Toddler Bedtime Tips

Sleep is very important to your child’s health and well-being. In fact, good sleep habits start from birth. However, getting young children to sleep (and to stay asleep) is a daunting task. For many parents, bedtime with a toddler can feel like the most challenging part of the day. Toddlers often resist going to sleep, especially when older siblings are still awake and active. The good news is that there are strategies you can use to help make bedtime more manageable and peaceful.
Tips to Help Your Toddler Develop Healthy Sleep Habits
- Establish a Calm Bedtime Routine
Create a quiet, predictable routine to signal that bedtime is approaching. Activities like reading a story, playing soft music, or giving your child a soothing bath can help them wind down. Avoid active play before bed, as it can leave your child too energized to settle down. A suggested routine can look like: Brush, Book, Bed. Brush their teeth, read a book, and go to bed. - Stay Consistent
Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it every night. A regular schedule helps your child develop a sense of routine and supports healthy sleep patterns. If you find them becoming overly tired on a particular day, moving bedtime up by as little as 15-20 minutes can be helpful without disrupting their normal routine. - Offer a Comfort Item
Allow your child to take a safe comfort object, like a teddy bear, favorite blanket, or soft toy, to bed. This can provide reassurance and help them fall asleep, especially if they wake during the night. Be sure the item is free of choking hazards, such as buttons, ribbons, or small parts, and avoid toys with loose stuffing or pellets. - Ensure Comfort
Address your child’s needs before bedtime to prevent them from becoming excuses to delay sleep. This might include a sip of water, leaving a nightlight on, or keeping the door slightly open for reassurance. - Avoid Co-Sleeping
Encourage your child to sleep in their own bed. Co-sleeping can make it harder for them to develop independence at bedtime and fall asleep on their own when it’s time for bed, or if they wake in the middle of the night. - Limit Nighttime Responses
If your child calls out after bedtime, avoid going back into their room unless absolutely necessary. Before bedtime, ensure they are safe, comfortable, and have all their needs met. If you respond to their calls, even just to check on them, they may expect you to return each time. - Be Patient and Understanding
Teaching your toddler good sleep habits can take time and may feel frustrating at times, especially if they resist or wake up frequently. Stay calm and understanding, as negative reactions can sometimes worsen sleep challenges. Remember that children need the opportunity to learn how to soothe themselves and fall back asleep independently when they wake during the night.
When to Get Help
If you find yourself struggling with sleep, or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out! We can provide you with resources that can help you and your child acclimate to a regular routine and get you both the rest you need. With patience and consistency, you can help your toddler build healthy sleep habits that benefit the whole family.
For questions or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.
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