Toddler Sleep problems
Toddler sleep problems - Hush little baby
It's estimated a quarter of toddlers have severe sleep problems. Some are there from the beginning, while others only occur at certain times - with teething, for example, or after an illness.
Research suggests that:
- Difficulty settling to sleep is present in 22 per cent of nine-month-olds, 15 to 20 per cent of toddlers aged between one and two, and 16 per cent of children aged three and above.
- Frequent night waking is a problem for 42 per cent of nine-months-olds, 20 to 26 per cent of toddlers aged between one and two, and 14 per cent of children aged three and above.
- 12 months - 13.5 hours
- Two years - 13 hours
- Three years - 12 hours
- Five years - 11 hours
Almost all babies have erratic sleep patterns to begin with, which most parents expect, but in the latter half of the first year new problems can occur. For example, night waking occurs in about 50 per cent of toddlers who'd previously been sleeping through.
Average sleep needs
Remember, these are only averages. Individual babies, toddlers and older children may show considerable variations.
Common toddler sleep problems
Here are tips on coping with some of the most common sleep problems toddlers have.
Toddler sleep problems - Difficulty settling at night:
Create a simple and familiar routine for bedtime. For example: feed, bath, bed.
Allow toddlers time to settle. If they make a fuss, don't go back in immediately, but don't leave them for so long that they get very distressed.
Keep things quiet, this helps toddlers to settle and teaches them that night is different from day.
Alternatively, keep natural house noises going. Some children are happier if they can hear household noises and know you're nearby.
Make sure your child winds down before bed. This will make the transition from lively toddler to sleeping child easier.
If your toddler keeps getting up after you've put them to bed, you need to be firm and take them back again. It may take time, but eventually they'll get the message.
Toddler sleep problems - Waking too early:
Use thick blinds or curtains to make toddlers rooms darker so the morning light doesn't wake them.
Provide safe toys for them to play with in the mornings, so they can play quietly until they hear that the rest of the family is awake.
If your toddlers a natural early riser, you may just have to be patient. Usually, once children start nursery or school, they tend to sleep in for longer.
Toddler sleep problems - Waking in the night:
Be realistic and remember that everyone's sleep needs and patterns vary. Some people need eight hours or more, others can manage on five or six. This creates a different picture of what 'sleeping through' means, even in one family.
Many toddlers continue to wake at night for feeds. If you'd like to stop this, cut down night feeds by gradually replacing milk with water.
If you've always rocked, stroked or sung your toddler to sleep when they first go to bed, they may find it difficult to get back to sleep on their own if they wake in the night. When you go in to comfort them, keep the lights low and use a soft voice. Don't encourage play. You'll probably need to do this several times
Common problems continued
Never seems to be tired:
A predictable daily routine can help to encourage sleep at the appropriate time.
Don't let your toddler get overexcited before bedtime - and don't forget to have a winding-down period.
If your child really doesn't seem tired, put them to bed but leave them toys or books to play with.
Cut out daytime naps, especially in the afternoon. But don't force this if your toddler really needs a nap.
Try to tire out your toddler with lots of enjoyable daytime physical activities.
Move your toddlers bedtime back 15 minutes at a time until it suits you.
Toddler sleep problems - Monsters in the closet:
Being frightened to go to bed or refusing to let you leave the room can be a sign of insecurity. Try to think what the cause might be - such as the arrival of a new baby, starting nursery or hearing a row - and work out how to reduce their anxiety.
Never laugh at or deny your toddler's fears.
Stick to a recognisable routine that lets your toddler know bedtime's coming.
Provide a night light if your toddler doesn't like the dark.
If your toddler seems scared of being left alone, promise to come back and check on them every five or ten minutes until they're sleeping. They may relax knowing you'll be back.
Move around where you can still be heard for a while after your toddler goes to bed. Sort clothes in the next room, for example.
Play soothing background music for your toddler to listen to.
Leave safe, favourite soft toys in your toddlers bed for company.
Make sure your toddler has their favourite comforter - a dummy, cloth or toy perhaps.
Never use your toddlers bedroom as a place to send them as a punishment. This can make it a frightening rather than comfortable place.
Suggest pleasant ideas to dream about, such as visiting the beach at the weekend.
Give them lots of loving attention during the day so they feel safe and secure.
Toddler sleep problems - When nothing works
If you're despairing about your toddlers sleep routine (or lack of it) it might be time to get help from your health visitor or doctor. Methods used include controlled crying and gradual withdrawal.
Your health visitor is the best person to explain ways of managing sleep behaviour.
