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Mental Leap 10 and Sleep

Wonder weeks leap 10 and sleep
Alex Warrack

Alex Warrack

You are 17 months into the parenthood journey. You now have a full-blown toddler on your hands, and you’re thinking about birthday party number TWO!

You crushed the 2-1 nap transition, and sleep is going well for you and your toddler.

Then BAM! Your toddler isn’t napping anymore (RIP nap), waking up multiple times a night, and trying to climb out of the crib.

Welcome to leap 10, or what is also known as the 18-month sleep regression.  

What Is A Leap?

By now, you may be a pro at these mental leaps that your little one goes through.

However, if you are new to leaps…

A leap is a mental leap that baby makes where they gain a new perspective ability. This new ability allows baby to perceive, see, hear, taste, smell, and feel many new things that baby was not able to perceive before the leap. 

What You Need To Know About Leap 10

Mental leap 10 is known as “The World of Systems.” 

I know you thought you had a toddler on your hands, but really you have a toddler teenager.

Your toddler-ager has discovered that they can do things independently and have complete control of their body, and they love it! 

With this newfound attitude, you can expect the following:

  • They will think they can influence you with the discovery of their own will.
  • “Me” and “you” will be emerging more in their vocabulary.
  • Hello imaginative-play; toys will seem like real people to them, and they will play as such. 
  • Understanding more than what they can say.
  • Testing boundaries to see what they can or cannot do (climbing out of their crib, protesting naps and bedtime). 

How Will Leap 10 Affect Sleep

With this leap, your toddler may push the boundaries of trying to climb out of the crib and drop their one and only nap. Trust me, they still need both! Most children nap until they are at least 3!

How To Support Sleep During Leap 10

Whenever our little ones are going through anything major developmentally, there is usually a regression in sleep. And leap 10 is no exception!

It is usual for your little one to start fighting sleep at this age. Supporting your toddler and encouraging sleep will ensure that you can get your happy, healthy sleeper back on track. 

Here are some things that you can do:

  • Keep your little one on a consistent schedule that is age appropriate with a flexible bedtime.
  • “No” over the monitor. If you see your little one raising their foot to climb out, say a sharp “no climb” over the video monitor. Many children are like, “WTF was that?” Then they put their foot down and lay down. For more tips on climbing out of the crib, click here.
  • If your little one was formally a healthy, well-rested sleeper, give them some time and space to soothe themselves at bedtime and naptime.
  • CONSISTENCY is so essential at this age. Try not to say “no” to one more book and then give in just to keep the peace. Your toddler is testing you. If we do this, they start to understand that our words and actions don’t always align, which will cause them to continue pushing more.
  • Just because your toddler is protesting their one and only nap doesn’t mean they don’t need it. Most toddlers nap until 3-5 years old. 

Takeaway

Not all leaps will impact sleep. However, if your once sleeping champ starts to wake more or cry more at bedtime, it is best to stick to your routine and be 100% consistent in keeping healthy sleep habits. Our toddlers are super bright and will pick up on the slightest inconsistencies. Leaps are temporary, but creating healthy sleep habits will help you and your little one get your much-needed sleep. 

After 2 weeks, if you are still experiencing sleep challenges, book a discovery call so we can talk about how we can help you get back on track or start to create healthy sleep habits for your family. 

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