Does your toddler suddenly refuse bedtime or wake up multiple times at night? The 17 month sleep regression affects many families when previously good sleepers start having sleep troubles.

This developmental phase happens as toddlers experience rapid brain growth, new skills, and increased independence.

Understanding what causes the 17 month sleep regression can help parents navigate this challenging time with confidence.

While this period can be exhausting for families, it’s a normal part of development that typically resolves within a few weeks. With the right strategies and patience, you can help your toddler return to healthy sleep patterns.

Understanding 17-Month Sleep Regression

The 17 month sleep regression often catches parents off guard when a once-solid sleeper starts waking at night or refusing naps.

This shift connects directly to rapid brain development; toddlers at this age are mastering new skills like walking, talking, and asserting independence. Their minds stay active, even at bedtime.

Separation anxiety may increase, leading to bedtime protests, crying when a parent leaves the room, or repeated calls for attention. Teething, growth spurts, or routine changes can add to the disruption.

Sleep patterns become inconsistent as toddlers process these developmental changes.

Though challenging, this phase is temporary. Most toddlers return to better sleep once their brains and bodies adapt to new milestones. The regression typically lasts 2-6 weeks, depending on the child.

Consistency with bedtime routines and patient responses helps families navigate this developmental stage more successfully.

What Science Says About the 17 month sleep regression

Sleep regression is totally normal. Their brains are busy learning things like walking, talking, and doing things on their own. All that growth can mess with their sleep for a little while.

You might also notice more clinginess or mood swings. They may feel nervous when you’re not nearby or have trouble calming down. The good news? This phase doesn’t last forever.

• When it starts: Around 16 to 17 months
• When it ends: Usually in 2 to 6 weeks

Stick to a calm bedtime routine and give extra comfort if needed, as it differs from baby to baby.

What’s Causing All This Sleeplessness?

Your 17-month-old’s sleep has changed. Here’s why it’s happening and what you can do. These changes are normal, and a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Learning New Skills (Walking, Talking, Climbing, etc.)

Toddlers undergo a developmental burst, with increased walking, climbing, and new words.

While their bodies may need rest, their active minds keep them in “go” mode, often causing them to wake at night to practice new skills, like pulling up or babbling.

Tip: Let your toddler burn energy and practice new skills actively during the day.

Feeling Bigger Emotions

At 17 months, toddlers begin experiencing complex emotions like frustration, anxiety, and overstimulation.

However, without the ability to self-regulate, these feelings often lead to bedtime challenges, such as fussiness, clinginess, or resistance to sleep.

Tip: Create a calming, predictable bedtime routine that helps your toddler feel secure.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety peaks as toddlers understand object permanence and realize you still exist when out of sight.

This can lead to crying when you leave, bedtime resistance, or waking up at night searching for you, which can disrupt sleep.

Tip: Stay consistent with goodbyes and offer a comfort item your toddler can keep nearby.

Changing Sleep Needs

Your toddler may be transitioning to one nap or needing less daytime sleep. If naps are too long or too close to bedtime, they may struggle to fall asleep or wake up earlier, signaling it’s time to adjust their schedule.

Tip: Watch for cues and gradually shift nap or bedtime to better suit your toddler’s rhythm.

Overstimulation Before Bed

Late-day activities like roughhousing, loud noise, screen time, or busy outings can overstimulate toddlers.

Their developing nervous systems may struggle to “wind down,” making it hard to relax and transition into sleep mode, even after fun activities.

Tip: Keep the hour before bedtime calm, quiet, and free of screens or high-energy play.

Signs of The 17-Month Sleep Regression

The 17-month sleep regression can cause toddlers to wake more at night, resist naps, or struggle to fall asleep. It’s often linked to growth, new skills, and emotional changes.

• Waking at night: Your toddler starts waking up more often than usual.
• Fighting naps: They may resist or skip their daytime naps.
• Taking longer to fall asleep: Bedtime becomes slower and more difficult.
• Crying at bedtime: They cry more when it’s time to sleep.
• Clinginess: They want to stay close to you and don’t like being alone.
• Tantrums or mood swings: They may get upset more easily during the day.
• Waking up early: They wake up earlier than their normal schedule.
• Changes in routine: Usual sleep habits suddenly stop working.

How Parents Can Ease Toddler Sleep Regressions

Toddler sleep regressions can be tough, but a consistent and supportive approach can ease the impact.

Focusing on routine, comfort, and clear boundaries helps toddlers feel secure and promotes better sleep, even during difficult phases.

Stick to a Consistent Routine

Doing the same things every night helps your toddler know it’s time for sleep. A short routine like bath, pajamas, story, and bed can make bedtime easier and less stressful.

Keep a Calm Sleep Environment

Make the bedroom quiet and relaxing. Use dim lights, a white noise machine if needed, and keep toys and screens out of the bed. This helps your toddler feel calm and ready to sleep.

Offer Reassurance Without Reinforcing Bad Habits

If your toddler wakes up or cries, comfort them with a quick hug or gentle words. Try not to start new habits like rocking or lying in bed with them if you don’t want to keep doing it long term.

Watch for Overtiredness

When toddlers get too tired, they often fight sleep. Try to put them to bed before they’re cranky or wired, and it makes falling asleep much easier.

Maintain Daytime Sleep

Don’t drop naps too soon. Most toddlers still need a daytime nap at this age. Skipping naps can lead to more bedtime struggles and night waking.

Set Clear Boundaries

Toddlers test limits, especially at bedtime. Be firm but kind. Let them know when it’s time to sleep and stick to it, even if they protest.

Encourage Daytime Activity

Let your toddler move, play, and spend time outside during the day. This helps burn off energy and makes them more ready for sleep at night.

When to See a Pediatrician

While the 17 month sleep regression is typically normal and temporary, there are instances when a pediatrician’s guidance is necessary.

• Sleep problems persist beyond 6 weeks: If your toddler’s sleep doesn’t improve with routine and support after 6 weeks, it’s worth checking for underlying issues.
• Snoring or breathing difficulties during sleep: Loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing may indicate sleep apnea or other underlying medical concerns.
• Unusual changes in behavior or development: If sleep struggles are accompanied by developmental delays, extreme irritability, or regression in skills, consult your doctor.
• Signs of illness or discomfort: Frequent night waking due to teething is common, but ear infections, allergies, or reflux can also disrupt sleep.
• Significant changes in appetite or weight: If sleep problems coincide with poor eating or noticeable weight loss, seek professional advice.

The Bottom Line

The 17 month sleep regression can be a challenging phase for families, but understanding that it’s a normal part of development helps parents stay patient and consistent.

By maintaining steady bedtime routines, offering reassurance without creating new dependencies, and remembering that this phase will pass, parents can successfully navigate the 17-month sleep regression.

Every child experiences this regression differently, and some may take longer to return to their previous sleep patterns. The key is staying calm and consistent while your toddler works through this important developmental stage.

Have you experienced the 17-month sleep regression with your toddler? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below!