An 18-month-old waking up a lot at night?
⚡ Short answer: Frequent nighttime wakings in 18-month-olds are a normal part of development, often linked to milestones like learning to walk or separation anxiety, and waiting a few minutes before responding, then gently reassuring your child, can help manage this phase.
Anonymous
18 aylık bebek annesi · Sleep
My 18-month-old wakes up a lot at night — I'm very confused about this, what should I do?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
I understand how exhausting and confusing frequent nighttime wakings can be. At 18 months, this is very common — especially if your child is newly walking or going through a separation anxiety phase, they may wake more often at night. This isn't a setback; it's a natural part of development.
One very practical thing you can try: when your baby wakes at night, wait a few minutes before picking them up — if they can settle back down on their own, you're reinforcing that skill. If the crying intensifies, go to them, say calmly "I'm here, you can sleep" and gently pat their back; but don't stay in the room too long. A consistent bedtime routine (bath, story, dim lighting) also strengthens sleep cues.
If this lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, if it's affecting weight gain, or if your child is extremely fussy during the day, I'd recommend checking with your pediatrician — sometimes a physical cause like teething, ear infection, or sleep apnea is worth ruling out.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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