As a parent, it’s not uncommon to find yourself asking, “What happened to my great sleeper?” In fact I have been approached by many parents over the years who had great sleepers as babies, then things went off track once they entered the toddler years.

So why do toddlers and pre-schoolers who once slept soundly through the night start to experience sleep disruptions? The reality is that as your child grows and develops, their sleep habits can change—sometimes dramatically. Let’s explore some common issues that could be derailing your toddler's sleep and offer solutions to get them back on track.

Why is my toddler struggling to sleep?

Toddlerhood is an exciting yet challenging phase for both children and their parents. Research published in Sleep Medicine Reviews highlights that toddlers often delay bedtime, seek more attention, and wake up during the night as they assert their growing independence. These behaviours are normal and closely tied to the developmental changes happening at this age.

Here are some common factors that may be affecting your toddler’s sleep:

1. Developmental Milestones

As toddlers grow, they experience major developmental changes, particularly around language and cognitive abilities. These milestones, though exciting, can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns. If your child is learning to speak or mastering new skills, they may have a harder time settling down for sleep.

2. Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Children in this age group may crave extra attention, especially if there have been recent changes at home, like starting daycare or welcoming a new sibling. This can lead to bedtime resistance and frequent night wakings as your child seeks comfort or company.

3. Increased Independence

Toddlers love to test boundaries! As they gain more independence, they may resist bedtime or nighttime routines. This can manifest in tantrums, defiant behaviour, or even waking up multiple times at night.

4. Transitioning to a Bed

Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a big milestone, but it can also cause sleep disruptions. The newfound freedom may tempt your child to get out of bed, making bedtime more difficult and leading to frequent night wakings. Consistency is very important here. So taking your child back to bed EVERY time will help them to understand that their bed is where they sleep.

5. Nighttime Fears

As a child’s imagination grows, so do their fears. Nightmares or a fear of the dark may start to creep in around this age, which can make bedtime feel like a daunting experience for them. At this stage you might want to start using a nightlight. My recommendation would be to use a dim red nightlight that is not directly in your toddlers eyeline. Try using it in a corner to light up the room slightly.

6. Inconsistent Bedtime Routine

If your toddler’s bedtime routine is inconsistent, their sleep habits can suffer. A routine is key to helping them feel secure and calm as they wind down for the night. Creating a predictable bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.

7. Illness

It’s no surprise that illness can disrupt a child’s sleep. Whether it's a cold, ear infection, or teething, physical discomfort can cause night wakings or difficulty falling asleep.

Solutions for Better Sleep

If your toddler has stopped sleeping well, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to get it back on track. Here are a few tips to help:

• Stick to a Consistent Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and go to bed. Include calming activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath. A good length for a routine is around 30 minutes.

• Set Clear Boundaries: While it’s normal for toddlers to test limits, setting clear and consistent bedtime rules will help reinforce good sleep habits. Stay calm and remind your child of the bedtime expectation if you need to.

• Limit Screen Time: Try to reduce screen time in the evening, particularly in the hour or two before bed.

• Monitor Diet: Keep an eye on what your child eats and drinks, especially before bed. Reducing sugar intake and avoiding hidden sources of caffeine can improve sleep quality.

• Encourage Physical Activity: Ensure your toddler gets enough exercise during the day. Having some physical play around 1 hour before bedtime can be particularly helpful with toddlers.

• Taking a really long time to fall asleep at night: If your toddler is not falling asleep until really late at night (and has been for at least 2 weeks) then it might be time to reduce or even transition away from their nap.

Final Thoughts

Sleep disruptions in toddlers can be frustrating, but they are often temporary and can be managed with a few adjustments. By understanding the factors that might be impacting your child’s sleep and implementing some simple strategies, you can help them (and yourself!) get the rest they need.

If you are struggling with your toddler’s sleep, I’m here to help! Feel free to reach out for personalised support and guidance.