A sudden change in sleeping patterns around the age of 2 will undoubtedly make you feel like a part of a very big group of parents. There are a large number of parents who are taken aback when their children, who used to be such good sleepers, start to resist going to bed, to wake up at night, or to get up way too early in the morning. The disruption of routines that accompanies these changes can be very frustrating and tiring at this point when you feel your routine is finally under control.
However, one of the good things about this predicament is that the sleep regression at the age of two is a widely recognized phenomenon and many toddlers go through it. The reason for this change is the combination of physical, emotional, and developmental changes, which make the sleep harder during this repaid development period. It surely seems as if it is going to be forever, but it will not.
The understanding of the factors that cause this regression, the duration of its presence, and what can be done to help the toddler settle down again will make a tremendous difference. By employing the right strategy and being consistent, you will soon invite your little one to the land of good sleepers again.
What Is the 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression?
A sleep regression at twenty-four months marked by an otherwise sound sleeper toddler starts to be a bit of a nightmare. They might refuse to sleep, wake up a lot, or just get up really early. It is indeed a regression but a temporary one and moreover, a normal thing that happens with toddlers. Faced with this situation many parents would consider it a huge setback, but in reality, the majority of toddlers get over this phase as soon as the developmental shift is settled.
Duration of the Regression?
The duration of the regression differs from child to child but on average, it takes one to three weeks for most toddlers to transit through it. The given time interval might be perceived as long when one’s sleep deprived, however, it is not a lasting situation. Consistency and patience often lead to the sooner end of the regression. Keeping cool, and responding in the same manner every night eliminates misunderstanding and gives your toddler the framework they need through the ordeal.
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Causes of the 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression
There are a number of factors that can lead to sleep disruptions during the 2-year milestone, and a lot of them occur at the same time.
One of the main reasons is the child’s physical development. During this period kids go through a lot of development in terms of movement, speaking and interacting with other children. All this new knowledge may be the reason of their minds and bodies getting harder to relax at night. Separation anxiety may also come back, and the child would want the parent to be close by or have a hard time falling asleep alone.
Another reason is the child’s exhaustion. Gradually shifting bedtime to a later time or irregular naps may create a situation where the toddler is so tired that it is impossible for them to calm down to the point of falling asleep.
Around the age of 2 many children also display a strong need for autonomy which can be a reason for no sleep resistance, delaying, or even getting out of the crib. A child can be going through family changes, like having to share the attention with a new sibling, which may cause issues in sleeping and changes in behavior. The alteration in nap time can also become an issue, especially if the naps get shorter or are not consistent. Teething, particularly when the 2-year molars are coming in, can also bring about discomfort at night. Some kids may start fearing things like darkness which can also contribute to sleep disturbances at this age.
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Signs of a 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression
The major signs include, for one, fighting to go to bed, being widely awake several times during the night, getting up early in the morning, asking for more parents’ company, or being naughty during nap time. Sudden coming of these behaviors right after the long-existing stable sleep period is oftentimes the main factor for parents to notice a regression.
The 2-Year-Old Sleep Regression Solutions
Initially, check if your little one is healthy, comfy, and in a safe space. If teething or a minor discomfort is the cause of the disturbance, get that sorted out first. If your kiddo has gotten to the age where they climb out of the crib, make the mattress the lowest it can go or convert to a toddler bed if that is the case. Room-proofing is a must, that is, no corners should be left for the little one to get into trouble when he/she can move around freely. If he/she is afraid of the dark, a tiny night-light won’t take away the darkness but will still give the feeling of safety in the bed.
Then, you can work on the routine next. Sticking to the same nap schedule daily as well as a goodnight routine helps children to sleep easier without too much fuss. Reading stories or engaging in quiet play are some of the activities that can support relaxation before bed. It is also advisable to keep the usage of screens at bay for at least one hour before the child’s sleep since screen time has been associated with later bedtimes.
Sticking to it is very important. When your toddler comes out of the room for the umpteenth time, take them back in without showing any emotions and that won’t be an excessively long conversation, either. Some parents opt to sit just outside the door and quietly remind their child to remain in bed. Sometimes, though, letting the toddler play quietly in a safe room until becoming sleepy is an easier, more peaceful way of handling it.
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Sleep Needs for 2-Year-Olds
Sleep time for toddlers who are 2 years old ranges from 11 to 14 hours in total per day. One nocturnal sleep and a diurnal nap generally contribute to the total sleeping time. Lack of sleep can lead to overtiredness, which in turn makes bedtime and naps tougher.
Conclusion
The sleep regression at the age of 2 years is one of the hardest things for kids, especially if your kid was a good sleeper before this. Still, this period that suddenly brings the struggles of putting the child to bed and night wakings is very much a part of the growth process and generally, it goes away quite fast. If you know what causes the regression and you are able to recognize the signs, then you will be able to react with patience and confidence.
A toddler’s sleep can be greatly restored if the environment is safe and the routines are kept the same and the parents are consistent every night. The situation might look like never-ending but in fact, most toddlers go through it in a few weeks. Though it feels like a lifetime to them while they are tired, toddlers do pass it. Your little one will soon return to a peaceful and deep sleep and the whole family will reap the benefits as you all will be able to easily sleep with your calm responses and predictable habits.
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