Although toddlers have often moved past the need for middle-of-the-night feedings, sleep can continue to pose problems at this age. A toddler's growing need for autonomy, as well as the explosion in his motor and cognitive abilities can make it hard for him to settle down and sleep. Moving your child from a crib to bed too early can often exacerbate many sleep problems, as can erratic or too-late bedtimes.
Significance
Children ages 1 to 3 years need 12 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. They usually get this amount of sleep through a one- to three-hour nap combined with eight to 10 hours of nighttime sleep. The National Sleep Foundation notes that common problems among this age group include frequent night-waking, resistance to going to sleep and nighttime fears or nightmares. A consistent bedtime routine and a regular schedule for daytime and nighttime sleep can potentially help alleviate many toddler sleep problems.
Considerations
Scheduling naps too close to your child's regular bedtime can interfere with his ability to fall asleep quickly. Dr. Steven Dowshen, a medical editor at the KidsHealth by Nemours website, urges parents not to force naps on toddlers unless they appear overly cranky or out-of-sorts during the day. If your child refuses his nap, try instituting a quiet time that involves listening to music, playing quietly or looking at books for an hour or two.
Misconceptions
Keeping your child up late into the night will usually not make it easier for him to fall asleep. Over-tired kids often end up over-stimulated and "wound up"---leading to even more bedtime battles. Watch for the time when your child shows signs of drowsiness and make that his regular bedtime. Put him to sleep at the same time every night and follow a bedtime routine, perhaps consisting of a warm bath, storytime, cuddles and lights off. Dowshen suggests that the sameness of the routine can help your child relax and prepare for sleep.
Prevention/Solution
Moving your child from his crib to a bed too early can make bedtime more difficult since some younger toddlers might not be ready for the transition. Dr. Deborah Lin-Dyken, an associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of Iowa's College of Medicine in Iowa City and pediatric sleep disorders expert, suggests waiting until close to the age of 3 to move your toddler to a bed. The transition can be easier at this age---younger toddlers might lack the cognitive ability to understand that they need to stay in their room or bed during set times. If your young toddler starts to climb out of his crib, she advises lowering the crib mattress to the lowest level and using a sleep tent that covers the crib.
Potential
Setting firm, enforceable limits and responding to nightwaking and other sleep problems in the same way can help you establish good sleep habits that will continue into your child's preschool years. Allowing your child to come into your bed at night can become a regular habit that might be hard to break. Dowshen recommends responding to nightwaking due to nightmares or teething by holding and comforting your child---in his own bed---and staying until he falls back asleep.
