Toddler Sleep Tips
Toddlers can be so much fun. They have crazy imaginations, can be so sweet, and certainly keep their parents on their toes. They also love to push boundaries and assert their independence. For this reason many toddlers go through a sleep regression that leaves their parents wondering what happened to their perfect little sleepers? Don’t fret though, we’ve got you covered with tips to help this phase pass and get everyone in the house back sleeping peacefully through the night!
Tip #1- Routine, Routine, Routine
Toddlers are trying their best to figure out how their world works. Everything is new to them and small changes can throw off their sense of balance and control. Of course life happens and eventually they will have to learn flexibility, but keeping a predictable routine in place will help bedtime go as smoothly as possible. You can create any routine that works for your family, but a variation of the following works well-
Bath
Pajamas
Brush teeth
Stories
Lights out
Tip #2- Ownership
Any toddler parent knows they love to do things on their own. Whether that be putting their shoes on, climbing in the car seat, or brushing their teeth, these emerging little people want to assert their independence. As parents who are on a schedule it can be difficult to wait 15 minutes while they zip their own coats, but anytime you can give them a bit of choice and ownership you’ll reduce that power struggle. This doesn’t mean your toddler gets to pick their own bedtime, but allowing them to choose their pajamas, select three books, and cross steps off a bedtime checklist will give them that little bit of autonomy they’re looking for.
Tip #3- Connection
You are your toddler’s favorite person, and they are wired to seek connection and time with you. This can be so sweet but problems arise when they don’t understand the appropriate time to seek connection. Most parents don’t want their little one waking at 2 am for cuddles. This is why how you spend your daytime hours is so important. Setting aside just 15 minutes a day where they have your full attention can help them feel more secure falling asleep independently. This means during that 15 minutes your phone is away, siblings are occupied and they are the most important thing in the world to you.
Tip #4- Pick your battles
Toddlers certainly have their quirks, and those same silly choices that are hilarious during the daytime can be infuriating at night. My best advice here is to pick your battles. If it's safe and helps them sleep, let it go. My son recently decided he needed to sleep with his empty cup. The first night I fought him on this, there was no reason he needed an empty cup in his bed! But after lots and lots of tears I realized there was also no reason not to allow it. I gave him the cup back and he fell asleep instantly. Is it a little weird? Absolutely. But sometimes finding the yes can make all the difference.
