Why Won't an 18-Month-Old Sleep?
⚡ Short answer: 18 months is one of the ages when children's sleep most commonly gets disrupted.
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18 aylık bebek annesi · Sleep
Why won't an 18-month-old sleep?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
18 months is one of the ages when children's sleep most commonly gets disrupted. There are several common reasons:
Developmental leaps: At this age, walking, speech, and independence skills advance rapidly. While the brain processes these new abilities, falling or staying asleep becomes harder.
Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety peaks around 18 months. The child struggles to fall asleep without a parent and may wake frequently at night to check.
Teething: Canine teeth and first molars usually erupt around this time; gum sensitivity can disrupt sleep.
Sleep regression: 18 months is a known sleep regression period — a child who used to sleep well may suddenly resist bedtime.
Nap transition: Some children transition to one nap (afternoon nap) around this age. During this shift, both nighttime and daytime sleep can become unbalanced.
General suggestion: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, eliminating screens 1-2 hours before bed, ensuring adequate daytime physical activity, and responding calmly and consistently to night wakings (the same response each time) are usually the most effective approaches. For serious sleep problems lasting longer than 2 weeks, consulting your pediatrician is a good idea.
⚕️ 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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