STRUGGLING WITH TODDLER SLEEP ISSUES? YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGES AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.

• Should you have a toddler sleep schedule?
• How long should a toddler sleep at night?
• Do they still need naptime? How can I even get my toddler to sleep?

The truth is, toddler sleep habits are one of the biggest challenges a parent will ever face.

As your child is starting to test the boundaries, try new things and start making their own decision, you’ll most likely be faced with a toddler who just doesn’t like going to bed anymore.

There are far better things to do than sleep, after all!

MANAGING COMMON TODDLER SLEEP ISSUES

A toddler will usually sleep around 12-13 hours in every 24 hour period.

This is broken up into between 10-12 hours at night, and a 1-2 hour nap during the day.

However, like babies, toddlers are individuals and may sleep longer or shorter times.

There are though, some common issues many parents face when it comes to sleep and their toddler.

Let us address some of them here:

Sleep refusal – fair enough, playing with toys is much more fun than sleeping. The problem is, your toddler needs to sleep. The best way to handle this is to be firm but kind, keeping to the common sleep schedule that your family has. A more gentle approach is the use of sleeping aids to make bedtime a more enjoyable environment for your toddler.

Getting out of bed – if you’ve got a child who keeps popping out of bed, you’re not alone! In the wind-down to bedtime, try to maintain a calm environment, limit device access and continue on with your bedtime routines. When they get out of bed, keep returning them back to it, without engaging in any talk, play or requests.

Night terrors – different from a nightmare, night terrors occur when your child is asleep and when they do awake, they have no memory of the event. One of the possible causes is a lack of sleep, so try bringing forward their bedtime.

Bedtime fears – whether it’s the dark, the monster under the bed or simply a scary new big kid bed, many toddlers are generally afraid to stay in bed at night. This is where playing white noise or using a night light or a cuddly toy or comforter helps a toddler feel more secure.

Awaking during the night – you may have just started enjoying the feeling of sleeping all night long, but wait – there’s more! Some toddlers will start to wake during the night time, and either cry or get out of bed to tell you they are awake.

If your child does wake up, see if they will settle themselves before going to see them. If they don’t, gently take them back to bed, remind them it is still bedtime and get back to your bed. If they keep getting up, avoid engaging and just keep taking them back to bed.

It’s important to remember, that when it comes to toddler sleep difficulties, you’re not alone!

Come and join our Facebook Parents Support Group for support and friendship!