Yes, parents often report a sleep regression when their little one is around 16 months of age, typically referring to a period when their child may be experiencing disruptions in their regular sleep pattern. Sleep regressions are common at various developmental stages during a child’s early years.

Here are some common characteristics of this age, and the potential related 16-month sleep regression symptoms that you may notice in your child:

Developmental Milestones: Around 16 months of age, toddlers are often experiencing significant developmental changes. They may be learning to walk more confidently, acquiring language skills, or understanding more about the world around them. These developmental strides can lead to increased restlessness or difficulty settling down at bedtime.
Separation Anxiety: At this age, toddlers can be more aware of their surroundings and of separations from their parents or primary caregivers. This can contribute to increased anxiety at bedtime, leading to more frequent night wakings or resistance to going to sleep.
Teething: Toddlers may be cutting their first molars around this time, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
Change in Sleep Needs: As toddlers grow, their sleep needs evolve. Some may be ready to transition from two naps to one, or their total nap and nighttime sleep needs might begin to shift.
Increased Independence: Growing independence can lead to bedtime battles as toddlers assert themselves, impacting their willingness to go to bed or stay in bed.

How long does the 16-month sleep regression last?

The 16-month sleep regression typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the child. Some toddlers may adjust quickly and return to their normal sleep patterns within a week or two, while others may take longer to adapt. As mentioned above, factors such as nap transitions, teething, and developmental changes can influence the duration and intensity of this phase as can how we respond to it as we try to help our children through it.

What can I do to help my child through the 16-month sleep regression?

Maintaining consistent sleep routines and fostering good sleep habits can help minimize disruptions and shorten the regression period. To help manage a sleep regression, consider the following strategies:

– Maintain consistent nap and bedtime routines that are calming and predictable.
– Provide comfort and reassurance to alleviate separation anxiety.
– Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest – dark, calm, and cool with minimal distractions.
– Be patient and offer reassurance, but try to avoid introducing new sleep associations (rocking to sleep, feeding to sleep, laying with them until they’re asleep, co-sleeping, etc) that you may not want to maintain in the long term.

16-month-old sleep schedule

A typical sleep schedule for a 16-month-old includes 11-14 total hours of sleep per day, with 10-12 hours at night and 1-3 hours of daytime sleep. Depending on your toddler’s needs, they may take one or two naps at this age. 

General Sleep Guidelines for a 16-month-old:

• Total Daily Sleep Needs: 11-14 hours per day.
• Overnight/Nighttime Sleep Needs: 10-12 hours.
• Daytime/Nap Sleep: 1-3 hours (split between one or two naps)
• Wake Windows:
  – For two naps: 3.25–4 hours between naps.
  – For one nap: Approximately 5 hours before and after the nap.

Additional Sleep Related Tips for 16-month-olds

If your 16-month-old is not already on one nap, now may be the right time to transition to one nap and be sure you have a solid and consistent bedtime routine.

Tips for Transitioning to One Nap

– Watch for signs like resisting one nap, waking up at night, or taking shorter naps.
– Gradually increase wake windows to around 5 hours before and after the single nap. For example, if he/she wakes at 7am, they’re nap would be at 12pm.
– In most cases, capping that one nap at 2 hours (so in the example above, waking by 2pm) allows your child to stay on track for a decent bedtime and allows for enough sleep drive for them to sleep well overnight. If we allow too much daytime sleep, you may notice that it “steals” from their overnight sleep.

Bedtime Routine

A calming 30-minute bedtime routine with consistent activities like a bath, reading, or singing helps signal that it’s time to sleep. Bedtime at this age typically falls between 7:00–8:00pm.

If sleep disruptions persist or are concerning, it may be helpful to consult with a pediatrician or a child sleep specialist for personalized advice.

I’m Erin Forish, a Tiny Transitions Sr. Sleep Consultant, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), and Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). I live outside of Philadelphia in Montgomery County, PA with my 3 kids (7 year old, 5 year old, and 4 year old). My goal is to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve restful nights and improve overall quality of life. Don’t wait, reach out today to book a free preliminary call with me!