Toddler Bedtime Trouble: 7 Tips for Parents (2024)

FAQs

Toddler Bedtime Trouble: 7 Tips for Parents? ›

The issue often stems from natural growth and development, as well as stress, separation anxiety, or a change in routine. Toddlers may also try to assert their newfound independence in any way they can—and that includes not wanting to go to bed or attempting to control their own bedtime.

The issue often stems from natural growth and development, as well as stress, separation anxiety, or a change in routine. Toddlers may also try to assert their newfound independence in any way they can—and that includes not wanting to go to bed or attempting to control their own bedtime.

Continue to expect that sleep will be disrupted by illness, changes in routine, and other stressful events. Separation anxiety may also cause problems at bedtime. Most toddlers switch from a crib to a bed between 2 and 3 years of age. If the change happens too early, it can disrupt sleep.

Your toddler may have trouble sleeping because they're uncomfortable or overstimulated in some way. The best sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet. Take a look around and see if there are any glaring issues. If outdoor light is pouring in from the windows, try blackout curtains.

A sudden onset of screaming at bedtime could be caused by an illness, like a cold or an ear infection. If your toddler is just feeling under the weather, they may not want to be alone. They also may simply feel uncomfortable from teething, congestion, fever, or other issues.

These are some of the common reasons why your toddler might find bedtimes difficult: being confused about her bedtime routine. needing you to be with her when she falls asleep and being unable to soothe herself. going through a stage where she is developing lots of new skills and abilities.

Don't scold or punish him, but don't reward him by staying, either. He may just be trying to get attention, so put him right back to bed and leave as soon as he's lying down. Stay calm and consistent — he'll soon realize you won't give in. It's a good idea to stick to a schedule.

For night wakings: They're normal for toddlers, but if they happen every night or it's affecting the ability for all of you to get a good night's sleep, then check in with the pediatrician. The doctor can help uncover the reason why your toddler keeps waking up overnight.

For many children, getting regular exercise, eating well, and having a good bedtime routine relieves sleep problems. If you try these changes and your child still has problems, the doctor may suggest testing or other treatment. Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety.

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Just as toddlers' physical, language, and social skills are expanding, so is their desire for independence. Whether it's a strong desire to get themselves into their pajamas independently or crawling out of the crib over and over, your toddler's quest for independence can cause major issues at bedtime.

If they miss a rule or category, acknowledge it and move on. Instead of laying down with your child at bedtime, tell them you have to go unload the dishwasher, but you will be back to check on them in five minutes. Show them that you set the timer on your phone and assure them you will come back when it goes off.

This is likely caused by your toddler's budding imagination. Bedtime is often a time when littles start imagining new and exciting adventures, sometimes even scary images too. This can definitely impact the time it takes to fall asleep.

Experts cite a few common sleep tantrum triggers, including: Separation anxiety that occurs when a child knows they have to go to their own room alone. Lack of routine or sudden transition to bedtime (especially from something fun).

Instead, it's a sign that your little one's body has released a surge of cortisol, a hormone that produces that feeling of a “second wind.” They ARE tired, but because their body wasn't getting ready for bed (settling into a bedtime routine), it instead sent out some cortisol to keep itself going!

Big changes in your toddler's life can have a direct impact on his sleep and can cause bedtime battles. If your toddler is starting a new school or daycare, is expecting a new sibling, or experiencing separation anxiety, you may see an increase in crying at bedtime.

Reasons for the 2 year sleep regression include toddlers exploring their world and testing boundaries, changes in sleep needs, transitioning out of a crib too early, big changes at home (like a new sibling or move), and milestones like potty training.

If a child is upset or anxious before bed, it could be a sign they are processing something uncomfortable. Try asking them about their experience to understand potential fears. Be patient with a child who might feel afraid to talk about what's bothering them, and create a safe space for them to open up.

It's normal for your 2 year old or 2.5 year old to experience changes in sleep. At this age, toddlers are experiencing significant development. There may also be life changes happening around this time that can impact sleep (e.g. new sibling, starting school or daycare, potty training).