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The 15 month sleep regression is temporary. It usually lasts two to six weeks and is caused by milestones, nap changes, or teething. Consistent routines and gentle reassurance help restore healthy sleep. |
Why does a toddler who slept peacefully last month suddenly start fighting naps, waking at night, or calling out for comfort? Parents know this shift well: the 15-month sleep regression. It shows up right when families think the rocky baby months are behind them. This stage can feel endless at 2 a.m., but it’s not. It passes. What matters most is knowing what’s happening, why it happens, and what can be done to guide sleep back on track.
What Is the 15-Month Sleep Regression?
Sleep regression at 15 months is not a medical condition. It’s a developmental bump. A toddler who was sleeping through may suddenly resist bedtime, fight naps, or wake repeatedly. Their brains and bodies are growing at full speed. Walking, talking, testing limits, all spill into rest patterns.
Pediatric reports estimate 25–50% of children face some form of sleep problems during toddlerhood. Around 15 months, it’s often linked to growth, new routines, or nap transitions. Some toddlers breeze through without much change. Others hit a rough patch that keeps the whole family awake.
Signs & Symptoms of 15 Month Sleep Regression
Parents usually notice sleep changes before realizing it’s a regression. A child who sleeps well begins to wake up at odd times, resist naps, or cling before bedtime. Roughly 30% of toddlers experience these kinds of disruptions at this age (Developmental Trajectories of Toddler Sleep Problems, 2022).
A large Norwegian study found that 3.3% to 14.6% of infants aged 6–24 months face sleep problems, so these signs match what many parents report during the toddler stage.
1. Night Waking Becomes Frequent
Toddlers wake more than once and need comfort to fall asleep again. Many parents describe this as a sudden shift. This fits what experts call night-waking toddler behaviour, a normal part of the 14–16-month window.
2. Nap Resistance
Toddlers fight naps or shorten them. They may take one nap some days and two naps on others. This is called the 15-month-old nap transition, and it affects sleep pressure throughout the day.
3. Early Morning Rising
Many parents search for “15-month-old waking up early.” Toddlers wake before sunrise because they are overtired or because their nap happened too late. This pattern looks like the child is full of energy, but the day becomes hard.
4. Bedtime Struggles
This is known as 15-month-old bedtime battles. Toddlers refuse the crib, want another book, call out for parents, or cry when left alone. Separation peaks now, so this behaviour makes sense.
5. Mood Swings During the Day
Short sleep affects daytime mood. Toddlers feel tired, clingy, or quick to cry. These overtired toddler symptoms usually settle once sleep improves.
Why Toddlers Face Sleep Changes at 15 Months: Real Causes
The toddler's 15-month sleep regression never comes from one reason. It comes from a mix of growth and emotion.
1. Developmental Growth
Between 14 and 16 months, toddlers reach major milestones. They walk better, climb, talk, and explore everything. This developmental leap, causing sleep issues, makes their brains active. Falling asleep feels harder.
2. Nap Shift
Many toddlers shift from two naps to one. This transition takes time and causes irregular sleep. This also begins the toddler nap refusal stage.
3. Separation Behaviour
Toddlers hold on to parents more during this age. They feel safe only with known faces. This leads to separation anxiety and sleep patterns, especially at night.
4. Teething
First molars erupt between 13 and 19 months. This creates discomfort and leads to teething and sleep regression symptoms during the night.
5. New Boundaries
Toddlers explore control. They test limits before sleep. They want to see if parents respond in certain ways. This is normal development.
How Long Does the 15 Month Sleep Regression Last?
It feels endless at 2 a.m., but most regressions don’t last long.
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Usually 2–6 weeks.
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Shorter if triggered by teething or growth spurts.
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Longer if tied to nap transitions or strong separation anxiety.
Consistency in bedtime routine helps shorten the phase.
Steps Parents Can Use to Bring Sleep Back on Track
This section explains clear methods parents can follow. These steps match the behaviour of sleep problems in 15-month-old toddlers.
1. Build a Strong Bedtime Pattern
Keep bedtime simple. Bath, story, cuddle, sleep. Same order every day. This supports the toddler sleep routine 15 months stage.
2. Adjust the Nap Schedule Slowly
When a toddler moves to one nap, shift gently. Increase wake windows. Start the nap around midday. Watch for signs of overtiredness.
3. Create Calm Sleep Space
Dark room. Quiet environment. Cool temperature. Remove bright toys from the crib.
4. Give Comfort Without New Dependence
Short check-ins work. Light touch. Calm words. Leave the room again. This prevents long-term sleep crutches.
5. Support Daytime Activity
Toddlers need outdoor time and movement. Daytime activity helps night sleep become steady again.
This table gives parents a short view of sleep needs during the 15-month sleep regression stage.
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Age |
Total Sleep |
Nap Pattern |
Behaviour Notes |
|
14–16 months |
11.9 hours average |
1–2 naps |
Early waking, nap refusal, bedtime resistance |
|
15 months |
11–14 hours |
Mostly 1 nap |
Night wakings, clingy bedtime, and teething discomfort |
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Sleep Regression
When tired, parents naturally try shortcuts. Some work briefly, others backfire.
1. Inconsistent Bedtimes
Switching schedules nightly confuses toddlers. Keep bed and nap times steady, even on rough days.
2. New Sleep Props
Rocking, holding, or co-sleeping during regression creates long-term habits. Toddlers adapt quickly to new crutches.
3. Cutting Naps Too Soon
Some 15-month-olds are ready to drop a nap; others are not. Cutting too early leads to an overtired toddler and more night waking.
When to Talk to a Pediatrician or Sleep Specialist
Most regressions resolve on their own. But call a professional if:
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Sleep regression at 15 months lasts beyond 8 weeks.
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The toddler shows growth or feeding concerns.
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Night wakings pair with unusual symptoms like fever or vomiting.
Final Thoughts
The 15-month sleep regression is real for many families. It’s tied to growth, milestones, and changing needs. It may last weeks, not months. With consistent bedtime routines, careful nap adjustments, and comfort without creating new sleep crutches, most toddlers settle again. Families who know what to expect often cope better and wake up to calmer nights.
Discover Related Topics: 9 Month Sleep Regression: What Is It and How To Handle? | The 3-Month Sleep Regression Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every toddler face sleep regression at 15 months?
No, not every toddler goes through it. Some face only small changes. Others show clear signs of sleep problems in 15-month-old patterns. Both cases are normal. Every child reacts to growth differently.
How much sleep does a 15 month old need?
A 15-month-old typically needs around 11.9 hours of sleep per day, on average, with a natural range of 9.9 to 13.8 hours, depending on growth and routine.
Why is my 15 month old not sleeping?
Toddlers stop sleeping well during growth spurts, nap shifts, teething, and separation clinginess. These changes make falling asleep harder. This pattern is expected during the 15-month-old sleep regression. A stable bedtime routine and proper nap timing help.
How much sleep does a 15 month old need during regression?
Most toddlers need about 13 hours total, split between overnight sleep and naps. Short-term changes are normal.
Can teething cause 15 month old sleep problems?
Yes. Molars often cause discomfort that leads to night waking, fussiness, or short naps. Relief usually restores sleep.
Why is my 15 month old waking up at night?
Toddlers wake at night because of discomfort, strong attachment to parents, or overtiredness from short naps. Many parents face this during the toddler sleep regression phase. With steady steps, night waking slowly reduces.
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