How to get a toddler to sleep: why won’t my toddler sleep!?
- Apr 11, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: 21 minutes ago
In a rush? Here's a quick rundown.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine — a warm bath, bedtime story, and same sleep time each night (even weekends) signals to your toddler that it's time for sleep.
Create a sleep-friendly environment — a dark, quiet room with a cosy bed, favourite blanket, and stuffed toy helps toddlers feel secure and relaxed.
Limit stimulation before bed — reduce sugar intake and switch off screens at least an hour before bedtime, as blue light interferes with sleep.
Be patient with transitions — moving to their own bed takes time. Start gradually, make their bed inviting, and reward positive progress.
Getting your toddler to sleep can be a challenge for many parents. The sleep needs of toddlers differ from those of older children and adults, and it can be difficult to work out the best approach — especially if you're a first-time parent.
But with the right techniques, you can help your toddler establish a healthy bedtime routine and put an end to those sleepless nights. Understanding your toddler's sleep needs and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are crucial elements in the quest for good sleep.
In this guide, we'll provide practical tips and techniques for solving the dilemma of sleepless nights.
How to Get Toddlers to Sleep in Their Own Bed
As a parent, your presence provides your toddler with a sense of security and familiarity that helps them feel calm and relaxed. This means your toddler may regularly seek comfort from sleeping in your bed. However, it's important for young children to learn to sleep on their own for their personal development.
Tips for transitioning to independent sleeping:
Start gradually — Move your toddler's bed away from yours, even if it's just a few inches at a time. Small steps feel less overwhelming for both of you.
Make their bed inviting — Ensure your toddler's bed is comfortable with a cosy duvet, pillows, and a favourite blanket or stuffed toy. Let them help choose their bedding to build ownership.
Give them time — The transition may take a while, so be patient and persistent. When your toddler shows positive progress, acknowledge and reward them.
Create positive associations — Read stories in their bed, have quiet cuddles there during the day, and talk positively about their "big kid bed."
How to Get Toddlers to Sleep Through the Night
Many toddlers experience sleep difficulties due to separation anxiety, fear of the dark, or an inconsistent sleep schedule. However, there are ways you can help your toddler feel more comfortable during the night and maintain a consistent sleep pattern.
Establish a Consistent Routine
One of the most important things to implement is a nightly routine that signals to your child that it's time for sleep.
Elements of a good bedtime routine:
Stick to the same bedtime every night — yes, even on weekends
A warm bath to help them relax
A bedtime story or lullaby
The same sequence of activities each night
Consistency helps regulate your child's internal clock and makes bedtime predictable and reassuring.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A dark and quiet room helps your toddler feel more secure and contributes to a better night's sleep.
Tips for the sleep environment:
Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark
Consider a dim nightlight if your child fears the dark
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature
Remove stimulating toys from the bed area
Limit Stimulation Before Bed
What happens in the hour before bed matters.
Avoid before bedtime:
Sugary foods and drinks
Screens (phones, tablets, televisions) — the blue light interferes with sleep
Rough or exciting play
Caffeinated drinks
Switch off screens at least an hour before bedtime and replace with calm activities like reading, gentle play, or quiet conversation.
Why Do Toddlers Sit Up in Their Sleep?
If you've wondered why toddlers sit up in their sleep during the night, take comfort in knowing there are several common reasons for this behaviour.
Common reasons include:
Discomfort — They may be trying to find a more comfortable position
Sleep disturbances — They may have woken from a nightmare or night terror
Anxiety — Feeling scared or unsettled during the night
Exploring independence — Testing the limits of their bed or learning to climb out of their cot
If you're concerned about your child's activity during the night, you may find it reassuring to use a baby monitor to keep an eye on them. Alternatively, you can check in on your toddler periodically if you suspect they may be uncomfortable or experiencing sleep disturbances.
When Can a Toddler Sleep with a Blanket?
Introducing a blanket to your toddler's sleep routine can be a helpful tool in promoting restful sleep. However, it's important to wait until your toddler is old enough to sleep with a blanket safely.
Safety guidelines:
Wait until your child is at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket
At this age, toddlers can move freely and remain comfortable and safe
Choose lightweight, breathable materials to prevent overheating
Ensure your child can easily remove the blanket if needed
Every child is different, and some may not be comfortable sleeping with a blanket until they're older. If you're unsure whether your toddler is ready, consult with your paediatrician.
How Much Sleep Do Toddlers Need?
Understanding how much sleep your toddler needs helps you set appropriate expectations and bedtimes.
General sleep guidelines:
12-24 months: 11-14 hours total (including naps)
2-3 years: 10-13 hours total (including naps)
3-5 years: 10-13 hours total (naps may decrease)
If your toddler needs to wake at 7am for childcare, aim for bedtime between 7pm and 8pm to ensure they get enough rest.
When to Seek Help
While sleep challenges are normal for toddlers, some situations may warrant professional advice.
Consider speaking to your GP or child health nurse if:
Your toddler consistently takes more than 30-45 minutes to fall asleep
They wake frequently throughout the night and struggle to resettle
They snore loudly or appear to stop breathing during sleep
Sleep difficulties are significantly impacting family life
Your toddler seems excessively tired during the day despite adequate sleep time
Your healthcare provider can rule out any underlying issues and provide tailored advice for your child's situation.
Supporting Healthy Sleep at Childcare
At quality early learning centres, children are given plenty of opportunities for quiet time, rest, and relaxation. Engaging activities throughout the day help expend physical energy, while calm and nurturing environments help children feel secure — reducing stress and anxiety that may lead to disruptive sleep.
The long-term benefits of restful sleep are significant for your child's development, learning, and behaviour. When home routines and childcare routines work together, children develop the healthy sleep patterns they need to thrive.
FAQ
How do I get my toddler to sleep in their own bed?
Start gradually by moving their bed away from yours a little at a time. Make their bed inviting with cosy bedding and a favourite toy, create positive associations by reading stories there, and be patient — the transition takes time. Reward positive progress along the way.
Why won't my toddler sleep through the night?
Common reasons include separation anxiety, fear of the dark, inconsistent sleep schedules, or overtiredness. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a sleep-friendly environment (dark, quiet, comfortable), and limit stimulation and screens before bed.
When can my toddler sleep with a blanket safely?
According to safe sleep guidelines, a child should be at least 12 months old before introducing a blanket. Choose lightweight, breathable materials to prevent overheating, and ensure your child can easily remove the blanket if needed.
How much sleep does a toddler need?
Toddlers aged 1-2 years need 11-14 hours of sleep (including naps), while those aged 2-3 years need 10-13 hours. If your toddler needs to wake at 7am, aim for bedtime between 7pm and 8pm.
Should I let my toddler watch TV before bed?
No — screens should be switched off at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and televisions interferes with sleep by suppressing melatonin production. Replace screen time with calm activities like reading or gentle play.
See How We Support Healthy Routines
Book a tour and discover how The Green Elephant creates calm, nurturing environments with engaging activities that help toddlers develop healthy sleep patterns.
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