If you have a 2-year-old, you’ve likely already experienced many ups and downs in your little one’s sleep journey – from the first “sleeping through the night” to dropping a nap, to one of many baby sleep regressions.
As you approach toddlerhood you may finally think sleep is under control – but another major sleep regression is still looming. If you suddenly notice that your almost 2 year old keeps waking up at night crying or starts fighting naps, you now many know the answer to the question, “Is there a 2-year-old sleep regression?”
While we’d love to say no, the 24 month sleep regression is common right around your almost toddler’s second birthday. But like with the many other sleep struggles you’ve likely navigated, there are ways to manage this 2-year sleep regression and get through it as quickly as possible.
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Is There a 2 Year Sleep Regression?
There is a 2 year sleep regression that happens right around your baby’s second birthday.
The minor and temporary sleep disruptions happen because of the continued developmental progress and physical growth and changes that are happening right around your baby's second birthday. Just like with previous sleep regression, even if they have been consistently sleeping well and for longer periods, developmental changes can cause a brief backslide in normal sleep patterns.
The good news is this sleep regression is usually quick, as at this age most babies have already developed the skills to be a strong, independent sleeper and can get back on track a bit easier.
Why Do 2 Year Olds Go Through Sleep Regression?
Sleep regressions typically coincide with major developmental milestones – and your 2-year-old has those in spades. For that reason, the 2-year-old sleep regression is a good sign – it shows your baby is developing well!
As your baby nears their second birthday, common reasons for the 24-month-old sleep regression may include:
- New skills, such as learning new words
- Imaginations developing and nightmares
- Boundary-testing
- Dropping a nap
- Changes in their schedule or family life
- Potty training
- Tantrums
For example, if your 2 year old is suddenly scared of bed and fighting bedtime, the reason could be their new cognitive abilities have them imagining new things, feeling new feelings, experiencing separation anxiety, or simply wanting independence – and that all can affect their sleep. Same goes for potty training and sleep regression – another milestone that can shift sleep patterns.
Keep in mind your baby is unique and will develop at their own pace, so rest assured it’s totally alright if your baby is still working on some of these 24-month milestones. This is not a development checklist – merely a guide to what may be happening. And as always, feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
How Long Does a 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression Last?
The good news is the 2 year regression is sometimes shorter than previous sleep regressions: rather than lasting 2-6 weeks, the 24-month-old regression can last as little as 1-3 weeks. This is because 24-month-olds are more experienced with sleeping than younger babies and most of them have already figured out how to fall asleep independently, so don’t need the extra support younger babies need to get back on track.
Because of this, the amount of time your 2 year old may wake in the middle of the night may also be brief, sometimes as little as 5-10 minutes before they are able to fall back asleep.
On the flip side, if you introduce new habits to help navigate the 2 year sleep regression, it may take longer to get your little one back on track. For example, don’t offer them milk in the middle of the night – consistency is key when it comes to two year olds and sleep, so try to stick with your routines and schedule as best you can.
If your 2 year old is still not sleeping through the night or fighting naps after a few weeks, you may want to consider sleep training your toddler. Sometimes sleep training 2 year old, or revisiting sleep training, can help your little one navigate their regression.
Here are our tips on how to sleep train a toddler
What Are 2 Year Old Sleep Regression Solutions?
While frustrating, there are solutions for managing and shortening the 24-month sleep regression.
Follow Wake Windows and Sleep Cues:
Following age-appropriate wake windows and responding to your baby’s unique sleepy cues helps find the sweet spot for falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. This syncs their natural rhythm, in turn getting them the nourishing sleep they need to keep growing big and strong!
Take this free sleep assessment to get a personalized schedule that considers the wake windows of your 24-month-old.
The wake window for a 24-month-old is about 5.5-6 hours between sleeps. 90 minutes is a good goal for a 24-month-old’s naptime, though up to 2.5 hours is also acceptable. Avoid naps longer than 2.5 hours, though, as this can lead to missed wake windows and overtiredness. About 12-14 hours over a 24-hour period is a good sleep goal for 24-month-olds.
Note: keep in mind that sleep schedules by age are just examples. Focus less on the clock time and more on their wake windows and sleepy cues when determining bed or naptimes.
Routine, Routine, Routine:
Sometimes as you enter toddlerhood you may slip a bit with our bedtime routines – we think they have sleep under control. But no matter how old your baby or how much sleep progress they’ve made, a consistent sleep routine remains the cornerstone of healthy sleep. Maintaining your typical bedtime routines can mitigate the 24-month sleep regression by calming your baby and cueing that it’s time to sleep.
Wait a Moment:
Babies have a natural ability to self-soothe and fall asleep without parental support – an ability sleep coaching strengthens. To help your baby sleep better, avoid checking on them after every sound or noise, especially during the 2 year sleep regression where they’re likely to fully wake or start protesting as the sight of you. Instead, wait a moment to see if they fall back to sleep on their own.
Low Lights and Low Voice:
If you do check on your baby, remember to speak softly and keep the lights off or low. Otherwise, you risk fully waking them or stimulating them.
Keep a Distance:
It may be hard at times like this but try to avoid picking up your baby to reassure them. This will wake them further and deprives them of the opportunity to self-soothe. Instead, offer brief reassurances from the doorway to their room or gently pat their back.
Limit Screen Time:
Healthcare providers agree that babies should have far less screen time than us adults. In fact, some research suggests babies should be screen free for their first two years. If you do use screens, though, it’s best to stop at last 30 minutes before bed because the light from screens stimulates “wake-up” hormones, making bedtime a bear.
Prepare for a Tantrum:
We mentioned your 24-month-old is becoming a pro in both independence and language. But they also may be feeling a lot of emotions that they can't yet put into words. All of these factors may cause tantrums.
A tantrum can come out of nowhere – for example, just by asking a happy baby to put away their toys before dinner – which can make them frustrated. When it comes to sleep, it’s not uncommon if your 2 year old is screaming at bedtime just because they don’t want to sleep. Same goes for nap time – if your 2 year old won’t nap but is tired, that could also cause a tantrum.
If your 2 year old won’t nap but is tired or fights bedtime, it could lead to a tantrum. If you’re at home and your baby is in a safe room, give them some space to see if the tantrum subsides. This distracts your baby and gives them a quiet, soothing space to cool down.
If they are throwing a tantrum flailing their arms dangerously, or simply won’t calm down, try holding them close, facing your chest. That way they feel safe, warm, and loved and, bonus, can’t see too much – a visual break that can help deescalate a tantum.
Take ‘Me Time’:
Parenting is hard, especially when your baby is experiencing a sleep regression, and it’s completely acceptable to step away for a moment to take “me time.” This isn’t selfish or neglectful – it’s essential. Remember, you’re a caring, loving parent to your baby – we know this because you’re doing this research – but you also need to be caring and loving to yourself.
Final Thoughts
The 2 year old sleep regression is the last of the major, most common sleep regressions! Like with all regressions it comes with some struggles, but it’s another sign of the growth and progress your almost toddler is making.
Whether you’re looking for ways to help your child during the 24 month regression or wondering what to do if your almost toddler is refusing to nap or waking at night, the Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app can help you stay on schedule and navigate the sleep disruptions with ease.
