Emma’s Diary Feature: How we survived the 2 year sleep regression

Partnering with Emma’s Diary has helped me reach so many prospective parents, newborn mums, and toddler handlers – I love hearing your feedback and support, thank you! Working with this platform is one of my proudest writing achievements and I love having the opportunity to tackle controversial subjects.  Thank you Emma’s Diary for giving me this platform to share my innermost thoughts. Today’s brand new post is all about how we handled the dreaded two year sleep regression.

So, your beautiful little bundle of joy has just turned 2. What a rollercoaster ride the past two years have been. Now you can enjoy a hot cup of tea, set up activities for enjoyment, communicate, and finally get some much-deserved rest. 

But when your little one turns 2 (and sometimes just before) they go through yet another sleep regression. 

This one is the 2 year sleep regression and I think we’re about through it in our house. 

Jack turned 2 at the end of February and the regression reared its head just when we were getting solid sleep. But hope is on the horizon!

Here is my guide on what you need to do and some ways to cope with sleep regression 

The 411 

Things are shifting within your toddler. They no longer depend on you for everything and becoming aware of their place in this world. But toddlers don’t yet all have the tools they need to navigate the world at their pace. They are still irrational and impatient at 2. 

This can affect their sleep. 

Their new awareness of what’s going on can impact how they sleep – or don’t sleep. Before this, their world was very central to what they were doing. Bedtime was bedtime, good night world. 

At 2, they are becoming aware that once they’re in bed, mummy can go downstairs and hang out without them. The fear of missing out starts to peak once again.

Development 

As a toddler mum, I can safely say that being a whirlwind two-year-old must be exhausting. The simple act of getting dressed and going downstairs can sometimes be an emotional rollercoaster. My little one can resist simple things he’s done every day for months and his defiance can be quite impressive. 

But the fact is, most two-year-olds still need sleep – day naps and solid night time sleep. 

Toddlerhood is a melting pot of growth, development, and learning for them. Every single day Jack will say a new phrase or sing a new song, his learning is coming on leaps and bounds and it is incredible. 

Often, I can see his brain working overtime just trying to process what’s happening and how he can communicate and contribute his ideas. He must be exhausted – I know I am! 

How long does the sleep regression last? 

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE ON THE EMMA’S DIARY BLOG HERE.

LoveRosiee
xxx

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People Also Ask…

How long does the 2 year sleep regression last?

They can last just a few days to several weeks. I know it can be tough when you’re operating on less sleep, but remaining consistent with routines and holding firm to boundaries can be so helpful for making it through the 2 year old sleep regression.

Why is my 2 year old suddenly having trouble sleeping?

Reasons for the 2 year sleep regression include toddlers exploring their world and testing boundaries, changes in sleep needs, transitioning out of a crib too early, big changes at home (like a new sibling or move), and milestones like potty training.

What does 2 year sleep regression look like?

This regression can look like taking a long time to fall asleep at night, or waking up multiple times in the night, or waking up super early in the morning, or it might only affect naps. And sometimes it can be a combination. For my daughter it has mostly been affecting the nap.

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