Why Toddlers Wake In The Night

In the first year of parenthood, the most common question is often: "Does your baby sleep through the night?" Studies show that up to one third of parents may not be honest about their baby's sleep habits due to fear of judgment. Research increasingly supports the idea that night waking is normal in the first few years of a child's life, contradicting the Western belief that night feedings decrease after the early weeks.

Sleep Regressions

The term “sleep regression” is commonly used to describe changes in sleep patterns observed in babies and toddlers. These periods usually occur around 4, 9, 15, and 17 months, coinciding with significant developmental milestones such as rolling, crawling, and walking.

As children approach new milestones, their brains are more active during sleep, leading to increased wakefulness. Instead of viewing these episodes as regressions, it is important to recognize them as signs of progress in development.

While parents may find these disruptions concerning, they are typically temporary and indicative of normal growth. Responding gently and offering reassurance to help your child return to sleep is usually all that is required.

In addition to these so-called “sleep regressions,” other developmental changes can also impact sleep patterns during the second and third years of a child's life.

The Wonder Weeks and Sleep Disturbances

Wonder Weeks is a theory proposed by Dutch experts Frans Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt that suggests that babies go through predictable developmental leaps during their first 20 months of life. These "leaps" are characterized by periods of clinginess, fussiness, and increased crying, but are then followed by new skills and abilities.

Each wonder week signifies a new mental development phase where babies experience significant changes in their perception, knowledge, and skills. These leaps are believed to help babies make sense of the world around them and develop new abilities such as improved motor skills, increased understanding of cause and effect, and enhanced social interactions.

While not all parents may subscribe to the concept of wonder weeks, many find it helpful in understanding their baby's behaviors and knowing what to expect during different stages of development. It is important to remember that every child is unique, so not all babies may follow the exact timeline of wonder weeks, but the theory can still provide valuable insights into infant development.

Sleep disturbances are common during the Wonder Weeks, continuing into the second year and beyond. Leaps 8, 9, and 10, occurring around 13 months, 15 months, and 17 months, can be particularly challenging. The first six months of the second year may feel like one extended period of disrupted sleep, with prolonged fussy periods lasting up to a month each.

Mobility and Sleep Disturbance

Learning to move can disrupt sleep. A 2013 study revealed that babies experience sleep disturbances in the month leading up to and up to three months following the crawling milestone. This pattern likely extends to other milestones like sitting, standing, walking, climbing, and running.

Toddler Talk

During the 18-24 months period, toddlers experience a language explosion, quickly learning and using more words. This shift allows them to acquire multiple new words simultaneously and significantly improve their communication skills. Some toddlers may experience disrupted sleep during this time due to their increased linguistic development.

Teething troubles

Although its the topic of jokes between parents, night waking due to discomfort from teeth erupting is very real. After the initial simple teeth which appear from around six months, the teeth which appear throughout the second year are more complex and multi-surface, making the experience of teething more intense.

Ongoing, interrupted sleep can be challenging for parents, especially when balancing work, study, or caring for multiple children. Night-waking is a normal aspect of early childhood and shouldn't be viewed as a problem that needs fixing. Instead, the focus should be on finding ways to help children and adults get back to sleep efficiently. Accepting that night waking is a natural occurrence for children, and that they may need parental support to fall back asleep, can reduce stress and prevent resentment towards the child.