Don't let the sweet face and cool shoes fool you. This little one has been sleeping SO well for months and now he is suddenly waking up multiple times each night and crying for "MAMA!! MAMA!!"
Also, he used to go down for naps and bedtime so easily, with zero fighting, but now he is resisting sleep like the plague. I think we are experiencing the 18 month sleep regression.
We are no strangers to a sleep regression. We have had our fair share of sleep struggles with CJW, but this one seems to be a little tougher than the others.
What is a “Sleep Regression”?
A sleep regression is when your baby or toddler, who’s been sleeping well, suddenly begins waking frequently at night and/or refusing to nap during the day. These regressions usually last for a period of time (anywhere from 2 – 6 weeks), and then the baby’s sleep returns to its normal patterns.Definition from www.babysleepsite.com.
Carter's sleep issues have typically connected to his developmental milestones. What I am learning about this particular regression is that at 18 months, he is experiencing:
- Teething. Around this age is when babes usually get their first molars. Although he has a mouth full of teeth, I think his mouth may be to blame.
- Ear Aches. Carter has had ear issues since day one (not uncommon for little ones). We are planning to have tubes put in his ears in April which should help with the recurring ear infections.
- Separation anxiety. This was never an issue for us and C would always do so well when dropped off anywhere, but lately, he is realllly clingy to mama.
Some tips that I have found helpful to combat all of the above challenges are:
Setting firm limits with Carter and enforcing discipline. Parenting is not a democracy. What mama (or daddy) says goes and that's it. So sticking to your guns and not backing down has worked for us. It has allowed us to build a strong foundation of who is in charge in our house and helps to get through the other, non-sleep-related, tantrums.
Not breaking all of our good habits for this short-term phase. I haven't rocked Carter to sleep since he was 8 months old and I am not about to start now. I don't want to promote any bad sleep habits just to help us get over this hump.
Communicating with him and encouraging him that he is doing the right thing when it is time for bed or nap. Reminding him that he is a good, big boy and that he can do this!
Falling back on our "fading" sleep training technique has also been helpful.
Also, keeping things in perspective. This is just a phase and although it feels like an eternity after days and days of waking up multiple times throughout the night. This will pass. Carter is healthy and happy and we are beyond blessed (even if we are a little sleepy).
Parenting is not for the weak!
.png)
0 comments