason helps them feel validated, which can reduce frustration.

2. Mine - Lays the groundwork for sharing

   
   

   Show your toddler that sharing doesn’t mean losing something forever. Ask to play with their toy once they’re finished, then return it to them and thank them for sharing. Over time, this teaches them that toys come back and helps ease their reluctance to sharing.

   
   

3. Given the Choice -  Supports growing independence

   
   

   Offer your toddler simple choices throughout the day, such as which pajamas to wear, what stuffed animal to bring to bed, or which snack to eat. Having a say in small decisions helps them to feel confident and reinforces their sense of autonomy.

   
   

4. Temper Temper - Helps manage big emotions

   
   

   When a tantrum begins, pause to identify the source and name what your toddler might be feeling. Offer comfort and calmly suggest either help or a solution. Make sure to keep a calm and kind tone. Afterward, talk briefly about what happened, this helps them to begin to connect their feelings to their actions.

   
   

5. Little Helper - Encourages responsibility

   
   

   Ask your toddler to hand you objects to put away or to place them back themselves. When the task is done, thank them and acknowledge their effort. These small acts help them feel involved and build early habits.

   
   

6. I Will Find It - Builds problem-solving skills

   
   

   When a toy goes missing, encourage your toddler to look for it instead of finding it for them. Join the search, but let them take the lead. This simple activity helps them practice persistence and shows them that they can solve problems with a bit of effort.

More Ways to Support Your Baby's Sleep

Stick With a Regular Bedtime Routine:

Toddlers thrive on consistency. A routine that includes simple steps like a bath, a story, and cuddles signals to your child that it is time to rest. Familiar patterns help them to settle more easily when it matters most.

Create a Calming Sleep Environment:

Make the sleep space dark, cool, and quiet. Reducing distractions helps your toddler relax and makes it easier for them to stay asleep through the night.

Offer Comfort Without New Habits:

It’s normal to give extra reassurance during a regression, but avoid creating routines that will be hard to maintain later. Gentle comfort paired with consistent routines helps toddlers feel secure while keeping their long-term sleep on track.

Practice Independence During the Day:

Give your toddler chances to test boundaries and celebrate their accomplishments while they are awake. Let them help with simple chores and ask them to answer simple questions. These experiences build their confidence and may help to bring about the end to this sleep regression.

Prioritize Connection:

Extra one-on-one attention during the day can reduce clinginess at night. When toddlers feel connected, separating at bedtime is less stressful.

If your toddler’s sleep challenges continue beyond 6 weeks, or if you feel worried about their rest, it may help to speak with a pediatrician. Keep in mind that regressions are a normal part of development, and with steady routines and patience, your toddler's sleep will return to normal.

Alison Macklin | Mom & Founder CEO - Sleep of Mind: Certified Child Sleep Expert, a Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, and mother from Toronto, Canada

She came up with the idea for Sleep of Mind's reflective infant sleepwear. The one-of-a-kind patent pending design on their swaddles and sleep sacks lets you see your little one's chest rising and falling, giving you peace of mind with a glance at your night vision baby monitor. No wires, batteries, or electronics are needed, as the swaddle design uses the light being reflected from your baby monitor. They believe in good sleep being accessible to all without the need to buy expensive gadgets that also aren’t recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

See how it works for yourself!