Your child’s sleep routine is likely changing as they enter toddlerhood. With the change in routine can come sleep disruptions. These disruptions can happen for various reasons such as nightmares and night terrors and other distractions during the night hours.
Sleep is essential
Children need different amounts of sleep as they grow. At 1 to 2 years old, children should be getting 10 to 13 hours of sleep between nighttime sleep and naps. Figuring out what works for your child will be through trial and error.
Negative behaviors will come out if your child is not getting enough sleep. Parents often think the child needs to be disciplined when they really just need more hours of sleep.
Be aware that if your family is going through a change, this could add to sleep difficulties. These changes could include a new sibling, moving to a new home, or a death in the family.
Sleep safety tips
Set up your child for safe sleep:
- Make sure your child’s crib is a safe and secure place to sleep.
- Avoid large stuffed animals and lots of blankets in your child’s sleep space.
- Avoid placing the crib under a window, if possible. Your child may try to play with the blind cords which could wrap around their neck.
- Hang pictures away from the crib so they do not fall on your child.
- Be sure the crib mattress is at a level that your child cannot crawl out of the crib and potentially harm themselves.
- Pick up toys from the floor in your child’s room. If your child does get out of bed in the middle of the night, they may get hurt by falling on the toys. If you need to enter the room in the dark, you do not want to trip or step on toys either.
- Having a monitor in your child’s room is a good idea so you can hear if they wake up.
Nighttime disruptions
There are many reasons for your child waking up in the middle of the night, including needing a drink of water, teething pain, nightmares, and separation anxiety, just to name a few.
At this age, children are becoming very aware of their surroundings. Your child could be waking up at night because of noises in an adjoining room.
Keep a relaxing and quiet bedtime routine, but don’t make it too long.
- Turn off the television and other screens.
- Dim the lights.
- Be consistent with their bedtime.
If your child wakes in the middle of the night:
- Rule out any illnesses, reflux, allergies or snoring.
- Provide reassurance that you are there, and they are safe.
- Do not have too much verbal interaction as this could stimulate them and awaken them even more.
- Be consistent about getting back to bed.
The bottom line is to keep a consistent bedtime routine. Also, listen to your instincts. If you feel as though your child may be waking at night for more serious issues, don’t hesitate to contact your medical provider.
Learn more
- Is your baby getting all the sleep needed? Are you?
- Why your child needs plenty of z’s
- Help calm your child’s fears
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting, Sleep Medicine
