The 24 Month Sleep Regression

The 24-month sleep regression, also known as the two-year sleep regression, is a stage in a toddler’s life that presents challenges for many parents. During the transition from baby to toddler, children can have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.Sleep regression usually occurs at around:

• 4 months

• 7-9 months

• 12 months

• 18 months

• 3 years

Causes of sleep regression

There are various reasons why sleep regression occurs at the age of 24 months. One of the main reasons is the development of the child’s brain and cognitive abilities. During this phase, children begin to better understand their environment and their abilities, which can lead to increased activity in the brain. This activity can make it more difficult for children to calm down and fall asleep.

Another factor is that children often acquire new skills at this age, such as walking, talking and understanding concepts like “no” and “yes” much better. These new skills can make children feel more independent and autonomous, which in turn can lead to a certain restlessness and insecurity. This sleep regression also marks the beginning of the autonomy phase.

Symptoms of 2 year old sleep regression

During the 24-month sleep regression, children may show symptoms similar to those of a typical sleep regression. These include:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Frequent waking up during the night

• Increased crying or restlessness during sleep

• Increased frustration and independence during the day

• Change in eating behavior

• Refusal to take a nap

These temporary changes can occur due to the increased cognitive activity and new skills your toddler is learning. It is important to know that sleep regression is temporary and usually disappears within a few weeks to a few months. How long the sleep regression lasts and how intense it is also varies greatly from child to child.

How to survive the sleep regression

If your child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the 24-month sleep regression, there are a few ways you can help them:

Regular daily routines

Stick to a regular bedtime and routine. A consistent bedtime and routine can help your child to calm down and feel safe and secure. During a sleep regression, it makes sense to plan some extra time for your routine, as your child might need more time to wind down.

Sleep environment

Create a calm sleep environment. Use soothing music or a night light to help your child relax and drift off to sleep. Warm light, such as a salt lamp or a night light with warm light, is important. Blue light in the bedroom is best avoided completely.

Make sure the bedroom is tidy and there aren’t too many toys lying around. This will only distract your child. Make sure the room is nicely darkened. Also during the day.

Attention during the day and at bedtime

Spend time with your child to calm their frustration and independence. Give your child the feeling that they are understood and supported, and create an environment that helps them feel safe and secure. The attention helps them to let go and fall asleep more easily at bedtime. It is also important to take enough time at your bedtime routine, so that your child gets 100% of your attention.

Relax before going to sleep

It is best to avoid excessive stimulation before going to bed. It is also better to avoid watching TV or something on a tablet or cell phone 2 hours before bedtime. You can find out more about why HERE. Avoid engaging your child in too many exciting activities or toys before bedtime that will excite them or keep them awake. One hour before going to bed, it is best to do quiet activities such as: puzzles, Duplo, kneading, painting, reading aloud, etc.

Predictable bedtime routine

If it’s not already done, you can start now with a nice relaxed bedtime routine within the bedroom. Take a quiet 20-30 minutes for this. This way your child gets 100% attention and can wind down from the day. It is best to darken the room, change clothes, cuddle up and read a book or talk about the day. It is best to always do everything in the same order so that your child knows what comes next and can prepare well for nighttime and sleep.

How long does the 2-year sleep regression last?

Sleep regression is a phase in which a child who previously slept well suddenly has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is usually a phase that can last from a few weeks to a few months. However, there is no specific duration for sleep regression, as each case is individual.

However, there are various factors that can cause sleep regression to take longer. These include:

Poor sleeping habits:

If the child has developed poor sleep habits, such as going to bed too late, too much stimulation before bedtime or falling asleep while breastfeeding or with a bottle, this can lead to persistent sleep regression.

Changes in the child’s life

Changes in a child’s life such as moving to a new home, starting a new daycare or the birth of a sibling can prolong sleep regression as well.

Physical or mental activity

Children who do not have enough physical or mental activity may have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Sufficient physical and mental activity during the day can help to improve the child’s sleep quality.

Sleep disorders

Some children have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, which can make it difficult for them to sleep through the night or sleep deeply enough. Vitamin or iron deficiencies can also cause children to sleep poorly, wake up frequently or wake up early.

It is important to note that sleep regressions are usually temporary and in most cases disappear on their own. Parents should be patient and support the child by creating a regular bedtime and sleep environment that is comfortable for your child. However, if the sleep regression persists for more than a few weeks or months, it’s best to take your child to a doctor to rule out possible underlying problems.

If you have taught your baby new unwanted sleep habits or notice that your little one still has sleeping issues after the regression is over, we can talk on the phone , Feel free to contact me.