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How to Create the Perfect 18-Month-Old Sleep Schedule in London

A toddler sleeping on a bed, arms outstretched. A pink circle with write text; How to create the perfect 18 month old schedule

Establishing a consistent 18-month-old sleep schedule is essential for their growth, development, and overall well-being.

At this age, toddlers thrive on routine, and a predictable 18-month-old sleep schedule can help improve their mood, energy levels, and health.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create the perfect 18-month-old sleep schedule, tailored to your child’s unique needs

Why a Sleep Schedule Matters

An 18-month-old sleep schedule ensures toddlers get around 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep.

An effective 18-month-old sleep schedule supports their rapidly developing brains and bodies.

Without an appropriate 18-month-old sleep schedule, your toddler may become irritable, have difficulty focusing, and the quality of your night time sleep might be impacted.

Steps to Create the Perfect Sleep Schedule

  1. Determine Your Toddler’s Sleep Needs:
    • Most 18-month-olds require 1-2 hours of nap time during the day and 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep.
    • Observe your child’s natural sleep patterns to identify their optimal bedtime and wake-up time within their 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  2. Establish a Bedtime Routine:
    • Create a calming pre-bedtime routine that meets their sensory, physical and emotional needs.
    • Keep the routine consistent to signal to your toddler that it’s time to wind down as part of their 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  3. Set a Regular Nap Time:
    • Schedule naps at the same time each day, ideally in the early afternoon.
    • Ensure the nap doesn’t extend too close to bedtime to avoid disrupting the 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  4. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:
    • Make sure your toddler’s room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
    • Use a white noise machine if external noises are an issue, as this can help maintain their 18-month-old sleep schedule.
  5. Be Consistent:
    • Stick to the schedule as closely as possible, even on weekends or during travel. 
    • Consistency helps regulate your child’s internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day within their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Night Wakings: If your toddler wakes up frequently during the night, check for potential issues such as hunger, discomfort, or illness.

Toddlers often struggle with separation anxiety which makes it hard for them to go back to sleep without your presence. It’s OK to lean into that while they are finding it hard. 

Resistance to Bedtime: Toddlers may resist bedtime due to overstimulation, unmet physical or sensory needs, or under/overtiredness. Try to focus on connection in the evening to ease their separation anxiety at bedtime.

Work on finding the most effective evening activities and bedtime routines to support their 18-month-old sleep schedule.

By following these steps and being patient, you can create an 18-month-old sleep schedule that works for both you and your toddler. At Blissed Out Babies, I offer expert advice and resources to help parents navigate sleep challenges with confidence.

Join Our Free Sleep Red Flags Webinar To help you further, we’re hosting a free webinar on sleep red flags. It covers common health conditions that might affect your child’s sleep and offers practical advice on where to seek help.

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.

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

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.