Hey friend,
Here's what you knew: your toddler was sleeping beautifully.
Here's what nobody tells you: that can change overnight at 18 months.
One night they ask for another book. Cute, right? You read it. The next night it's two more books. Then three. By week two you're trapped in the bedroom reading the entire library while your dinner goes cold downstairs.
This is the 18 month sleep regression. And it's not about sleep at all.
Sally and Bec explain why this regression happens right when toddlers learn they can influence their world with words. More book. More cuddle. More milk. They're not being manipulative - they genuinely don't understand the power of their requests yet.
But here's the thing: if you don't hold a boundary, you'll be negotiating at bedtime for the next year.
You'll learn:
Why this regression is about boundary testing, not self-settling
The bedtime routine strategy: verbal cues for every last thing
How to respond: bore-to-reassure without negotiations
Why it can still take two hours even when you're doing it right
What NOT to do (hint: extending wake windows backfires)
Bec walks through the exact response pattern - going to the doorway every 7-10 minutes, same phrase, zero engagement. Sally explains why this approach ends the regression faster than trying to calm them down with more books and cuddles.
The hard truth? It can last 2-6 weeks. Even with perfect technique. But here's the difference: if you hold the boundary, it ends clean. If you negotiate, you're left with new sleep associations to untangle later.
They also cover the daytime strategies that matter - micro-moments of connection, offering choices throughout the day, filling their cup so you can hold firm at night.
And they remind you: your toddler can do hard things. So can you.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts here:
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Listen now - and forward this to the parent currently trapped reading Spot the Dog for the 47th time tonight.
SUBSCRIBER BONUS: The Bedtime Boundary Script 👇
Here's exactly what to say to create clear limits without negotiations:
"Pick your three books, darling. We're going to read three books." [Read books]
"Last book! Let's put it back in the bookcase." [Child puts book away]
"This is our last cuddle. Give me a big squeeze." [Cuddle]
"Last kiss! Give me a big one." [Kiss]
"Goodnight darling, mummy loves you, see you in the morning." [Turn and leave]
Then: door checks every 7-10 minutes, same phrase, zero engagement until they settle.
You got this.
With you in the trenches, Sally + Bec 💤