The 24 Month Regression
You’ve made it to the last “formal” regression— the 24 month one!
This regression is notoriously the hardest and out of all the regressions my boys went through, I specifically remember the 4 month sleep regression and the 24 month sleep regression the most.
A sleep regression is a period of time when your baby’s sleep patterns change. It is a time when your baby would typically be sleeping but they are awake more during the night and having a hard time going BACK to sleep! And it can also present itself in nap refusals, especially for the 24 month sleep regression!
Common signs of a sleep regressions:
⁃ Night wakings
⁃ Short or skipped naps
⁃ Increased fussiness and crying
⁃ Extra clingy
⁃ Changes in appetite
Two year olds are tons of fun BUT very busy; busy both mentally and physically! This is the age of climbing, kicking balls, increased language skills, and the start of independence.
With the 24 month sleep regression you will start to see, early morning wakings, trouble falling asleep, middle of the night wakings and lots of NAP REFUSALS.
There are many reasons for the regression such as:
Bad dreams or fearful in general
Don’t want to miss out on playing or being with you
Just to say no!
Teething
Sleep needs change and get lower overall
Potty training
New sibling
Transitioning too early to a toddler bed
Another big reason that can be overlooked is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety peaks at 24 months. There is a wide variation of how separation affects babies, some have more than others but the good news is, it is developmentally appropriate and won’t last forever.
The 24 month sleep regression can last between 2-6 weeks.
Some tips to help you get through the regression are:
Maintain consistent sleep routine.- offer schedule if needed
Offer choices of routine
Stick to boundaries (your baby may ask for more books to be read or more potty trips.. set boundaries of 2 books & 1 potty break).
Keep offering the nap
Adding a night light is OK if they are scared
Try to keep them IN the crib during this regression - don’t transition them
Create a plan for the night wakings and execute
Keep offering the nap - also put them to bed early if needed* to keep them from getting overtired.
Remember that regressions are a brief moment in time, but the habits you create during the regression will last afterwards, when the regression might’ve been over! So it’s really important to consistently respond to those night time wakings, early wakings, and/or skipped naps to maintain the habits you want to sustain and not create ones you don’t want to stick around.
If it feels like you’re stuck in a regression, set up a basic chat and we’ll get it all ironed out!
