Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day, but that doesn't mean they'll hit the sack at 7 p.m. and not stir again until morning. Show
Even if your toddler has been sleeping through the night in her own crib or bed for months, she may enter a stage where she starts waking up once, twice (do I hear three times?) and cries until you lull her back to sleep. Night waking is very normal for toddlers — and very common (just look at all the bleary-eyed parents of toddlers at the playground). Like any other unwanted behavior, though, this sleep habit will run its course given time and your patience — a lot of it! Why is my toddler suddenly waking up in the middle of the night?Has your little dreamer’s sleep turned a little, well, nightmarish? Sleep interruptions are sometimes a part of toddlerhood, especially when your sweetie isn’t feeling well or is dealing with something stressful or challenging. Some of the most common culprits include: TeethingIncoming chompers — including 1- and 2-year molars and the upper and lower canines — can leave your toddler cranky during the day and might wake her at night. When it comes to toddler teething relief, you likely know the drill by now: Offer something cold to chew on, and try acetaminophen or ibuprofen when she’s very uncomfortable with your pediatrician's approval. IllnessEar infections, stuffiness, sore throats and fever can all make it harder for your toddler to sleep soundly. (Can you blame her?) Cool-mist humidifiers and soothing ointments can help ease cold symptoms, while applying warm or cool compresses can relieve pressure caused by an ear infection. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are options for pain and fever relief too if your doctor gives the green light. Continue Reading Below More About Toddler SleepGoing through a big changeLife changes such as a new sibling, potty training, weaning, transitioning to a toddler bed, moving to a new home, or a new babysitter or day care provider can cause daytime anxiety — which may in turn translate into nighttime restlessness. Adjusting can take some time for your little one. In the meantime, offering lots of attention during the day and before bed can help her feel more secure — and, hopefully, sleep better at night. FearsAs your toddler’s thought processes become more sophisticated, she’ll develop the capacity to become afraid of things. And some — like a fear of the dark or a fear of being alone — could make it harder for her to sleep well. Nightmare and night terrorsToddlers can have a hard time understanding that bad dreams aren’t real, which can make them extra unsettling. Big changes and daytime stressors, lots of excitement before bed and being sick can all exacerbate nightmares, so try to keep things calm — especially before bedtime. Opt for quiet play, soothing stories and sweet snuggles over rough-housing, loud noises or scary TV shows. If your toddler doesn’t already have a lovey or transitional object, offering one can also be a source of comfort. Naps that run too long or too lateMarathon midday naps that run late into the afternoon might mean your toddler isn’t tired enough at bedtime to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Experiment with moving naptime a little earlier in the day or cutting it shorter. It might take some trial and error, but getting daytime sleep right can mean sounder snoozing in the evening. Naps that run too short or going to bed too lateToo much napping can wreck nighttime sleep — but so can too little. Overtired tots are often too wired to go to sleep or stay asleep, so they wake up again and again. In general, aim to have your toddler in bed by 7:30 p.m. and no later than 8 p.m.. And don't be afraid to nudge bedtime a little earlier if she had a bad nap (or no nap at all). Separation anxietyIs your little one is going through a phase where she always wants to be with you and gets extra upset when you leave? As you might have guessed, that can make it harder for her to sleep well. Many toddlers deal with a bout of separation anxiety around 18 months, and these clingy periods can continue to come around for years. The key is helping your sweetie cope without offering too much comfort. Try to diffuse the situation with a short, boring visit to her bedroom, then tell her goodnight. Hitting a big milestoneRemember when your 9-month old kept waking up all night before she started crawling or pulling herself up? Major developmental milestones can trigger regressions in toddlers too — including sleep regressions. The good news: Just like in babyhood, your toddler should get back to her normal snooze situation once she’s mastered her new skill — provided you don’t form any bad habits by giving those night wakings too much attention. What can you do about your toddler's night waking?Nighttime wakeups disrupt everyone’s sleep — yours and your toddler's. No matter the cause of her waking (and crying), what's keeping her — and you — from getting the Zzzs you both need is that your little one either hasn't learned how to fall back asleep on her own, or has gotten back into the habit of relying on you to soothe her into dreamland. That's why the steps you take when she does wake up are so important in helping her learn (or relearn) that crucial skill:
How can you prevent your toddler from waking up in the middle of the night?Night disruptions sometimes come with the toddler territory, especially when your cutie isn’t feeling well. But a few smart strategies paired with a solid bedtime routine can keep the wee-hour wakefests to a minimum, so everyone can get the sleep they need.
Waking up during the night is part of the normal sleep cycle, but when your toddler's nocturnal calls and cries are keeping you awake, it can seem pretty unfair, considering all you went through during the baby years. Taking steps to help prevent your toddler's nightly wake-ups in the first place and sticking to a consistent response when they do occur will help you get through this stage. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. Was this article helpful? Why is my toddler waking up for hours in the middle of the night?One of the most common causes of night wakings in infants, toddlers, and even older children is inappropriate sleep onset associations. This is a disorder which will respond to behavioral management (or sleep training).
How do I get my child to sleep back at night?If your child will not go to bed
Start a "winding down" bedtime routine 20 minutes before the time that your child usually falls asleep. Bring this forward by 5 to 10 minutes each week – or 15 minutes if your child is in the habit of going to bed very late – until you get to the bedtime you want.
Why is my toddler all of a sudden not sleeping at night?The issue often stems from natural growth and development, as well as stress, separation anxiety, or a change in routine. Toddlers may also try to assert their newfound independence in any way they can—and that includes not wanting to go to bed or attempting to control their own bedtime.
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