14-Month-Old Sleep Regression

Many parents are always confused when their 14-month-old babies suddenly begin to experience sleep regression. During this time, it is common for toddlers to have difficulty falling asleep, wake frequently during the night, or resist bedtime. It can be a challenging time for both parents and toddlers as they are going through a new stage of a baby's sleep development.

• Does a 14-month-old baby have sleep regression?
• Why do 14-month-old babies have sleep regressions?
• How much sleep does a 14-month-old need?
• How to sleep train a 14-month-old to get through the sleep regression?
• Conclusion

Does a 14-month-old baby have sleep regression?

It's a special feeling for parents when it comes to whether or not their 14-month-old baby is experiencing sleep regression. 

Some parents say that their babies seem to go through a rough stage at this age, with disrupted sleep patterns and increased awakenings. However, not all babies go through this regression, and some may continue to have smooth sleep.

It's important to remember that every toddler is different. Sleep regression is a common developmental milestone, it doesn't affect every baby in the same way. If parents are concerned about their baby's sleep habits, it's best to consult with their pediatrician for individualized advice and guidance.

Why do 14-month-old babies have sleep regressions?

Around 14 months of age, many babies experience sleep regression. Here are some reasons:

Developmental milestones: 

Babies around 14 months of age usually experience different developmental milestones, such as:

• Walking
• Talking
• Teething

Learning new skills can make babies more excited during the day, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

Separation anxiety:

Around this age, babies may begin to experience more intense separation anxiety. They will be more observant of their surroundings and more dependent on their parents. This increased dependence can lead to more waking at night as babies will seek comfort and reassurance from their parents.

Teething discomfort: 

Teething is a common discomfort for babies around 14 months of age. The pain and discomfort of teething can disrupt their sleep patterns and cause them to wake up more often during the night.

Change in routine: 

Changes in routine, such as transitioning from two naps a day to one or starting daycare, can disrupt your baby's sleep schedule. It takes time for your baby to adjust to these changes. It is common for many babies to lose sleep quality during these transitions.

Growth spurts: 

Babies experience frequent growth spurts in the first few years of life, and these growth spurts can affect their sleep patterns. During growth spurts, babies may be hungrier or more uncomfortable, which can lead to more nighttime awakenings.

Parents should understand the above factors that can help them get through the sleep regression with their babies and provide appropriate support and comfort to their babies during this challenging stage.

How much sleep does a 14-month-old need?

Typically, a 14-month-old toddler needs 12 to 15 hours of sleep a day, including nighttime sleep and naps. Each toddler's sleep schedule will be a little different. Most babies at this age still take two naps during the day, for a total daytime sleep time of about 2 to 3 hours. Parents need to observe their baby's sleep patterns and adjust the routine accordingly to ensure they are getting enough rest. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine will also help promote better sleep habits for both baby and parents.

How to sleep train a 14-month-old to get through the sleep regression?

Here are some sleep training tips to help your 14-month-old through sleep regression:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine: 

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can remind to your toddler that it's time to relax and get to bed. A bedtime routine may include activities such as 

• Taking a warm bath
• Reading a book
• Singing a lullaby

By following the same steps each night, your toddler will begin to get used to these activities and get the signal of bedtime.

Encourage self-soothing skills: 

Encouraging your toddler to fall asleep independently can help him develop self-soothing skills. For example, you can put your baby in a bassinet while they are still awake but sleepy, so they can learn to fall asleep on their own without external soothing activities such as rocking, patting, or breastfeeding.

Maintain a comfortable sleep environment: 

Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is suitable for restful sleep. Parents should keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Using a white noise machine or blackout curtains can also help create a good sleep environment.

Offer your baby a sleep sack:

A sleep sack can help your baby through sleep regression by providing a comfortable and safe resting environment. It prevents babies from getting tangled in blankets or kicking them away and helps them stay warm throughout the whole night. 

Sleep sacks improve the quality of sleep for the baby and also for the parents. The snug fit of a sleep sack also provides comfort and mimics the feeling of being swaddled, which can calm a restless baby and help them fall asleep more easily. All in all, using a sleep sack is a simple but effective way to help babies and parents get through the challenges of sleep regression and promote better sleep habits.

Pay attention to daytime naps: 

Watch your baby’s daytime naps to make sure they don't sleep too much during the day which may interfere with the nighttime sleep. Keep the same nap times and avoid letting your baby sleep too close to bedtime as this can make it harder for babies to fall asleep at night.

Keep consistent bedtime and wake-up times: 

The key to sleep training is consistency. Try to use a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends or vacations. A regular bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate your baby’s internal clock, making it easier for them to go to sleep and wake up at regular times.

Offer comfort and a sense of security: 

Your baby may need extra comfort and a sense of security during a sleep regression. If they wake up during the night, they often need gentle touch or soothing words for comfort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting through 14-month-old sleep regression can be challenging, but understanding its patterns and learning some strategies can help both parents and babies get through this stage. Parents need to be patient with sleep training.