All children have unique needs. But every child requires sleep. Baby Center advises parents that children between ages one and two need 10 to 13 hours of sleep in every 24-hour period. If your little one isn't getting the sleep he needs, everyone suffers. There are remedies for all sleep problems. It just takes a little experimenting and patience to see what works best for your toddler.
Avoid the "B" Word
The Sleep Remedies Report suggests parents avoid telling their toddlers that it is bedtime. A child who doesn't like going to sleep will immediately start to fight the process at the mention of the "B" word. Instead, the site advises parents to create a calm atmosphere to ease the transition from day to night. About 20 minutes before it is time to put your little one into her bed, dim the lights, watch some soothing television or read a book and cuddle. The site also suggests giving your child a baby massage to help her relax. A peaceful transition to bedtime instead of a battle is a soothing way to wind down the day.
Night Terrors
If your toddler falls asleep with little problem but wakes in the middle of the night screaming or crying, he may be experiencing night terrors. The pediatric website Ask Dr. Sears claims that two percent of children experience night terrors. All children outgrow this phase, but it takes a little patience from you to help him get through it.
One way to help your toddler get back to sleep during a night terror is to calmly assure him that he is okay, he is in his own bed and he is safe. Gently explain to him that it is safe to go back to sleep. Because children don't completely wake up during a night terror, avoid turning on the light in order to help him stay asleep. If your child gets out of bed, gently guide him back to bed. If he resists, stay calm. Don't shake him or shout at him.
Early Wake-Up Call
If your toddler is waking up too early in the morning, you may be putting her to sleep too early at night. Conversely, your child may be waking up too early because she is going to sleep too late at night and is sleep-deprived. Baby Center claims that sleep-deprived children often have difficulty sleeping soundly into the morning. Try adjusting your toddler's bedtime, either earlier or later to see if she sleeps later in the morning.
Another suggestion offered by Baby Center for early risers is a "good morning light." Connect a timer to a nightlight in your toddler's room. Determine a reasonable time that she can get out of bed in the morning. Set the timer for that time. Explain to her that when the "good morning light" goes on, it is time to wake up. If she continuously wakes up before the light goes on, she will learn how to put herself back to sleep in the morning.
