You were prepared for sleepless nights during babyhood.
You didnt expect more of the same when your baby entered toddlerhood, though.
Its exhausting enough to deal with the constant wrangling and pleading when your toddler balks at bedtime.
But its those middle-of-the night sleep wreckers that are really wearing you down.
Is your toddler just being stubborn, or is something else going on?
The answer isnt always so simple.
That means a consistent schedule, a comfortingbedtime routineand plenty of patience.
Then consider these extra strategies for helping cure the most common toddler sleep problems.
What are some common toddler sleep problems?
Yes, your toddler needs 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps.
But that doesnt mean your tot got the memo.
Instead she wakes up one, two or even several times during the night.
There are many reasons for thesenight wakings.
Sometimes she’s just not tired and other times, she’s too tired.
Shell eventually learn to self-soothe.
Early waking
What it looks like:Good morning, sunshine!
Its true that most toddlers body clocks are naturally set forearly risings.
But there are ways to shift your cuties sleep habits a bit.
you’re free to also have a go at block out the light with heavier curtains or shades.
Toddler nightmares typically occur during the REM (light) stage of sleep.
Go in and comfort your little one, explaining that it was just her brain pretending.
Give her a few hugs and pats on the back and see if she falls back to sleep.
Sometimes asoothing bedtime routinecan help set your toddler up for better-quality sleep, especially after a stressful day.
Cue the calls for your tots favorite people to help banishher fear of the dark.
What to do:No matter what is scaring her, these emotions are very real to your child.
it’s possible for you to help her feel less afraid by asking about her fears.
Then help your tot feel safer before you say goodnight.
Shell feel more reassured if she sees that you’re not worried.
Anything can cause a toddler to snore, including allergies, a stuffy nose and even swollen tonsils.
A smaller percentage of toddlers, an estimated 1 to 5 percent, havesleep apnea.
Thats more serious, as your toddler will temporarily stop breathing for a few seconds as she snores.
take a stab at keep bedtimes soothing and verify your toddler is getting enough sleep.
Dont wake your toddler if you see her wandering, but do guide her gently back to bed.
It’s normal for your toddler to fight sleep there’s too much going on!
Thats because too much screen time has been linked to health and behavior problems in children.
That goes double at bedtime.
Your child isnt tired.Has yourtoddlers nap schedulecrept into the later afternoon hours?
Here’s the fix: Gradually push the last nap to earlier in the afternoon.
Remedying this is easy: double-check your toddler logs 11 to 14 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period.
If that’s not happening, she’s overtired no matter how energetic she seems.
When you travel, getting your toddler to sleep is a whatever-works proposition.
Just get back to the old routine as soon as you get home.
Your child doesn’t feel well.Sleep is elusive when your child is sick.
Once shes on the mend, go back to her regular sleep schedule.
Set the tone with a snack, a bath and a nice conversation about the day.
Dim the lights a bit and read her a story.
Instead, pull out the board books and start reading.
Dont let that become a habit.
Calmly and quietly return her to her own crib or bed.
So get ahead of any potential conflict by deciding ahead of time where you’re willing to cave.
check that you time the afternoon nap so that its not happening too close to bedtime.
Chances are, a phone call will be enough.
For night terrors:Most of the time, your child will grow out of night terrors.
But if youre worried, call the pediatrician.
If youre really worried or its happening a lot, call your pediatrician, who can help reassure you.
The doctor can help uncover the reason why your toddler keeps waking up overnight.
Otherwise, bring it up at your tots next well visit.
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