Dealing with a toddler that won’t sleep can be challenging (excruciating, frustrating). We’ve all been through it. We finally train our beautiful little babies to sleep and think it’s all sorted.
Then they turn into toddlers and decide they won’t follow their sleep schedule anymore, or they’d like to drop a nap, change their bedtime or start getting up before the sun.
Toddlers like to test their limits. It’s natural for them to try and be more independent at this age. That’s fine when it comes to what shape they want their sandwich cut in or which t-shirt they want to wear but bedtime is non-negotiable.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Euky Bear. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.
Here are five tips for dealing with a toddler that won’t sleep. Don’t worry, these actually work:
1. It’s bedtime. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
Fighting nap time is common toddler behaviour and when the fight spills over into night-time, it can become a nightmare. Toddlers can smell doubt, so you need to be firm when it comes to bedtime. If a toddler refuses to go to sleep, denies being tired or asks for one more game, one more snack or one more drink, you need to be firm.
The first few nights (or weeks depending on your toddler’s determination to mess with their schedule) will be the toughest. It’s so important to stick to the plan. If you waver, even once, you are adding more nights of struggle. So keep that in mind.
2. A special sleeping buddy, not a dummy or a blanket.
Allowing your toddler to become attached to a special soft toy for sleep time is a great idea, but you might want to buy more than one in case you ever lose it.
By teaching them to sleep with their little friend, they have some comfort during nap time, at night and if they wake up during the night. Instead of having to pick them up, you can simply tuck their toy under their arm, give them a kiss and back out of the room quietly.
Then, when you need your toddler to sleep at a different location during holidays or while being looked after by friends or relatives, bring along their sleeping buddy and they’ll know it’s about that time again.
Top Comments
I don't see anything wrong with my 3 year old climbing into my bed when she's scared. We both get more sleep that way and I love the cuddles. She won't always give them out so freely so I want to make the most of it now.