Getting your toddler to sleep article - part 1
Tags: Toddlers tend to sleep better through the night than babies. Once you actually get them to bed, they are less prone to waking up. However, persuading them to get their head down and rest can be very difficult.
Toddlers by their very nature like to test boundaries – it’s part of establishing themselves as independent little human beings. You really need to be consistent, fair and firm with them at this stage or and you will be a lot better off later on. A good schedule is key to maintaining consistency.
Here’s an example:
Toddler sleep schedule
0700hrs – get up
1300hrs – Short nap (no more than a couple of hours)
1500hrs – get up again
1900hrs – time for bed
Note that some tots are naturally very early risers, getting up at 0600 hrs or before! There isn’t a lot you can do. Late bedtime doesn’t work. It just means a sleep deprived tot who is grouchy and even more prone to tantrums and wobblies. Probably easiest just to adjust and start going to bed earlier yourself, or just stock up on extra strong coffee.
Note if you are consistently battling at bedtime, experiment with moving the nap earlier or shortening it.
Toddler bedtime routine
If you get your toddler into a routine, you are much more likely to win the sleep war. Here’s an example:
1800hrs: Clean teeth, change diaper
1845hrs: Chill out, calm your tot down. This is a great time to read a book together.
1900hrs: Bedtime, lights out, kiss them good night.
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