20 Month Sleep Regression: Causes, Signs, and Coping Tips

Are you noticing changes in your child’s sleep patterns around the 20-month mark? It could be a sleep regression. Unfortunately, 20-month sleep regression is common and can be challenging for kids and parents. This blog post will explore the signs of a 20-month sleep regression and offer tips for helping your child get through it.

What are the 20-month sleep regression signs?

Some common signs of a 20-month sleep regression include:

• difficulty falling asleep
• frequent waking at night
• shorter naps
• resistance to a bedtime routine.

If you suspect your child is experiencing a sleep regression, try adjusting their bedtime routine, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and offering comfort measures such as bedtime stories or stuffed animals.

How long does the 20-month sleep regression last?

Most sleep regressions last for a few weeks to a couple of months. Common for children to experience multiple sleep regressions as they grow and develop. If the sleep regression persists for an extended period or is causing significant disruption to your child’s sleep, try visiting SleepBaby.org for a new baby sleep method.

Why has my 20-month-old stopped sleeping?

Here is a list of potential reasons for a 20-month-old child to stop sleeping:

• Sleep regression
• Changes in environment or routine
• Growth spurts
• Teething
• Illness
• Overtiredness

Why is my 20-month-old suddenly waking up at night?

The most common reasons for a 20 month to suddenly wake up at night are changes in their environment or routine, growth spurts, teething, illness, or being overtired.

Is there a developmental leap at 20 months?

According to the Wonder Weeks app, the 20-month mark does correspond with a developmental leap, during which children may be more clingy, emotional, and prone to tantrums. It is not uncommon for children to experience disrupted sleep during these leaps. Suppose you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior or sleep patterns around the 20-month mark. In that case, it may be helpful to keep track of their development and see if it coincides with a known developmental leap.

Should I let my toddler cry it out during sleep regression?

Some parents find that “cry it out” methods, such as the extinction method, are effective in helping their child learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. Other parents may prefer to try gentler sleep training methods, such as the “fading” method or the “pick-up/put-down” method, which involves gradually reducing the amount of support provided to the child as they fall asleep.

What time should the 20-month-old go to bed?

Most 20month old toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. So, for example, if your child wakes up at 7:00 am, bedtime around 7:00-8:30 pm would be appropriate.

How many naps does a 20-month-old need?

Most toddlers this age typically take one to two naps daily, with the first nap usually occurring in the morning and the second in the early afternoon.

What should you not do during sleep regression?

Here are a few things to avoid during a sleep regression:

1. First, don’t try to force sleep.
2. Second, don’t make significant changes to your sleep environment or routine.
3. Third, don’t ignore your child’s needs.
4. Fourth, don’t be afraid to seek help.

How do I fight my toddler’s sleep regression?

To fight a toddler’s sleep regression, implement activities such as reading a bedtime story, taking a warm bath, and singing a lullaby to help your child relax and unwind before bed.

Additionally, establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a peaceful and comfortable environment for your child. Set the room to a comfortable temperature, using white noise to block distractions and ensure the bed is comfortable and safe.

If these strategies aren’t helping and you’re still struggling with your toddler’s sleep regression, SleepBaby.org is a great resource for parents. They offer a range of information and support for parents struggling with sleep issues, including sleep regression.

How long should I let my 20-month-old cry it out?

Start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the time between checks as your child becomes more able to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.

The cry-it-out method is unsuitable for all children and can be controversial. Some experts caution against this method, as it may be stressful for the child and the caregiver. Consider trying the new baby sleep method from SleepBaby.org instead, as it does not use the cry-it-out method.

Is crying it out damaging?

Here are a few potential drawbacks to the cry-it-out method:

1. Stress: Crying it out can be stressful for the child and the caregiver, as it involves letting the child cry without immediately providing comfort. This can be especially difficult for parents sensitive to their child’s distress.
2. Decreased parent-child bonding: Some experts believe that the cry-it-out method may lead to decreased bonding between parents and children
3. Lack of trust: Some children may feel abandoned or unloved when their cries for comfort are not immediately answered, which could lead to decreased trust in the caregiver.
4. Increased risk of sleep problems: Some research suggests that the cry-it-out method may be associated with an increased risk of sleep problems in the long term, including difficulty falling asleep and night waking.

What’s the longest a sleep regression can last?

It is difficult to provide an exact amount of time as the length of a sleep regression can vary. Most sleep regressions last for a few weeks to a couple of months. However, it is not uncommon for some children to experience sleep regression for longer.

How do you know when sleep regression is over?

There are a few signs that may indicate that sleep regression is coming to an end:

1. Improved sleep: If your child’s sleep patterns start to improve and they can leap more easily and sleep for longer periods, it is a sign that the sleep regression is ending.
2. Increased daytime alertness: If your child seems more alert and energetic during the day, it could be a sign that they are getting enough sleep at night.
3. Improved appetite: If your child’s appetite returns to normal and they are eating and drinking normally, it may be a sign that they are getting enough sleep.
4. Improved behavior: If your child’s behavior returns to normal and they are less irritable or fussy, it could be a sign that the sleep regression is ending.