Methods at 17 Months
Ferber and CIO continue to be the primary recommendations. At this age, the approach is essentially the same as for any toddler, but you may need to extend Ferber intervals slightly (start at 5 minutes instead of 3) since toddlers can sometimes escalate more with very frequent check-ins.
Pre-18-Month Regression
The 18-month regression often starts creeping in around 17 months. It's driven by a huge language explosion, emerging independence ("I do it myself"), and separation anxiety that can resurface. If your toddler was sleeping well and suddenly starts fighting bedtime, this is likely the cause.
Key Strategies
- Stay firm on bedtime boundaries even when your toddler's protests become more creative.
- Offer plenty of connection and one-on-one time during the day to fill their attachment cup.
- If separation anxiety is a factor, a brief (10-second) extra check-in before you'd normally return can help.
- Avoid introducing new sleep props (extra rocking, lying with them) to cope with the regression — these become new habits.
The 18-month regression is real, but the worst thing you can do is abandon your approach. The regression passes in 2-4 weeks. New sleep crutches introduced during it can last months.
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