Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old (for Parents)

toddlers waking at night

Why do toddlers wake at night?

If your toddler is waking up in the middle of the night, it could be for a number of reasons. It’s important to rule out any medical causes first, but once you’ve done that, there are a few things you can look at.

One possibility is that your toddler’s bedtime routine isn’t conducive to sleep. If they’re not winding down properly before bed, they may have trouble falling asleep and may be more likely to wake up in the middle of the night.

Another possibility is that your toddler is experiencing some sleep problems. Night terrors, for example, can cause toddlers to wake up in a state of panic. If your toddler is waking up due to separation anxiety, you may need to help them learn to cope with being away from you at night.

It’s also possible that your toddler is going through a sleep regression. Around 18 months, many toddlers start to wake up more at night. This can be due to a number of things, including teething or changes in their sleep schedule.

Finally, screen time before bed can also disrupt your toddler’s sleep. If they’re used to looking at screens right up until bedtime, their brain may have trouble shutting off at night, leading to night wakings.

If your toddler is waking up at night, there are a few things you can try to help them fall back to sleep. Establishing a bedtime routine can help them learn to wind down at night. You can also try sleep training, which can help your toddler learn to fall asleep on their own and sleep through the night.

How can you help your toddler sleep through the night?

If your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, there are a few things you can do to help them back to sleep.

First, try to figure out why they woke up. If they’re wet or dirty, change their diaper or clothing. If they’re hungry, give them a small snack. If they’re thirsty, give them a drink of water.

Once you’ve taken care of their basic needs, try to help them relax. You can rock them, sing to them, or read them a book.

If your toddler is still wide awake, you may need to let them stay up for a little while. But eventually, they should be able to fall back asleep on their own.

If your toddler wakes up frequently at night, it may be a sign that they’re not getting enough sleep during the day. Make sure they’re taking regular naps and getting to bed early.

With a little patience and effort, you can help your toddler sleep through the night.

What are some common sleep problems in toddlers?

As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change. Here are some common sleep problems in toddlers and how to deal with them.

If your toddler is waking up at night, it could be because they are going through a growth spurt. To help them sleep through the night, make sure they are getting enough to eat during the day.

If your toddler is waking up at night because they are sick, you can try giving them some medication to help them sleep. However, if they are waking up often, it is best to take them to the doctor to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.

If your toddler is waking up at night because they are afraid of the dark, you can try leaving a nightlight on in their room. You can also try to teach them some relaxation techniques to help them fall back asleep.

If your toddler is waking up at night because they are teething, you can try giving them a teething ring to chew on. You can also put a cold cloth on their gums to help relieve the pain.

If your toddler is waking up at night because they have separation anxiety, you can try to reassure them that you will always come back. You can also try to leave them with a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel comforted.

When should you seek help for your toddler’s sleep problems?

It can be tough to get your toddler to sleep through the night. If your toddler is waking up at night, it may be time to seek help.

There are a few things to consider when determining whether or not to seek help for your toddler’s sleep problems. First, consider how often your toddler is waking up at night. If it is only occasionally, there is likely no need for concern. However, if your toddler is waking up multiple times a night, it may be time to seek help.

Another thing to consider is how long your toddler is sleeping during the day. If your toddler is not getting enough sleep during the day, they may be more likely to wake up at night. Toddlers need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day. If your toddler is not getting this much sleep, it may be time to seek help.

Finally, consider how your toddler is sleeping. If your toddler is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it may be time to seek help. If your toddler is waking up crying or seeming distressed, it is also a good idea to seek help.

If you are concerned about your toddler’s sleep problems, talk to your child’s doctor. The doctor can help you determine if there is a medical reason for the sleep problems and can offer advice on how to best address the issue.