18 month old sleep: what’s normal, what’s hard, and when to get help

Changes around 18 months

The CDC’s milestones by 18 months include walking without holding on, getting on and off a couch or chair unaided, trying to say three or more words, and wandering away from you while checking that you’re still nearby. Of these, climbing has the biggest effect at night.

According to the AAP, separation anxiety tends to peak between 10 and 18 months and eases over the second half of the second year. Plenty of toddlers are at the very top of that curve right now.

According to the AAP, screen viewing contributes to difficulties with both sleep and attention.

Sleep struggles at 18 months are usually a blend of fresh independence and established habits, and separating the two takes a plan designed for your child. Actually Sleeping coaches families with babies and toddlers from newborn on: Dr. Sam writes the plan, and you get bootcamp-style coaching before night one plus daily 1:1 check-ins.

What normal looks like

A review of studies found children aged 1 to 2 years slept an average of 12.6 hours per 24 hours, within a normal range of about 10 to 15 hours, took about 1 nap a day, and woke an average of 0.7 times a night. For children who napped, total nap time averaged 2.3 hours. A single nap is the usual pattern by now, though not a rule. Some toddlers still need a short second nap on certain days, and that’s fine.

The hardest parts for parents

• Refusing bedtime. “No” has become a new, powerful word.
• Attempts to climb. A child who has just started climbing can make the crib unsafe; read the safety section below.
• Waking at night and calling for a parent. This is often tied to separation.
• Waking early once the switch to one nap has happened.

Keeping sleep safe at 18 months

• Leave the crib once your child reaches 35 inches (89 cm) tall or the rail sits below about three-quarters of their height (AAP, MedlinePlus), or as soon as they can climb out (AAP).
• If climbing out starts before you have a bed ready, the AAP suggests placing the crib mattress on the floor.
• Secure dressers and other furniture so nothing can tip, and keep chairs away from windows.

Night feeds

If your toddler is still waking for milk, ask your pediatrician whether it’s needed. As part of its guidance on preventing tooth decay, the AAP advises against a bottle in bed.

When to see the pediatrician

• Snoring on most nights, pauses in breathing, or sleepiness and irritability during the day that might suggest sleep apnea.
• Your child isn’t walking, says fewer than three words, or doesn’t point to show you things.
• Night terrors that keep coming back.

Next steps

Toddlers check whether limits hold, so the plan needs to suit your child and every caregiver needs to give the same response. Actually Sleeping puts that in place, and the result is covered by the written guarantee: We guarantee that your baby will sleep 8–12 hours through the night within 14 days of consistent, correct implementation of your sleep plan. Parents share their experience in our 12 months and up reviews. See also: the 18-month regression, the 18-month schedule, and separation anxiety at bedtime. To get started, book a free consultation.