Sleep
Getting your toddler to sleep
Bedtime struggles may begin as your child makes the transition from infant to toddler stage. Unlike newborns and infants, toddlers want to start expressing their independence and thus want to make their own decisions especially around naps and bedtimes. Some common characteristics of toddlers include:
- Are curious, love to explore.
- Do not understand danger.
- Want to be independent "me do".
- Become frustrated easily.
- Thrives on routine.
- Can be unhappy about any change in routines.
- Likes to have parents close.
- Need 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
It's important to remember that these bahaviours are normal for toddlers and to keep these in mind when helping your child learn to establish sleep routines. Learn more about the challenge of getting your child to sleep.
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Sleep requirements
- By one year most children will sleep a total of 14 hours a day. This includes day time naps.
- By age two, a toddler will probably be sleeping 11 to 12 hours at night and have a 1 to 2 hour nap in the afternoon.
- By age three, a toddler will most likely be sleeping about 12 hours at night, and may have a short nap or may have stopped napping altogether. Some children will continue to have afternoon naps until five years of age.
- Sleep researchers tell us that even adults never really sleep through the night.
- We wake up from time to time, and put ourselves back to sleep without remembering the waking.
- Sleeping through the night is a skill that babies and toddlers learn over time.
The main point to remember about sleep is that both you and your child need enough sleep in order to function well during the day.
Sharing a bed with your baby
The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests the safest place for your baby to sleep is on his back, in a crib close to your bed for the first six months. This makes night time breastfeeding easier and may help protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
When sharing a bed with your baby, remember that adult beds are not designed for babies. To prevent your baby from overheating, suffocating, or becoming trapped:
- The mattress must be firm and flat (no waterbeds or air mattresses).
- Make sure your baby cannot get stuck between the mattress and the wall or headboard.
- Make sure your baby cannot fall out of bed.
- Never leave the baby alone in bed - even very young babies can wriggle into dangerous positions.
- Tell your partner when your baby is in bed with you.
- Do not let pets sleep with you.
- Tie long hair back at bedtime.
- Never share a sofa or recliner with your baby.
- Do not let others bed share with your baby (only the parents or regular caregiver).
You should not share your bed with your baby if:
- You smoke or another person smokes in bed. Smoking increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
- You or another person in the bed:
- Has been drinking alcohol.
- Has taken any drugs (legal or illegal).
- Is sick or has a condition which affects the person's awareness of the baby.
- Is very tired.
All of these things affect how alert you are
- Your baby is premature or sick.
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Bedtime routines
Sleep habits are learned. Parents can help with their children's sleep patterns by developing regular bedtime routines and habits. A consistent daily routine helps your child be sleepy when it's time for bed. These routines include regular times for:
- Waking up.
- Meals.
- Naps.
- Activity.
- A regular routine also helps give young children a sense of security that you'll be there when they need you.
- Practise routines that help your toddler learn how to settle her or return to sleep on her own.
- Just as with adults, a feeling of security makes falling asleep and sleeping soundly easier for children.
- Assist your child through the transition of being away from you at night by spending time with him during a quiet consistent bedtime routine or ritual. This could include:
- Bath time.
- Story time.
- Cuddle.
- Tuck in, lights out.
- Allow her to make some choices, which may decrease resistance to bedtime. Some examples include:
- Lights off completely or night-light on.
- Choice of pyjamas.
- Choice of story.
- Introduce a transitional object like a teddy bear or blanket. Remember not to let your child fall asleep with a bottle as milk or juice will coat their teeth over night and will increase the risk of cavities.
- Help your child to develop his own sleep associations by keeping his surroundings the same. Examples include bedroom, night light, and teddy bear.
- Say goodnight and leave while your child is awake.
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Bedtime do's and don't's
Do:
- Continue to assist your toddler/preschooler to make the transition by spending time with him eventhough he may be unable to perform most bedtime tasks himself.
- Keep the interactions with your child brief when night time waking occurs. Give your child time to help himself be comfortable and go back to sleep.
Don't:
- Worry about when she falls asleep, as long as the child is quiet and in bed. Children differ in how much time they need to fall asleep.
- Go into the room or tell her to go to sleep.
- Reward your child for waking by automatically giving a feeding or bringing her to your bed.
Sleep routine
There are many philosophies relating to children's sleep issues including some very popular "sleep training" methods. However, trying to "train" an infant or toddler before she is developmentally ready is not advisable.
If you are having struggles at bedtime, try adding a bedtime routine for your child, which may include:
- Reminding your child 10 minutes before bedtime,
- Brushing teeth,
- Choosing pyjamas, and
- Having quiet time.
When your toddler participates in a bedtime routine consistently, over time, this will help to ease the struggles of getting your child to bed.
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For more information:
Region of Peel - Public Health
905-799-7700
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
to speak with a Public Health Nurse
Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216
Getting your toddler to sleep