Toddlers Sleep Problems

We all know that everyone benefits from a good nights sleep.  Toddlers sleeping problems are so common that you could have a whole bookshelf devoted to the books written on this topic!

We know that it is very important to get your toddler into a good sleep routine and the earlier the better.  If you leave it until they have found their voice, it can become yet another battleground.

Between the ages of one and three, a child’s need for sleep varies so much that it is wise to be flexible.  Some children need more sleep than others.  You know your child better than anyone else so trust your own judgement on this issue and for that matter on all issues relating to your offspring.

Generally it is accepted that kids under 3 require at least 12 -14 hours sleep a day.  Hopefully, you had a baby who slept from 7 until 7 and there is no reason why this shouldn’t continue.  But if you were like me and had a baby who didn’t do sleeping, you need to try and train your toddler into new habits.

If your child sleeps for 12 hours at night then younger toddlers will probably only need a longish nap in the morning and a short afternoon nap.  Let him guide you.  If they are becoming grumpy and over tired try persuading them to go for a little rest.

Before dealing with your toddlers sleep problems, you need to make sure that they are tired enough to need sleep.

Children need fresh air and exercise in order to sleep well. They also need to have had plenty of food so that they do not wake from hunger during the night.  Waking from hunger is a lot different to waking due to habit. If your baby habitually wakes at 2am for a bottle, now is the time to break that routine.  Try providing him with little meals more often during the day.  A toddler’s stomach is very small so little and often is a good approach to feeding.

You need a good bedtime routine – children love structures as it makes them feel secure.  Try and make sure that teatime is a similar time every evening.  As toddlers love water and are due to be rather dirty after messing with their food, a bath is a good routine to get into prior to bedtime.

When drying him, cuddle him but don’t tickle him as this will only excite him again.  You are looking to reduce the excitement and lead him into peaceful sleep.  Dress him in his nightclothes and tell him a story. Your toddler is too young to read but he will love the special attention he is getting from mum or dad. 

You may also awaken a love of books which will serve him well throughout life.

Parents whose toddlers don't sleep often make the mistake of rocking them to sleep.  This just makes your life more difficult in the long run.  Put him into his cot awake. This is important as you want to teach him to fall asleep on his own.  Stroke his head to reassure him, switch off the light and leave the room.  

Your toddler shouldn’t yet be afraid of the dark, so it is best not to develop a habit of leaving lights on.  Studies have shown that there may a link to cancer and too much light whilst sleeping.  The theory being that our bodies need darkness for our cells and immune system to recover.  But if you do have issues, you could leave the door ajar leaving a nightlight or landing light on.

Leave your child to fall asleep alone even if it appears that he is not yet ready.  Some children will chat or sing themselves to sleep.  If he becomes upset then go back and reassure him but try to avoid picking him up.   Make sure that all adults follow the same routine as you don't want to confuse the baby.

Seriously consider putting your toddler into their own room or sharing with a sibling.   Firstly, if you are part of a couple, your relationship needs quality time to sustain it.  But you are also teaching your child independence which will work wonders for him as he grows older.  

Younger children like sharing rooms. It is company for them.  Just make sure that the older child understands that they are not to put anything in the baby’s cot and they cannot climb into it.  If your other child is too young to grasp this concept and space permits you might want to consider separate rooms.

It is a good idea to vary where your toddler sleeps for their daytime naps.  If you always put them in their cot, then they will associate beds with sleeping. This is great at night but not so great if you are out and about and they get tired.  Children who sleep on a car journey or in their buggy i.e. they will nap anywhere once they are tired are generally easier to manage.  Obviously you should never leave a child asleep in a car especially on a hot day.  A car can overheat very quickly even if you don’t think the day is particularly hot.  There have been tragic cases of children dying in these conditions.

Most children sleep for about 2 hours in the morning and perhaps an hour in the afternoon.  If they are getting 12 hours sleep a night, then 2 hours during the day shoudl be sufficient.

 If you want your baby asleep by 7pm to give you some time alone (needed for parents sanity!) then you don’t want him to sleep much past 4.30pm. 

Promoting a good sleep routine now will not only help your child but your whole family. We all cope better after a good nights sleep. We are less moody and more patient and thats just the adults!