Managing Sleep Challenges for Your 19-Month-Old

It's 2 AM, and your 19-month-old is wide awake, leaving you exhausted and frustrated. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. A recent discussion on r/toddlers received over 50 comments as parents shared their experiences with similar sleep issues. Many parents are grappling with the phenomenon known as "split nights," where toddlers wake up for extended periods during the night.

Experts suggest that a toddler waking up for hours at night may be a sign of being undertired. This can happen when their daytime sleep schedule doesn’t align with their nighttime sleep needs. If your little one is staying up too late or napping too long during the day, it can disrupt their sleep pattern.

What’s Normal at This Age?

For toddlers around 19 months, sleep patterns can vary widely. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that children this age typically need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. Many toddlers will take one nap lasting about 1 to 3 hours. If your toddler is napping for only an hour and a half and still waking up for long stretches during the night, they might not be getting enough total sleep.

What Helps?

• Adjust the nap length: If your toddler is napping too long, try shortening it to encourage them to be more tired at bedtime.
• Shift bedtime: Moving bedtime later can sometimes prevent early morning wake-ups. Parents have reported success with bedtimes around 8:30 to 9 PM.
• Create a calming bedtime routine: Establish a wind-down routine to signal to your child that it's time to sleep. This could include reading a book, dimming the lights, or playing soft music.
• Monitor sleep environment: Make sure your toddler’s room is conducive to sleep—dark, cool, and quiet.

One parent shared that their child would wake up for about two and a half hours at night but would then sleep until 8:30 or 9 AM. They found that adjusting the nap helped their child sleep longer at night. Another parent mentioned letting their toddler chill for an hour before going back in to assist them back to sleep, which seemed to help.

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

If sleep disruptions persist, it may be time to consult your pediatrician. Call your pediatrician if:

• Your toddler consistently wakes up for more than an hour during the night.
• They seem excessively tired during the day.
• There are sudden changes in sleep patterns.
• Your child exhibits signs of distress or discomfort at night.

What to Skip

Some parents find themselves caught in the trap of overthinking their toddler's sleep habits. It's important to avoid unnecessary interventions that can disrupt their natural rhythms. For example:

• Don't rush to intervene at the first sign of wakefulness. Sometimes, toddlers can self-soothe back to sleep.
• Avoid introducing screens or stimulating activities during the night as these can make it harder for your toddler to settle back down.
• Steer clear of changing sleep environments frequently, as consistency is key for good sleep hygiene.

In the Reddit discussion, some parents shared that they let their toddlers cry out for a bit before intervening, which helped them learn to self-soothe. This approach can be effective, but it’s important to do what feels right for your family.

Tips from Fellow Parents

Here are some practical suggestions from parents who have faced similar challenges:

• Try co-sleeping if it works for your family, as some parents find it helps both them and their toddlers get more rest.
• If possible, set up a comfortable sleeping arrangement in your toddler’s room, like an air mattress, so you can rest nearby without fully waking up.
• Engage your partner in sleep duties to share the load, especially if you have a newborn as well.

By adjusting your toddler’s schedule and creating a soothing sleep environment, you can help them settle into a healthier sleep pattern. Many parents report that these changes have led to more restful nights for both them and their little ones.

As one parent noted, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s all about finding the right balance for your family.

Sleep challenges can be exhausting, but know that you are not alone in this struggle. Many parents are in the same boat, trying to navigate sleep issues with their toddlers. With some adjustments and patience, you can help your child get the sleep they need, which in turn will help you get the rest you deserve!

The bottom line is that if your toddler is waking up for hours in the night, it might be time to reassess their nap schedule and bedtime routine. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's sleep habits. You're doing great, and this phase will pass!

This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.