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5 Common Challenges with an 18-Month-Old Sleep Schedule in London (And How to Fix Them)

A toddler is asleep resting on folded arm. A pink circle has the title of the blog : 5 Common Challenges with an 18-Month-Old Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a consistent 18-month-old sleep schedule can be challenging.

At this stage, toddlers are developing their independence, which can lead to disruptions in their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five common challenges parents face with an 18-month-old sleep schedule and provide practical solutions to overcome them.

Challenge 1: Bedtime Resistance

Why It Happens: At 18 months, toddlers often test boundaries and assert their independence, which can lead to resistance at bedtime, disrupting their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Solution:

  • Stick to a consistent bedtime routine.
  • Offer choices, such as which pajamas to wear or which bedtime story to read, to give them a sense of control within their 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  • Avoid stimulating activities in the hour leading up to bedtime.

Challenge 2: Short or Skipped Naps

Why It Happens: Toddlers may struggle with naps due to overstimulation, changes in their environment, or transitioning to one nap, all of which can disrupt their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Solution:

  • Create a calm and quiet nap environment.
  • Stick to a consistent nap schedule.
  • Watch for sleep cues, such as rubbing eyes or yawning, and put your child down for a nap before they become overtired, ensuring their 18-month-old sleep schedule stays intact.

Challenge 4: Early Morning Wake-Ups

Why It Happens: An inconsistent bedtime or too much daytime sleep can lead to early morning wake-ups, affecting the 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Solution:

  • Ensure your toddler’s bedtime is appropriate for their age.
  • Adjust nap times to ensure they’re not sleeping too much during the day.
  • Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark in the early morning, supporting their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Challenge 5: Sleep Regressions

Why It Happens: Sleep regressions are common around 18 months due to developmental leaps or changes in routine, disrupting an established 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Solution:

  • Stay consistent with your toddler’s 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  • Be patient and provide extra comfort if needed.
  • Lean into what they need without worrying about bad habits or what will happen in the future, its never too late to change sleep.

By addressing these common challenges, you can help your toddler maintain a healthy and consistent 18-month-old sleep schedule. For personalised guidance, explore Blissed Out Babies’ resources and services.

Don’t Miss Our Free Webinar! We’re also hosting a free sleep red flags webinar to help parents identify health conditions that might impact sleep and provide advice on what to do next. Sign up today to learn more about supporting your toddler’s 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Like this and want to know more?

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents are going through the same thing. With the right strategies and support, you can help your little one sleep more peacefully, and you’ll both wake up feeling more rested and ready for the day ahead.

If you’re looking for more support on how to handle toddler sleep challenges, check out the Taming Toddler Sleep Programme , my signature group sleep and parenting programme. I guarantee you’ll get better sleep or I’ll work with you for free until you do!

Together, we can create a sleep routine that works for your family, helping everyone get the rest they deserve.

Book your free call today
The image showcases a comprehensive online course on "Taming Toddler Sleep". It features various components like: - Workbooks: Three workbooks are displayed, each focusing on a specific aspect of the program: "The Evening Flow" (Workbook 3), "The Brain & Temperament" (Workbook 2), and "Sleep Hygiene & Naps" (Workbook 1). - Course Content: A tablet screen shows the course outline, including modules on "Welcome and How the Programme works", "Toddler Sleep Fundamentals", "Toddler Development", and "Temperament". - Instructor: A woman is shown using a laptop, likely engaged in teaching the course. - Social Media Integration: A smartphone displays a screenshot of a Facebook post related to the course, highlighting the "Baby Massage & Baby Sleep Consultant" service offered by the program.

Hi, I'm Jem

I have always been interested in gentle parenting techniques, and as a self confessed ‘geek’ I spent many a sleepless night reading. I became so interested in infant brain development and the science of sleep that I completed my Holistic Sleep Coaching qualification, mentored by the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway. I have been working as a toddler sleep consultant since 2018, I am based in Manchester but I can work with you from anywhere in the world online!

This coupled with my experience in settling techniques, toddler negotiation strategies and analysis of naps and sleep needs gives me a wealth of knowledge to be able help you. 

If you’re looking for help with making changes to your family’s sleeping habits and would like to speak to a toddler sleep consultant who is down to earth and sympathetic and will focus on you and your family with empathy and understanding then please get in touch.

I would love to hear from you!

Jem x

Book a FREE Discovery Call To Hear How I Can Help
photo of Jemma Munford sat in a brown armchair

Where to next?

Click here to book a free chat with Jem to discuss sleep packages and ensure we are a good fit. There is no obligation and I will only take clients where I genuinely feel I can change their lives.

I have three simple toddler sleep support packages, Read more about them here.

Yes! You can check out my free sleep resources here.

Perfect, in my book The Better Sleep Blueprint I share all my best guides and strategies for sleep up to 2 years of age. Check it out here.

You can also read more of my blogs here.