Sleep Issues with 18 Month Old

I think it's possible that she is going through the 18-month regression in sleep patterns. My daughter went thru a terrible phase at 18 months and when I started asking around, people said it must be that "18-month regression thing." I also think teething may play a role if she happens to be getting her 2-year molars early (or other teeth if she doesn't have them all in yet). Are you down to 1 nap per day? Probably time, if you aren't already there.

--K.

That EXACT thing happened with my son at that age (he is 2.5 yrs now). He was always the best sleeper and napper and then just suddenly he fought it tooth and nail. Everyone told me that he was just giving up naps, but I knew he was exhausted. We ended up trying something a friend recommended called the Sleep Easy Solution (at www.sleepyplanet.com). It changed our lives and we have sense lent the DVD to a few friends who's kids did the same thing at 18 months and had the same results we did. My son now takes one long (three hour) nap a day, just like the DVD promised and has been doing that since he was 18 months old and we did their program. Because it was a DVD, you could watch exactly how they sleep trained different families and then do exactly the same thing. It worked great. At 18 months they are too old to sleep train the same way you'd do a baby, so the DVD explains how to sleep train toddlers. Good luck to you!

My thought went right to teething. Can you imagine laying down on your head/face when you have toothache. Since its only happening at sleep time, I would check her mouth. Failing that, it could be w/ all that she's learning she's processing and is unable to sleep. I would say it sounds like she wants comfort and know my little one had a lot of trouble through the teething stage which interrupted sleep. One thing I tried was actually changing the bed time routine. This seemed counter intuitive, but it helped through her off guard. This too shall pass!

One question, is she potty ready? If not, could be manifestation of frustration. Every child is so different and yours could be ready or letting you know she isn't.

Hope its a short stage: )
Jen

Hi E.,
Maybe your daughter is done with naps. You don't say how many she takes per day but if you do 2 naps, go down to one. If you do one, skip it and put her to bed a little earlier. My son went from 2 to 1 at about 18 months then by 2 1/2 no more naps or he wouldn't go to sleep at night. Your daughter's sleep schedule will constantly change as she grows and you'll have to keep making adjustments. I'm not sure if potty training has anything to do with it. Sometimes kids don't want to go to sleep or have trouble sleeping when they are learning new things. But this problem could be a combination of things.

Hope this helps.

What always leaps to mind...if a wee one can fall asleep in a semi-vertical position (like being held or in a car seat)...but screams when they're being laid down is an ear infection or sinus infection.

It could be a bunch of other things if it's not medical, but I always try and rule out medical causes first.

We had the same issue with our 19 month old daugther, we were pulling our hair out. Took her to the dr. and turns out she had an ear infection. She was put on antibiotics and was fine in a couple of days. I hope this helps.

I would say drop the potty training. 18 months is kinda young to be starting this and if this is the only change to her schedule it might be causing her some stress. It is best to start potty training only when THEY are ready to--after all, it is their body. I have done this with all my kids and the whole process took anywhere from 3-5 days at the most. It shouldn't be an extended ordeal that goes on for weeks or months--hence the waiting until they are 2 to-2.5. Hope she starts making your nights easier--good luck!!

Hi E.,
I would stop the potty training. It seems like a little to soon. Aything else going on? Any changes you can think of?
Sometimes after having a strict schedule for so long, any type of change can throw things off. When she is in a good mood, try asking her why she cries at night. Ask her specific questions so they are yes or no answers. Any new people in her life...maybe someone she didn't like.
Toddlers are so weird sometimes...my 27 month old gets upset over the most simple things. She can be so moody sometimes.
It's so hard hearing your child cry for so long. You just can't imagine what is wrong. Everything would be just fine if they would just go to sleep!!! My daughter did this to me when she was a little older then your little girl.
I started a strict schedule with her as well.
First I told her that it was bedtime in 10 minutes, then again in 5 minutes. We brushed teeth, gave eachother love, and then into her crib for 3 short books. I took the SAME 3 books and read then to her for about 2 weeks. When she cried when I left the room, I would let her cry for 5 minutes and then go in there for a few seconds to tell her to sleep (sometimes give her a hug in her crib..never take her out of the crib) The again in 10 minutes....15 minutes and so on. She eventually fell asleep on her own.
I think reading those same books to her, really helped her know what to expect. After the 2nd book I would tell her "after this book you are going to sleep". Now, I rotate different books, but ALWAYS read the same last book for at least 3-4 days in a row. She no longer crys for naps and bedtime. It's so wonderful!
I hope I gave you a little advise you can use.
Good luck

Did she recently fall and hit her tailbone or her head? There are energy points on the body in those areas, that when agitated by an injury make it hard to fall asleep, and may even bring on fear.

Also, if lying down is what she's avoiding, maybe something hurts when she lays down? Has the setup in her room changed? More electronics can be disturbing to the body (monitors, cameras, lights, etc that are plugged in).

Of course, the other option is behavioral, and that can always be an issue, but very often the physical stuff may cause the behavioral stuff. Just a few more options for you to think about.

If she did get a bruise, you need to 'treat' it right away with castor oil and rosemary oil from PRLabs.

Namaste,

J. Eltman, MPH, RD
Preventive & Therapeutic Holistic Healthcare
Precise Customized Programs that work!
www.CreativeNutrition.com
1.877.5.EATWELL
Author: The NO DIET Diet: Healthy Meals in 5 Minutes