For anyone who has ever witnessed a toddler keep himself awake, or conk out due to exhaustion, you know that toddlers do not always keep to a consistent sleep schedule. Know your toddler's sleeping patterns so that you can get an idea of when he likes to nap, or if he likes to nap, and when he likes to sleep. Then, you can compare his average amount of sleep with that of the average toddler.
Time Frame
Most people define toddlers as between 1 and 3 years old. This vast age range means that your toddler's sleep patterns and quantity of sleep will evolve over the years. BabyCenter website notes that a young toddler of 12 months will need nearly 14 hours of sleep on average, including two naps, while an older toddler of 36 months only requires about 12 hours of sleep per day, and typically only has one nap.
Warning
Whether your toddler sleeps the average amount of hours per day, you need to observe your toddler for signs that he is well-rested. Baby expert Dr. Sears recommends parents watch for signs that your toddler feels tired, including if he acts irritably or falls asleep several times per day.
Prevention/Solution
"Parents" magazine points out that ensuring toddlers receive the proper amount of sleep can prove challenging. Toddlers tend to want to control bedtime and often will resist going to bed. You can help resolve bedtime battles by sticking to a soothing routine as much as possible. A common routine begins with a warm bath, followed by a calm story, tucking in, kissing goodnight and a lullaby or two.
Misconceptions
Waiting until your toddler drops may prove counterproductive. Kids Health advises that some toddlers have a harder time going to sleep when they get overly tired. Look for that magic moment when your toddler begins to slow down or rub his eyes. Establish this general time as bedtime.
Considerations
Even the most consistent of toddlers can go through phases where they do not sleep through the night or sleep less than average. Toddlers who are teething or experiencing large leaps in their development may have a tougher time settling down for naps or bedtime. Dreams and nightmares also can wake toddlers.
