Sleep problems are seen in most toddlers. Difficulty in settling to sleep, refusing to stay in bed at night, waking up frequently, bedtime fears, nightmares, and sleep terrors are common sleep problems.
A few toddlers cry when they are tired and are unable to sleep. Some kids wake up frequently in the middle of the night and awaken their parents. Some kids refuse to sleep without the presence of their mom or dad.
Why Toddlers Face Sleep Problems
The reasons for sleep problems are many. Certain toddlers weep as they need help to go back to sleep after waking in the night. Some babies cry as they have to adjust to a different way of going to sleep. Many happy healthy toddlers yell as they grow quickly and find it tougher to sleep peacefully.
Most of the time babies have difficulties staying asleep due to their irregular daytime habits and not spending their time positively before bedtime. For instance, indulging in excess sweet food during the day, or viewing TV right before bed hampers toddlers’ sleep and unsettles their schedule.
Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep every day. A sound sleep is essential for the healthy development of the mind and body. Moms can decide how to meet their child’s sleep and comfort needs, as well as their own. A consistent bedtime schedule helps the toddler to get ready for sleep.
Adults too need good sleep. It is quite exasperating to have your sleep regularly disturbed. Moms have to cope with busy schedules in the morning as well as have to deal with a picky moody child, who is short of sleep. All this can be changed positively.
With constructive bedtime habits, your child’s sleep problems can be tackled easily. Moms only need to have a little patience to help overcome their child’s sleep difficulties. Your toddler can have a peaceful sleep, and you can have a more relaxed night as before.
Helping Your Toddler or Preschooler to Sleep Well
Moms can ensure that their toddlers sleep well by establishing an excellent bedtime schedule. Certain habits can be followed while charting out a bedtime routine such as:
Regular Bedtimes
Maintain a regular bedtime routine and wake-up times every day. Nap times schedules of your toddler should not be disturbed as a late-afternoon nap or a night of staying up too late, or having very short sleeping hours may deprive your child of a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep may also enhance night-time issues.
Kids tend to become more active when they are overtired. Your toddler may be cranky or irritable while going to sleep. Avoid pushing for extra time and stick to a schedule so that your baby knows that it’s time to sleep when you put him in bed.
Nightmare Fears
Your toddler kid can have nightmares and may be calling you out in the middle of the night for comfort. Such nightmares are frequent with toddlers of two and three-year-olds. Moms can avoid books with scary themes or movies showing monsters during bedtime.
Your toddler may also be afraid of the dark room or asking for a sip of water. Moms can comfort their baby and surround him with his favourite toys so that he can fall asleep again independently. It will help to make your child’s bedtime joyful and assure your baby.
Dim Lights
Switch off overhead lights before bedtime and use dim table lamps to help your child calm down. Make your child feel more comfortable by allowing him to choose the pajamas he or she wishes to wear. Your toddler can take his much-loved stuffed animal or his favourite blanket to the bed. It can help your baby to wind down and feel more relaxed all through the night.
Wakes Up Early
Your toddler may be waking up too early in the morning and wants someone at his bedside. Try to find out the reason for his early rise. If it is sunlight, put a thick curtain or a room darkening shade in his room. If it is a bird’s noise, then try to use a white machine or sound machine to obscure the chirping sound. Avoid giving milk or food to your toddler as soon as he gets up so that he doesn’t relate waking up with eating food.
Separation Anxiety
Your toddler may be suffering from separation anxiety and frequently getting out of bed. Your baby may be refusing to go to sleep. At this time, you can stay with your baby for an hour during bedtime and help your child to relax. You can snuggle your toddler or listen to lullabies so that your baby can get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid Screen Time
Avoid watching television in the bedroom. Also, try to keep your toddler away from iPad, smartphones, or video games as they can excite your pre-schooler and make it difficult for him to fall asleep.
Refuses to Sleep
As your toddler grows, he may be resisting taking daytime naps. Your little one may have become overactive, indulging in more playful activities. At such times, moms can reschedule their toddler’s naptimes. They can maintain a steady pre-sleep routine such as having regular meals and bath times so that their toddler can adjust to the new naptime schedules easily.
Restrict Food and Beverages
Limit food and beverages, especially any drinks containing caffeine before going to bed. Instead, he can have some light snacks such as warm milk and a banana. Heavy meals before bedtime will make your toddler feel uneasy and keep him wide awake in the night.
Sleeping Independently
Moms can put their toddlers into bed and leave the room. It will help their baby to fall asleep on its own. Even if their baby wakes up in the middle of the night, they will try to return to sleep independently.
Timed Visits
Your toddler may be crying out frequently at night and calling out for you. Avoid visiting your toddler’s room frequently unless he is ill or has a wet diaper. Schedule your visits to your child’s bedroom every fifteen minutes so that he can gradually self-soothe and fall asleep.
Same Schedule on Weekends
Try to maintain the same schedule even on weekends. It will be easy for your toddler kid to wake up and sleep on the same schedule. A routine will help your toddler to have a peaceful sleep.
The above ideas can help parents to combat toddler sleep issues. After a certain time, most of the toddlers do outgrow these problems. There are plenty of ways in which you can handle your child’s bedtime issues. The solutions to common toddler bedtime issues are simple. Following them can ensure that you get a good rest and peaceful sleep at night!
Hope these tips will help you establish a routine for your kids. Please leave your ideas in the comments!
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