Are you struggling with your toddler’s sudden sleep problems? If your 14-—to 15-month-old suddenly wakes at night, fights naps, or takes forever to fall asleep, you’re likely experiencing a sleep regression.
This challenging phase happens when babies who were sleeping well suddenly aren’t, usually because they’re learning exciting new skills like walking or talking.
Their developing brains are so busy that sleep becomes difficult. Many toddlers this age are also transitioning from two naps to one, which disrupts their entire sleep schedule. While sleep regressions are frustrating for parents, they’re actually signs of healthy development.
The good news is that these phases are temporary, typically lasting 2-3 weeks, and with the right approach, you can help your little one (and yourself) get through this bumpy patch.
What Is Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression occurs when a baby or toddler who has been sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more frequently during the night, fighting sleep, or taking shorter naps.
These episodes typically last between 2 and 6 weeks and often coincide with developmental milestones or changes in sleep needs.
During a regression, children may become fussier and more clingy as their sleep patterns temporarily destabilize.
Common regression periods occur around 4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years of age. While challenging for parents, regressions are normal parts of child development and usually resolve with consistent routines and patience.
Sleep regression occurs when a baby or toddler who was previously sleeping well suddenly starts waking frequently at night and/or refusing naps.
These phases typically coincide with developmental milestones and last 2-6 weeks before sleep patterns normalize again.
Why Do Sleep Regressions Happen?
Sleep regressions often occur when children reach significant developmental stages—physical developments like rolling over, crawling, or walking cause excitement that disrupts sleep.
Cognitive leaps may lead to brain processing during sleep, causing more wakings. Separation anxiety can also trigger sleep issues as children become more aware of their parent’s absence.
Additionally, schedule disruptions from teething, illness, travel, or routine changes can prompt temporary sleep problems.
Differences Between Sleep Regression and Sleep Disorders
Sleep regressions are temporary phases tied to development that resolve on their own, while sleep disorders are persistent conditions requiring medical attention.
Sleep regressions follow predictable patterns at common ages (4 months, 8-10 months, 18 months, 2 years), whereas disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia present consistently troubling symptoms.
Regressions respond well to consistent routines and temporary support, while disorders typically need professional intervention.
Signs of Sleep Regression
Increased Night Wakings
- Baby wakes up multiple times during the night when they previously slept through
- More crying or calling out for parents during nighttime
Difficulty Falling Asleep
- Bedtime battles become more intense
- It takes longer to settle down at bedtime
- More fussiness or crying when put down
Shorter or Skipped Naps
- Suddenly refusing naps altogether
- Waking early from previously solid naps
- Fighting sleep at regular naptime
- Showing sleep cues but unable to settle for daytime sleep
What Causes a Sleep Regression at 14 or 15 Months?
Their brains are super busy, which can interfere with their sleep. They might be walking better, saying new words, or understanding more of what you say.
All this brain growth can make it hard for them to settle down at night or during naps. In addition, many toddlers this age are starting to switch from two naps to just one nap each day.
This big change in their daily routine can throw off their sleep for a while until they adjust.
Developmental Milestones Disrupting Sleep
When your toddler masters new skills like running, climbing, or speaking in sentences, their brain becomes supercharged with activity.
These developmental leaps often trigger sleep disruptions as their busy minds process these exciting abilities. Even at bedtime, they might be mentally practicing their new skills instead of winding down.
During these periods, you might notice more resistance at bedtime, increased night wakings, or early morning rising. While frustrating, these sleep disruptions are actually signs of healthy development.
Maintaining consistent bedtime routines becomes even more important during these phases, giving your toddler the security they need while their world expands with new abilities.
Transitioning from Two Naps to One
The shift from two naps to one is a major sleep milestone that typically occurs between 15 and 18 months.
This transition period often brings temporary sleep challenges as your toddler’s body adjusts to wake windows longer. Their internal sleep rhythm gets completely reorganized, causing overtiredness until they adapt.
As your body finds its new balance, you might notice more morning grumpiness, midday meltdowns, or early wakings.
To ease this transition, gradually push the morning nap later by 15-30 minutes every few days until it lands around midday.
Watch for your toddler’s sleepy cues and be prepared to offer an earlier bedtime during this adjustment phase.
How Long Does the 14-15 Month Sleep Regression Last?
Most babies go through the 14-15 month sleep regression for about 2-3 weeks, but it can last up to 6 weeks for some kids.
Try to remember that it won’t last forever, even when you’re super tired! Your toddler’s brain is growing a lot right now, which messes with their sleep.
Staying consistent with bedtime routines will help you both get through this tough patch. Soon, your little one will settle into their new sleep pattern, and everyone will get more rest.
1. Average Duration of This Regression
- Most sleep regressions at this age last 2-3 weeks
- Some may stretch to 4-6 weeks
- Sleep often gets better in small steps, not all at once
2. Factors That Influence Sleep Recovery
- How consistent do you stay with bedtime routines
- Your child’s temperament (some are more sensitive)
- Big changes at home (moves, new siblings)
- If your child is sick or teething at the same time
3. When to Expect Sleep to Return to Normal
- Usually, within a month from when it started
- After your child masters new skills like walking
- When they’ve fully adjusted to one nap
My 14-Month-Old Won’t Sleep. Why Is My 14-Month-Old Refusing to Nap?
When your 14-month-old suddenly fights naps, it can be really frustrating. This often happens because your toddler is going through big changes in how they sleep.
Many 14-month-olds are caught between needing two naps and being ready for just one nap a day. Their bodies are figuring out a new rhythm.
They’re also learning exciting new skills like walking better or saying more words. Sometimes, they’re so excited about these new abilities that they don’t want to stop and sleep, even when they’re tired. This doesn’t mean they need less sleep overall – they still need about 12-14 hours of sleep each day.
Common Reasons for Nap Resistance
Toddlers often fight naps when they’re in transition between nap schedules. If your child resists two naps, they might be ready for just one midday nap instead.
Poor nighttime sleep can also make them overtired, paradoxically making naps harder.
Many toddlers experience FOMO (fear of missing out) and resist naps because they’re excited about activities, toys, or family interactions.
Developmental milestones like walking or talking can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, too. Inconsistent nap timing or location might confuse your toddler about what’s expected.
Watch for your child’s unique tired cues to catch their optimal sleep window.
How to Adjust Nap Schedules?
When adjusting your toddler’s nap schedule, observe their natural sleepy periods. Most toddlers transition to one nap between 15 and 18 months.
This single nap typically falls around 12:30 PM and lasts 1.5-2.5 hours. Establish a consistent pre-nap routine with calming activities like reading or gentle rocking.
Use the same sleep space and sleep cues (sound machine, lovey, darkened room) for both naps and bedtime. If changes are needed, gradually shift the timing by 15-minute increments.
Be patient during transitions. It may take your child 2-3 weeks to adjust to new schedules.
Maintain consistent wake-up times to help regulate their internal clock.
Is There a 14-Month-Old Sleep Regression?
Yes, many babies go through a sleep regression around 14 months old. This happens when a baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking up more at night or refusing naps.
The 14-month sleep regression usually happens because your toddler is learning new skills like walking better or saying more words.
They’re also becoming more independent and maybe switching from two naps to one nap during the day. While it’s tough on parents, remember that sleep regressions are normal and temporary—most last about 2-3 weeks before sleep improves again.
1. How the 14-Month Regression Differs from Earlier Ones
The 14-month regression is often linked to better walking skills and more talking. Unlike earlier regressions, your toddler now understands more and may try to negotiate bedtime. They might also be testing boundaries as they realize their growing independence.
2. Signs That This Is a Temporary Sleep Disruption
If your toddler suddenly changes their sleep patterns but was sleeping well before, it’s likely temporary. Watch for other changes like new words, better walking, or more interest in analyzing. If they’re still eating and playing normally during the day, it’s probably just a phase.
3. How to Tell if It’s a Sleep Regression or a Habit Change
Sleep regressions usually appear suddenly and happen alongside new skills. Habits form gradually over time. Regressions improve on their own within a few weeks, while habits tend to stick around until you make changes to your routines.
What Can I Do to Help My Toddler with Their Separation Anxiety?
Helping Your Toddler with Separation Anxiety at Bedtime
Separation anxiety peaks around 14-18 months, making bedtime challenging. Your toddler understands you’re leaving but not that you’ll return. To help them feel secure:
- Stay calm – they sense your stress.
- Use a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.
- Practice short separations during the day.
- Talk about bedtime in advance.
Comforting Without Sleep Crutches
- Give verbal reassurance instead of picking them up.
- Pat their back gently but stop before they fall asleep.
- Increase distance gradually during comfort sessions.
Consistent Bedtime Routine for Reassurance
- Follow the same steps nightly.
- Include calming activities like baths, books, and songs.
- Keep it short—about 30 minutes.
Can You Prevent Sleep Regression?
You can’t completely prevent sleep regressions since they’re tied to your child’s development. However, you can make them less severe and shorter by preparing ahead.
Sleep regressions are normal parts of growing up, not signs that you’re doing something wrong. With good sleep foundations and consistent responses, your family can weather these temporary disruptions more easily.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits Early
- Put your baby down drowsy but awake from early on
- Create a consistent bedtime routine from the beginning
- Keep regular sleep and wake times
- Make sure the sleep environment is comfortable and safe
How to Minimize the Impact of Regressions
- Stick to regular routines even during tough patches
- Avoid starting new sleep habits you don’t want to continue
- Adjust schedules gradually when transitioning naps
When to Call the Doctor About Sleep Regression?
While sleep regressions are normal, there are times when you should talk to your doctor about your toddler’s sleep issues.
If your child seems to be in pain, has trouble breathing during sleep, or shows other concerning symptoms along with sleep problems, it’s best to check with your pediatrician.
Trust your gut feeling as a parent – you know your child best, and it’s always okay to ask for professional help if you’re worried.
Signs of an Underlying Medical Issue. Call your doctor if your toddler has trouble breathing while sleeping, seems to be in pain, has unusual movements during sleep, snores loudly, or shows extreme tiredness despite adequate sleep time. These could signal problems like ear infections, sleep apnea, or other health concerns that need medical attention.
When Sleep Problems Last Beyond a Few Weeks, most sleep regressions resolve within 2-6 weeks. If your child’s sleep issues continue for more than 6 weeks with no improvement, talk to your doctor.
Long-lasting sleep problems might need different approaches or could indicate something beyond a typical regression.
When Sleep Disruptions Are Affecting Daily Life, contact your doctor if sleep issues are severely impacting your family’s functioning or your child’s development. Signs include extreme daytime irritability, behavior changes, falling asleep at unusual times, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the ongoing sleep disruption.
Final Words
Sleep regressions at 14-15 months are normal parts of your child’s evolution trip. By understanding the reasons behind these sleep disruptions—whether they involve new walking skills, language development, or nap transitions—you can respond with patience and consistency.
Remember to maintain regular bedtime routines, offer comfort without creating new sleep habits, and adjust nap schedules as needed.
If sleep problems persist beyond 6 weeks or are accompanied by concerning symptoms like breathing difficulties or extreme daytime irritability, consult your pediatrician. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself during this challenging time.
You’re not doing anything wrong—your toddler isn’t giving you a hard time. They’re having a hard time! Hang in there, tired parent—this too shall pass, and sweeter dreams are just around the corner. Ready to reclaim those peaceful nights? Start with one consistent change today.
