Toddlers are increasingly aware of their surroundings, so
distractions might disrupt them at bedtime. Their growing
imaginations can start to interrupt sleep, too. Now more than ever,
a simple and consistent bedtime routine is a parent's best
bet for getting a sleepy toddler snugly into bed.
Toddlers and Sleep
You're the best judge of how much sleep your child needs.
Most toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 require about 10-13 hours
of sleep a day. Whether all these hours are slept at night or split
up between nighttime sleeping and daytime naps is up to you.
Some parents find that their kids need that sleep during the
day. Others find that daytime napping interferes with a good
night's sleep and that a rest period (quiet playing or reading)
works better. If this occurs, you may want to combine two short
naps into one or do away with naps altogether. That's OK- kids
don't need to nap every single day.
It may take several weeks of experimenting until you find the
right combination of sleep and naps. Just make sure your toddler is
getting enough rest. It can mean the difference between a happy,
sunny disposition and a cranky, hard-to-manage child. Try to get in
tune with your little one's needs and personality.
Where and How Should a Toddler Sleep?
Most likely your 1- to 2-year-old will still be sleeping in a
safe, secure crib. Remember not to put any extra-large soft toys or
stuffed animals in the crib, and look out for items with ties or
strings that could wind up around your toddler's neck. Also, be
on constant lookout for nearby objects your child might be able to
reach from a standing position in the crib: curtains, window blind
pulls, pictures, or wall hangings are all possibilities.
Your curious toddler may be looking for ways to climb over the
crib railing in an effort to "break out" of the crib.
Don't leave a lot of toys to pile up and climb, and if you
haven't taken down those bumper pads, do it now so that your
child doesn't try to use them as a step.
If you have an active climber who is getting out of the crib and
suddenly appearing in the living room, you might want to consider
moving him or her to a bed. It will be difficult at first to keep
your toddler in it, but at least you'll know your child
won't be hurt climbing out of a crib.
Your toddler also may begin waking up at night, for several
reasons. Sometimes it's discomfort, such as
teething pain
or illness. Sometimes it's mild separation anxiety:
"Where's Mommy? Where's Daddy?" Dreams and
nightmares can begin to affect toddlers, who have a difficult time
distinguishing these from reality. Be mindful of any videos or
books he or she sees just before bedtime, and keep the content
mild.
Look around for an environmental cause for your toddler's
nighttime awakenings. Toddlers are notorious for not staying
covered at night, so in the colder months you might want to dress
your child in heavy pajamas for warmth.
Is there too much noise coming from an adjoining room? Toddlers
will learn to sleep with some noise, but a loud TV or too much
conversation close by can be disrupting.
Check out your child's room from your perspective. Make it
someplace you would sleep soundly and chances are you'll make
it more comfortable for your toddler.
Helping Your Child Sleep
By now you've probably found the right combination - like a
warm bath and a bedtime story - that helps relax your child. Stay
with it and don't let it get overly long. The backrub that
seems like a treat now may not be so appealing when it's
demanded night after night for longer and longer periods. Decide
how many drinks of water you'll allow and how many times
you'll retrieve the toy that's thrown out of the crib in
defiance of bedtime.
Get used to setting the rules and sticking to them. This not
only helps your child get more sleep now, but also helps you later
if other, more serious discipline problems arise.
If your toddler awakens in the middle of the night, just as when
he or she was younger, you'll want to quietly and quickly
provide reassurance that everything is OK and you are close by. But
too much interaction can backfire, so keep your nighttime
"visits" brief and boring for your toddler.
If you have an early riser, you can help keep sunlight from
waking your toddler by keeping curtains or blinds closed.
Also try putting a few safe toys in the crib - they may keep your
child busy in the morning.
When to Call the Doctor
Sleep problems that seem severe to you, such as recurring
nightmares, should be discussed with your doctor.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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