2-year-old sleep regression, how long did it last for you?

Question

About ten days into what I'm assuming is the 2 year regression. Early wakes, fighting the nap, kicking off at bedtime. For anyone who's had it, how long till it calmed down? Losing the plot a bit here.

Gemma Coe · Accepted Answer

Hi Tom, Unfortunately, there is no reliable timetable for a “two-year regression”. I tend to think of regressions as shorthand for a period where something is affecting sleep rather than a fixed developmental event. Around two years, there can be lots going on with language, independence, boundaries and changing sleep needs, along with a burst in imagination and sometimes increased separation anxiety. I would keep an eye on the nap. Some children can look ready to drop it at this age, especially if they suddenly start refusing it, but often it is more a case of FOMO than genuinely no longer needing the sleep. I would usually continue to offer the nap for now, even if they do not take it every day. Try not to change too much at once. Keep bedtime and your response to early wakes as predictable as possible while you watch what happens over the next week or two. I hope that helps!

Chloe · Answer

Ours was about three weeks of hell then it just lifted. Keep an eye on the nap, that's the sneaky bit. This is around when a lot of them drop to one nap or start messing with the timing, and a nap that's too long or too late absolutely wrecks bedtime. Capping it and moving it earlier did more for the bedtime meltdowns than anything else we tried.

Jo · Answer

Went on about a month for us but we were also potty training and moving house at the time so take that with a pinch of salt. In the end it was just sticking to our guns and not caving on the extra books that got us back to normal.