At least once a week, I have someone ask me about toddlers, and often they were sleeping really well and then it stops!
If your toddler is waking at 5am, fighting bedtime or waking throughout the night, you’re not alone! Sleep struggles don’t end when babies become toddlers, but small, gentle changes can sometimes make a big difference.
Lets have a look at what might be causing their sleep to have a regression.
1. Early morning waking
If your toddler is ready to start the day before sunrise, consider a few possible causes:
- Light: Blackout blinds or curtains may help keep their bedroom dark during early mornings.
- Daytime naps: Too much daytime sleep may affect how long they sleep overnight. Review their overall sleep needs before changing naps.
- Is their bedtime right? Keeping your toddler awake later doesn’t always mean they’ll wake later. If they seem exhausted or irritable before bed, try an earlier bedtime.
Children’s sleep needs vary, so look at patterns over several days rather than judging by one night.
2. Tricky bedtimes
If bedtime has become a battle, this can be for a number of reasons, however there is one that is a really common reason.
They simply aren’t ready for sleep yet!
Our sleep needs change as we get older, and this is something we forget. As toddlers edge towards dropping the nap, they may need less bedtime sleep or a bigger gap between the nap and bedtime.
If they are resisting bedtime, and don’t see tired, either reduce the nap, or make their bedtime a bit later. It is likely they aren’t ready to drop the nap, however they may need less daytime sleep.
3. Night Wakings
If your toddler is suddenly waking at night, firstly consider daytime sleep. Could they benefit from less daytime sleep? Remember we have to think about daytime sleep over 24 hours and this is a big part of unlocking their sleep. We cannot force them to sleep longer than they need, o consider if you may need to move their sleep around a little.
If they are waking, try to remain calm and reassuring, but don’t panic and start introducing lots of new things like water, sleeping in their room or getting then up for an hour at 2am!
For older toddlers, a visual sleep clock, such as a Gro Clock, can be really helpful. It can help them know what to expect when they wake, and also if it is morning!
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Start by looking for patterns in your child’s sleep. Is bedtime consistent? Are naps affecting nighttime sleep? Do they seem overtired, or perhaps not tired enough?
Try one small change at a time and give yourself time to see whether it helps. Every child is different, and sleep can also be affected by illness, development and changes in routine.
Also make sure they have plenty of outside time as this can make such a difference with sleep. In Essex, we have so many great outdoor spaces in Chelmsford and Colchester, keep an eye on Visit Essex for lots of great ideas.
Need support with your toddler’s sleep?
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. If early waking, bedtime battles or night wakings are leaving you exhausted, I can help.
Get in touch to arrange a free 15–20 minute call to discuss your toddler’s sleep and explore how I can support your family.
