How a Sleep Consulant Got Her Toddler Through a Sleep Regression
Real Talk: How I Helped My 2.5-Year-Old Get Back on Track with Bedtime
Let’s get real for a moment. My 2.5-year-old daughter, despite having a mom who’s a certified sleep consultant, went through a really tough phase with bedtime recently. She’s usually a great sleeper, but for a few weeks, bedtime became a major challenge. And you know what? That’s normal. Even when you’ve got all the tools and strategies in place, bumps in the road and regressions are part of the process. It can happen to anyone.
Now that we’re back on track, I want to share what worked for us. Here’s how I helped her transition out of the bedtime battles:
1. Stayed Consistent with Routine and Boundaries
The first thing I didn't do was change our bedtime routine. I stuck to it, kept consistent with our expectations, and reinforced the boundaries we already had in place. I made sure she went into her crib awake, just as we always had. Sometimes, when things get tough, it’s tempting to bend the rules, but staying firm and predictable is key for toddlers who thrive on structure.
2. Increased Prep Work Before Bedtime
We upped our preparation game before bedtime. We spent more time talking about bedtime during the day and focused on her bedtime chart, which visually outlines the steps leading up to bed. We’d talk about how her room was a safe space and remind her that mom and dad would be in their room, sleeping right down the hall. By emphasizing the comfort and safety of her bedtime routine, we helped create positive associations around going to bed.
3. Let Her Pick a Night-Light
Out of nowhere, she started claiming she was “scared” at bedtime. Rather than fixating on it or making a big deal out of it (which can sometimes reinforce fears), we took a different approach. I brought her to Target and let her pick out her very own night-light. This allowed her to feel some control over her environment, and it gave her a little extra comfort without me overemphasizing her fear.
4. Celebrated Morning Wins
Although our struggles were focused on bedtime, once she fell asleep, she stayed asleep all night. So, when she woke up in the morning, we made it a point to celebrate her success. We’d congratulate her on sleeping so well and doing it all by herself, reinforcing her positive behavior and helping her feel proud of herself.
5. Brief Check-Ins
During those tough bedtime moments, my husband and I made it a point to check in with her every 10-15 minutes. We took turns going into her room to reassure her, lay her back down, and give her a quick “you’re okay” before leaving. These check-ins were brief and focused, avoiding any extra snuggles or long conversations, which could have turned into stalling tactics. Toddlers are smart—if they realize that crying gets them more time or attention, they’ll use it to their advantage!
6. Prepped Her for the Next Day
This one was a game changer. After storytime, I’d tell her the plan for the next day. I’d ask, “Do you want to hear what we’re going to do tomorrow?” and then I’d walk her through the morning routine or any fun activities we had planned. Giving her something to look forward to in the morning helped shift her focus away from bedtime fears and gave her a sense of anticipation for the next day.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with sleep regressions or bedtime struggles can feel frustrating, especially when you think you’ve got it all figured out. But these bumps are completely normal, even for sleep consultants like me! The key is to stay consistent, keep reinforcing positive behavior, and give your child the tools they need to feel safe and secure at bedtime.
If you’re going through something similar, remember that patience and a little bit of flexibility will go a long way. Before you know it, your child will be back to sleeping peacefully through the night!
