Helping your toddler to go to sleep and stay asleep creates a happy child and well-rested parents. Young toddlers often struggle with falling asleep and frequently wake at night from teething, nightmares or physical and emotional developmental changes. Some simple sleep aids, including creating a good sleep environment, sleep schedule and bedtime routine, can improve your child's sleep and yours as well.
Toddler Sleep
In the second year of life, most children need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep, divided between naps and nighttime sleep, according to the Neurosciences Center at the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Most toddlers drop to a single, longer nap during the day. For many children, naps produce better nighttime sleep, while a few may do best without a nap. Experiment with nap and bedtime combinations to find the one that works best for your child and family.
Schedules
Maintaining a regular sleep and activity schedule can improve sleep patterns for your 1-year-old. Schedule naps and bedtimes at the same time each day, as much as possible. Avoid allowing naps too late in the day and try not to skip naps for a child who naps regularly. Overtired children rarely sleep well.
Environment
Your newborn may have slept whenever and wherever, but your toddler likely cannot. Create a quiet, cool sleep space for your 1-year-old. A night-light and quiet, soothing music may provide reassurance. Reduce early waking with heavy curtains or blinds and opt for cozy pajamas to avoid nighttime chills. Most 1-year-old children sleep best in their familiar crib, but you may need to transition to a toddler bed if you have a climber. Expect additional night waking and bedtime challenges during this transition.
Bedtime Routines
Establishing a comforting bedtime ritual can help your little one transition to sleep each night. You may want to include a soothing warm bath, bedtime stories and even a cup of warm milk, rich in sleep-inducing amino acids. Encourage your 1-year-old to fall asleep alone, offering gentle reassurance as needed to soothe upset. A child who falls asleep independently is more likely to fall back to sleep without assistance throughout the night.
References
- KidsHealth: Sleep and Your 1-to 2-Year-Old; August 2008
- University of Michigan Health System: Sleep Problems; Kyla Boyse, R.N.; November 2010
- Nationwide Children's Hospital: Sleep in Toddlers; Mindell JA & Owens JA; 2003
- "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers"; Elizabeth Pantley, et al; 2005
