Author name: Arlene Maynard

Is your 18-month-old waking up wide-eyed in the middle of the night can be a sign of experiencing split nights. middle of the night, ready to play, while you’re not alone in navigating the challenges of baby or toddler sleep, desperate for sleep? You might be dealing with a split night — a common but frustrating sleep challenge for babies and toddlers around this age. Split nights can leave both you and your little one exhausted and confused, especially when dealing with split nights. The good news? Once you understand what’s happening and why, you can fix it — and help your baby or toddler (and yourself) get back to peaceful sleep. Let’s dive into what split nights are, why they happen at 18 months, and most importantly, how to fix them, with a little help from Tiny and Thriving. What is a Split Night in Toddlers? A split night happens when a toddler wakes up for a long period during the night, often for an hour or more, and struggles to fall back asleep. Instead of waking briefly and drifting off again (which is normal for toddlers), they are fully alert, playful, and sometimes even energized, making it harder to get back to sleep. Key signs of a split night at 18 months: Split nights are different from typical baby sleep patterns. normal night wakings or teething pains. They are about sleep pressure — or more accurately, a lack of sleep pressure. Why is Your Toddler Having a Split Night? Several factors can cause a split night in an 18-month-old, especially around big developmental milestones. Here’s how you can improve your toddler’s sleep habits. What might be happening: 1. Low Sleep Pressure If your toddler gets too much daytime sleep, with long naps or late naps, they may struggle with getting the sleep they need. won’t build enough sleep pressure to sleep through the night. 2. Misaligned Sleep Schedule If bedtime is too early or inconsistent napping can lead to challenges in getting back to sleep., it can throw off your toddler’s natural rhythms, causing middle-of-the-night disruptions. 3. Developmental Changes at 18 Months Around 18 months, toddlers experience big developmental leaps — walking, talking, and new independence. This growth often disrupts sleep (known as the 18-month sleep regression). 4. Napping Issues Too much or too little daytime napping affects nighttime sleep, impacting the overall amount of sleep they need. It’s crucial to understand the causes of split nights. about finding the sweet spot: enough rest but enough wake time too. 5. Separation Anxiety At around 18 months, toddlers often feel a surge of separation anxiety, making it harder to settle back to sleep alone during nighttime sleep. How to Fix Your Baby’s Split Nights Here’s How you can fix a split night with your 18-month-old and help everyone sleep better through sleep training: 1. Adjust Daytime Sleep 2. Revisit Bedtime Timing 3. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine 4. Support Independent Sleep 5. Give Developmental Support Tiny and Thriving Can Help Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you need a little extra support — and that’s okay! Tiny and Thriving offers expert, family-centered sleep coaching designed for busy parents of toddlers. We’ll help you fix your split-night 18-month-old challenges and guide you toward restful nights, customized to your family’s needs. 👉 Here to help you go to bed on time. Book your free consultation today with Tiny and Thriving! Let’s work together to help your little one — and you — thrive through better sleep training. FAQ about Split Nights What to do during a split night? Stay calm and keep stimulation low. Comfort your toddler quietly without bright lights or active play, helping them stay in “Sleep mode is essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. How do you fix split nights? Adjust nap schedules and bedtime routines, and encourage independent sleeping. Fixing daytime sleep pressure is key. What is a split night? It’s when your child wakes for a long stretch in the middle of the night, feeling wide awake and experiencing split nights. awake, instead of naturally cycling back into sleep. How do I get my 18-month-old to stop splitting nights? Focus on daytime wake windows, cap naps, make bedtime slightly later if needed, and support independent sleep skills to help them settle back to sleep. How long do toddler split nights last? Toddler split nights can last up to 2–3 hours, and usually involve your child waking up once in the middle of the night.  What causes split nights? Usually, too much daytime sleep, inconsistent bedtimes, big developmental changes, or napping issues can cause split nights. Final Thoughts Split nights with your 18-month-old can be stressful, but you’re not alone. With a few smart changes to your daytime and nighttime routines and a little patience, you can guide your toddler back to peaceful sleep. And remember, expert help is just one click away. 👉 Book your free consultation with Tiny and Thriving today! You deserve restful nights — and we’re here to help you get there with effective baby sleep strategies.

I know how overwhelming those early days with a newborn can be. You’re running on fumes, trying to decipher your baby’s needs, and wondering if a full night’s sleep is a thing of the past. Trust me, you’re not alone.​Many families seek effective strategies to help their little one sleep through the night. Various baby sleep training methods exist, including the Ferber method and the more gentle approaches promoted by a certified gentle sleep coach. These methods can provide parents with a structured training program to address their child’s sleep challenges. In-depth training in sleep coaching can equip parents with the skills necessary to help their children settle to sleep and ultimately put themselves to sleep without distress. Additionally, seeking the support of a holistic sleep coach can offer tailored sleep solutions that align with your family’s values. Whether employing the cry it out method or embracing gentle methods, the goal remains the same: to promote better child sleep and enhance the quality of the family’s night’s sleep. With the right sleep support and guidance, parents can overcome the challenges of sleep deprivation and cultivate an environment conducive to their child’s healthy sleep habits. In this guide, you’ll learn when babies typically begin sleeping longer, what gentle sleep coaching is, and how to use effective, comforting techniques that avoid the “cry-it-out” method. Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns During the first few months, it’s completely normal for your baby to wake every few hours. Newborn sleep patterns are still forming, and their sleep is lighter and shorter than older babies or adults. Most newborns sleep in cycles of 2–4 hours, both day and night. These frequent wake-ups are often due to: The good news? You can begin guiding your baby toward better sleep gently and gradually. When Do Newborns Start Sleeping Longer? Most babies begin sleeping longer stretches—about 4 to 6 hours—between 8 to 12 weeks of age. However, every baby is unique, and some may take a bit longer. Here are a few signs your baby might be ready for longer sleep: Principles of Gentle Sleep Coaching Gentle sleep coaching is a responsive, baby-centered approach to sleep. It avoids rigid routines or letting your baby cry unattended. Instead, it focuses on building trust and emotional security while helping your child develop independent sleep skills. This approach aligns well with attachment parenting philosophies. A Gentle Sleep Coach, infant sleep consultant, or pediatric sleep coach can help you understand your baby’s specific needs and create a customized sleep plan. Gentle Sleep Coaching Techniques Here are some gentle sleep training methods that support healthy sleep without leaving your baby to cry alone: 1. Pick Up/Put Down Method You pick up your baby when they cry, soothe them until they’re calm, then gently place them back in the crib. This method requires patience but reinforces trust and helps babies feel safe. 2. Fading Method Also called “gradual withdrawal,” this method involves slowly reducing the help you provide at bedtime—like rocking or nursing—so your baby learns to fall asleep more independently. 3. Chair Method You stay near your baby’s crib, offering comfort with your presence. Over time, you move further away until your baby feels confident sleeping without you right beside them. These techniques are gentle, effective, and respectful of your baby’s emotions—making them ideal for newborns and infants. Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment A peaceful, consistent sleep environment plays a big role in sleep success. Try these simple tips: When your baby begins to associate these elements with sleep, they’ll naturally start settling more easily. Addressing Common Sleep Challenges Some common newborn sleep challenges include: When to Seek Professional Guidance If sleep challenges persist or you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trained expert. A pediatric sleep coach or infant sleep consultant can evaluate your baby’s sleep, provide a step-by-step plan, and offer support tailored to your parenting style. Professional guidance can be especially helpful during transitions like moving to the crib or returning to work. Frequently Asked Questions When can I start gentle sleep coaching with my newborn? You can start laying the foundation for healthy sleep habits as early as 6–8 weeks, focusing on routines and comfort. Full coaching methods typically begin between 10–16 weeks, depending on your baby’s readiness. How does gentle sleep coaching differ from traditional sleep training? Gentle coaching avoids cry-it-out methods. It focuses on nurturing your baby’s emotional needs while gradually teaching them to sleep with less assistance. Is it safe to implement sleep coaching at 8 weeks? Yes, as long as the approach is gentle and developmentally appropriate. Coaching at this age centers on routines, cues, and comforting—not rigid schedules. What are the signs that my baby is ready to sleep longer stretches? Signs include longer wake periods, fewer night feeds, developing a regular rhythm, and being able to fall asleep with less help. Can I use gentle sleep coaching methods for twins? Yes. Gentle techniques can be adapted for twins, ensuring both babies feel secure while learning independent sleep skills. Conclusion Gentle sleep coaching is a compassionate, respectful way to support your baby’s sleep—without using harsh methods or compromising your bond. With patience, consistency, and a little guidance, you can help your baby learn healthy sleep habits that last. Remember, every baby is different. Trust your instincts, respond with love, and know that better sleep is possible—for both of you.