Essential Tips for Navigating Your Toddler's Sleep: A Parent's Guide for 10 to 18 Month Olds

When it comes to your toddler’s sleep, you will already know that every stage brings new challenges and milestones. Between 10 to 18 months, sleep patterns can change significantly as your little one grows, and understanding these changes can help you to promote good sleep habits. This post will cover toddler sleep tips for 10 to 18 month olds. We will look at four essential aspects of toddler sleep and offer you practical tips to support restful nights for you and your baby.

The Transition from Two Naps to One

By 10 to 18 months, many toddlers begin to transition from two naps a day to one longer midday nap. This is a natural part of their sleep development as they start to consolidate their daytime sleep into one longer block. While some children will make the transition easily, others may need a bit more time, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s important to be considerate of your child’s sleep needs.

Research suggests that dropping the second nap too early can lead to overtiredness, which can negatively impact night-time sleep. If your child is struggling to settle at night or waking frequently, it could be a sign that they still need two naps. Lyndsey Hookway advises following your toddler’s cues rather than imposing a rigid schedule. Flexibility during this period is essential, and allowing them to drop the second nap when they’re ready can promote a smoother transition. If they seem tired or irritable in the late afternoon, try offering a shorter nap to help them through until bedtime.

Bedtime Routine: Consistency is Key

I know I talk about this a lot but a predictable bedtime routine is one of the most effective ways to signal to your toddler that it’s time to sleep. At this age, toddlers begin to understand daily rhythms, and a consistent routine can help regulate their internal body clock, leading to better night-time sleep.

According to scientific research, regular pre-sleep activities help toddlers fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. A calming bedtime routine could include activities such as a warm bath, storytime, or cuddling in a dimly lit room. It’s important to keep the routine simple and consistent each night. Doing the same activities in the same order helps toddlers recognise the cues that sleep is coming, reducing anxiety and helping them wind down naturally.

Handling Night Wakings: Responsive Settling

Even at 10 to 18 months, night wakings are common. Toddlers may wake for various reasons, including teething, separation anxiety, or developmental milestones. While some toddlers can resettle themselves, others need a little reassurance from their parents.

It’s important to be responsive to these night wakings,  this means offering comfort and reassurance when your toddler wakes up, but in a way that encourages them to fall back asleep independently. You might offer gentle touch, soft words, or simply your presence to help them feel secure. Research supports this responsive method as it strengthens the bond between parent and child and helps build trust, reducing the likelihood of prolonged night wakings due to anxiety or fear.

It’s also important to assess why your toddler is waking up. Is it hunger, discomfort, or a need for comfort? For instance, some toddlers may still require a night feed, particularly if they are going through a growth spurt. Keeping a sleep diary for a few days can help you identify patterns and understand the cause of night wakings.

Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment

A conducive sleep environment is crucial for your toddler’s sleep quality. At this age, toddlers are more sensitive to external factors such as light, noise, and temperature. We want to create a cool, dark, and quiet room that promotes restful sleep.

Making the room as dark as possible can support melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Blackout blinds or curtains can be great, especially if your toddler is prone to early morning wake-ups triggered by daylight. White noise machines can also be helpful to drown out any external noise that might disturb their sleep. Ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 16-20°C, as recommended by The Lullaby Trust for safe sleep.

Final Thoughts

Between 10 and 18 months, your toddler’s sleep patterns will continue to evolve, but by understanding the key factors that influence their sleep, you can support their development and promote healthier sleep habits. Following a flexible nap schedule, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, responding to night wakings with care, and creating an optimal sleep environment are all strategies that will promote sleep. With patience and attention to your toddler’s cues, you can help them (and yourself) enjoy more restful nights!