It can be exhausting when your toddler wakes up many times a night, needing you to cuddle her or sleep in her bed. You hear stories about babies sleeping all night, so when see that your two year old is waking 3 and 4 times a night, you realize that you are ready for a solution.
When Toddlers Keep Waking Up
You have tried everything from ignoring the situation to co-sleeping, but nothing is working. The sleeplessness causes crankiness and temper tantrums the following day. I know this situation all too well.
Related: Go to sleep activities
Today, we are sharing tips from parents that have been through this and have come out the other side with a happy, well-rested child.
My Toddler Wakes Up Many Times A Night
1. Rule Out Medical Issues
Be sure that your pediatrician has ruled everything out. Consider having a sleep study done for your child and perhaps a visit to the ENT to rule out any ear-infections or tonsil issues. I know friends that said that these things were life-changing.
2. It is OK to Need Your Sleep
You will hear many people say “enjoy the cuddles” but after weeks of waking several times a night, it can be hard. So- to start, I want to say that you should NOT feel guilty wanting your child to sleep. You need sleep. Your body and your mind need sleep. It will make you a better parent.
3. Start with setting limits
Set time limits: “You have 3 minutes to try brushing your teeth before Mommy helps.” Be firm. Give her a kiss when it’s time, and stand your ground. You’ll both be better off in the long run if you can normalize her sleeping habits and get her to self-soothe now. Oh, and turn the monitor sound down or off if you have one.” ~Emily Porter
4. Change Up Bedtime
Try an earlier bedtime. I know that is counter-intuitive, but when I moved bedtime back earlier in the evening, the kids slept better…and longer!
5. Make Sure the Kids Have outdoor Time
More fresh air outdoors, for longer periods of time during the day, wearing her out. Having exposure to sun during the daylight hours helps regulate sleep at night.
6. Experiment with Naptime Changes
Skip nap time completely.
7. WaKe Before YOU Go to Bed
Wake her up (just a bit) right before you go to bed. There is a reason for this!
8. Rewards! Rewards! Rewards!
Print out a reward chart and use stickers every morning that she stays in bed or doesn’t wake up crying for you.
9. Quiet Time Rule at Night
Test your theories at “quiet time.” Try leaving her alone for quiet time to see if she is able to play by herself, without needing you.
10. Watch Eating Habits
Be sure that she is eating enough for dinner. If your child is having a light meal at dinnertime, it may cause her to wake more often.
11. Give a Sleepy Time Snack
Give her some warm milk and a banana before bed (both said to induce sleep).
12. Change Waking Time
Wake her up earlier. 7:00am or 8:00am is a good waking time.
13. Give the Silent Treatment
Don’t talk when she wakes at night. Don’t get into her bed to lie down with her. Simply cover her up with a quick kiss on the cheek and leave the room. Cutting out cuddle time should stop some of the wake-ups.
14. Change UP Sleeping ARrangements
You may want to try letting her sleep on your floor. You can get a little toddler couch that folds out or lay a blanket on the floor and let her sleep there. A few nights of learning to sleep through the night again may be just what she needs to get back to sleep. You can transition to move her back into her room soon after.
15. Sibling Bonding
Let her sleep in an older sibling’s room. Sharing a room can be a big help for your younger child. This is the age when fear begins, so if it is fear that is waking her up, this would help.
16. Bonding Bear
Try making a ‘build a bear’ together, where you put in a picture of the two of you.
17. Be Consistent
Be consistent! You could try using the no-tolerance method if you want your child to stay in bed.
18. Set the Stage for Sleep
Try getting new sheets that she picks out (with her favorite characters on them).
Solving Sleep Waking is Worth the Trouble
This is hard, and you are tired. I sincerely hope that you have found some things here that will work for you. Children need their sleep so they will not be sleep-deprived, grumpy, and unhealthy.
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