Is your 18 month old waking up screaming every night? Discover the 3 most common causes from night terrors to molars—and how to stop the crying fast.
18 Month Old Waking Up Screaming? Here is How to Fix It
There is nothing more terrifying than being jolted awake by a shrieking toddler. If you are exhausted and searching the internet because your 18 month old waking up screaming has become a nightly routine, you need answers right now.
This is a very specific, common sleep regression. Let’s figure out exactly what is triggering it and how to get your family back to sleep.
The 3 Hidden Causes of Night Crying
At this exact age, a toddler’s brain and body are going through massive changes. Finding the root cause is the only way to stop an 18 month old waking up screaming.
1. The Arrival of the Canine Teeth and Molars At 18 months, the largest, most painful teeth begin cutting through the gums. Unlike front teeth, molars cause deep, throbbing jaw pain that feels worse when they lay flat. Offer a safe teether and consult your pediatrician about pain relief before bedtime.
2. Night Terrors vs. Nightmares If your child is thrashing, sweating, and looking right through you, it is a night terror, not a nightmare. During a night terror, they are actually still asleep. Do not try to wake them up. Simply sit nearby and ensure they do not physically hurt themselves. It usually passes in ten minutes.
3. Separation Anxiety Peaks At a year and a half, toddlers develop a profound understanding of object permanence. They know you exist when you leave the room, and they hate it. This severe separation anxiety causes panic when they wake up alone in the dark.
How to Fix the Schedule
Often, this sudden sleep disruption means their daytime schedule is broken. To stop your 18 month old waking up screaming, evaluate their naps. If they are still taking two naps a day, they are likely not tired enough at bedtime. Transitioning to one solid afternoon nap often cures the night wakings instantly.
Hang in there. Pinpoint the cause, adjust the schedule, and you will survive this regression!
