As adults, we can all appreciate the importance of sleep. Sleep is a powerful and natural function that allows our bodies and brains to rest and prepare for a new day, and without it, we’re pretty useless. Toddlers, however, might not share the same enthusiasm that we feel for sleep. With new and exciting things to see at every moment, rarely do they look forward to bedtime or a nap, and it’s quite normal for an argument or even a tantrum to ensue. And even if your little one doesn’t struggle to fall asleep, perhaps they often wake up for feeding or to have a cuddle, disrupting your sleep. There must be a way that doesn’t involve tantrums or my constantly waking up, right?

Absolutely! Sleep is different for each of us, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. If you can meet your toddler’s important sleep needs, comfortable and sleep-filled nights are well within reach.

But before we take a look at a few sleep strategies, let’s quickly recap what your toddler’s sleep requirements are and why it’s so important that they’re met.

What are my child’s sleep needs?

Toddlers need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep per 24 hours, depending on their age. Now, as these are just guidelines, it’s entirely normal if your child needs a little more sleep or another nap during the day. On top of this, they need a calm, safe, and dark environment to help induce sleep and a consistent sleep routine. Individuals may need a specific toy or nightlight or a bottle of water beside their bed, but we’ll get to that later.

And why is it important for my child to get enough sleep?

As previously said, sleep is an essential part of the human routine and indispensable for a healthy lifestyle. Many studies show that kids who regularly get a good night’s sleep have improved attention, behaviour, memory, learning, and overall mental and physical health. So, there’s really no denying its importance!

And now that we know why sleep is so essential, let’s explore how a good night’s sleep can be achieved.

How do I get my toddler to sleep?

Set up a comfortable sleep area. All families favour a different sleeping setup. Some children sleep in the same bed as their parents, others in a separate bed in the same room, and many in a room of their own. There’s no right or wrong way to do things, so find out what works for your family, but try as best as you can to be consistent. There are a few things to keep in mind, no matter your family’s sleeping arrangements: the bedroom must be free of distractions such as TVs and half-finished games, and it should be nice, quiet, comfortable, and dark.

Be consistent at bedtime. They need a proper routine they associate with the Land of Nod. Try to give them 30 or 40 minutes to get into their PJs, brush their teeth, and read a book with you. Keep the lights dim and the environment quiet. This will aid in the release of melatonin, their body’s natural sleep hormone.

Provide any necessary extras. Many toddlers need a specific cuddly toy or blanket to fall asleep with, and that’s perfectly okay! Anything that offers them security and comfort will help them drift off. If your child prefers to sleep with a nightlight, go for a dim blue to mimic the light of the moon or a soft red. It could also be a good idea to place a sippy cup of water next to their bed so they can have a quick drink if they’re thirsty during the night. Similarly, a snack one or two hours earlier should curb their hunger until the morning.

The moving chair technique If your little one has grown used to your company as they fall asleep and now you’d like to remove this particular crutch, set a chair up next to their bed. At first, they may want you to give them a gentle back rub as they drift off, needing to physically feel your presence, but gradually, you can just sit there quietly and read a book. As days go by, move the chair a little further from the bed until, eventually, two weeks later, you’re sitting just outside their door where they can still see you. A few nights of this, and they should no longer need you at all.

Try your best to stay calm. We know that it isn’t easy to be woken up in the middle of the night by a little prodding hand and a small voice telling you they’re hungry, but your toddler is only acting on impulse and what they know. So try as best you can to be patient and understanding.

Praise your child. And when they go a whole night without waking or go to bed without throwing a tantrum, make sure to praise them with a great big hug the next day!

How can I help my toddler to meet their sleep needs?

On Unii’s Toddler Sleep Journey, we share how you can help them get enough rest.