How to Help Your Toddler Sleep Through the Night

Toddler sleep is unpredictable to say the least - one night they’re out like a light, the next they’re up at 2AM and ready to party or sometimes they just don't go down at all. Consistency and the right environment are key to helping your toddler (and you!) get a full night’s sleep.

1. Build a solid bedtime routine
Toddlers thrive on knowing what’s coming next. Do the same thing every night, dinner, dishes, bath, teeth, story, cuddle, lights out within the same time frame every night to cue their body and mind for sleep.

2. Calm their nervous system
Keep their room as quiet as possible or use soothing sounds (like white noise or soft lullabies) to block out loud noises (TVs, chatter) while gently rocking or patting them before bed.

3. Add soft lighting in their space
Switch on a soft lamp an hour before bed to signal to their brain that it’s almost time to sleep. A warm-toned nightlight (red light or white light) can help ease fear of the dark and not overstimulate their senses.

4. Encourage healthy sleep habits during the day
Get them outside running around, burning energy, ensure regular nap times to build up sleep pressure and make nighttime sleep deeper and longer.

5. Respond gently during night wakings
Keep the lights low, again using a soft gentle red light or white light, soft voices and refrain from chatting to encourage self-settling back to sleep.

With the right sleep aid, a steady and boring routine, a whole lot of patience and perseverance, toddlers CAN learn to sleep through the night. When kids sleep well they thrive, and when parents sleep well the home flourishes.

~ Althea