In any parent’s experience, there is no denying the fact that sleep is very important to the development of a toddler. But of course, the aspect of sleeping and waking patterns in toddlers is a topic which is quite often rather difficult to grasp. In this stage of child development, changes of sleep patterns occur which may include such issues as the child’s resistance to go to bed or waking up in the middle of the night. 

How Much Sleep Do Toddlers Need?

The number of hours that a toddler has to sleep is not always the same but the average toddler, aged between 1 and 3 years, requires 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day. This usually comprises about 10-12 hours at night and either one or two naps during the day.

• 1-Year-Olds: So at this age children are able to take two naps a day and the most appropriate time for that is in the morning and in the afternoon. On an average, the nap time should be between 2-3 hours.

• 2-Year-Olds: Some children reduce their nap times and many 2-year-olds are able to take only one nap of the day and it is usually taken in the early part of afternoon. This nap lasts about 1. 5 to 2 hours.

• 3-Year-Olds: While some children at this age require nap some may begin to wean off daytime nap in favor of longer night sleep.

Common Toddler Sleep Challenges

Toddlers can have interrupted sleep as they develop, they need to; sleep, wake up and play, then have a nap. If you are aware of such issues, then it becomes easier for you to deal with them as they come.

Bedtime Resistance

Most toddlers dislike the motion towards bedwaking as a result of enhanced self- initiative and the lure of wakefulness that equals to play time. To overcome this kind of situation, there is a need to set a regular program of going to bed and sleeping, commonly referred to as bedtime routine.

Night Wakings

Sleep disturbances are normal in the toddler’s age hence he wakes up in the middle of the night to be consoled. These awakenings can however be avoided if a child is comfortable and able to soothe themselves back to sleep.

Separation Anxiety

This usually occurs in the period between two and three years due to the growth of the toddler and discovery of the world, making him/her afraid of being alone during sleep. Some things which may be done are, offering assurance and establishing a calming before sleep schedule.

Tips for Establishing Healthy Sleep Patterns

To ensure that your toddler has proper sleep patterns, there should be steps taken in ensuring that the environment to sleep is familiar and reassuring. Here are some tips to help:Here are some tips to help. 

Stick to a Routine

It is also a good practice for parents to establish routines before putting the toddler to bed as it gives him or her a cue that it’s time for rest. This can in fact be a warm bath, a story before bedtime or some soothing music to listen to as one goes to sleep.

Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment

Do not place your toddler in an environment that is likely to put him/her to sleep in between activities. These are a comfortable bed, a dark environment all through the night and no noise at all. It might be useful to purchase a white noise machine in order to cover all possible noise that may interfere with the night.

Encourage Daytime Activity

Daytime activity results in better night sleep in toddlers as compared to when they spend most of their time inactive. It is also good that your child gets enough exercise hence you should ensure that he or she has adequate time for physical activities and play outdoors.

Limit Screen Time

Looking at the screens should not be done close to bedtime because it becomes a disruption to the sleep of a child. There are many tips to effectively put an hour of screen free time before bedtime.

Be Consistent with Nap Times

Sticking to the time of the day when your toddler has nap means that you are putting him or her in a consistent sleep schedule. As much as possible, avoid taking naps anytime you wish but better set a fixed time of the day.

Manage Night Wakings Calmly

If your toddler wakes up at night, the best thing to do is calm them and not panic. Comfort them without stimulating them more or showering them with so many questions that you end up waking him or her up fully.

Sometimes, trying to understand the sleep patterns of a toddler, as well as guiding the child to adhere to the right sleep pattern can be a puzzle; however, the Parent’s Guide to Toddler Sleep can help a parent to find the right strategies to ensure that the child will develop good sleep habits in the future. Focusing on strong habits, making the atmosphere of the bedroom and bed comfortable, ignoring toddler tendencies in the middle of the night is a good way to make both baby and parent have the amount of sleep they need. Remember, every child is different and thus, so should be the approaches and practices for the family which will eventually be determined by trial and error.