Sleep Training at 23 Months

Methods at 23 Months

At 23 months, your toddler understands most of what you say. Use this to your advantage: talk about sleep expectations during the day, read books about bedtime, and rehearse the routine verbally. Combined with Ferber or CIO at night, this language-based preparation reduces protests because your toddler knows exactly what to expect.

Language-Based Strategies

• During the day, narrate the routine: "Tonight we'll have bath, brush teeth, read one book, then sleep."
• Use positive framing: "Your body grows big and strong when you sleep" rather than "You have to go to sleep."
• Practice sleep phrases with stuffed animals: "Teddy is tired, let's tuck him in and say goodnight."
• If using a bedtime pass, remind them during the day: "You have one pass tonight. You can use it to call me once."

Common Regression Triggers

Around 23 months, regressions can be triggered by potty training readiness, language explosions, or the approach of a sibling. If a regression hits, don't introduce new sleep props. Return to your method consistently and the regression passes in 1-3 weeks.