Getting both enough sleep and good sleep affects children’s safety, alertness, memories, moods, behavior and learning. Healthy sleep routines benefit children and parents! As we all know, when children sleep well, so do parents!
Toddlers need about 12-14 hours per day which includes a nap or two. Keep a toddler in a crib for as long as safely possible or until they are climbing out of it. Once in a regular bed, the room must be safe for them to explore and be childproofed. A closed door or a gate so they cannot access the entire home is a reasonable approach.
Important: If you are co-sleeping with your child, the earlier and quicker you begin sleeping apart, the easier it will be. Be consistent about bringing them back to their own bed.
Routine is essential to getting a toddler to bed.
- Set consistent bedtimes and wake times every day—even weekends.
- Use the same calming routine every night. The routine can be bathing, reading, lullabies, music, lights out and other soothing activities.
- Reassure little ones that you love them and are still with them. For preschoolers and young children, a stuffie might be a nice soother during sleep.
Preschoolers & Older Toddlers
Preschoolers need about 11-13 hours of sleep, on average. At some point during these years, naps will go away. When bedtime is getting later, it’s time to cut the nap out. Napping is not typical after preschool years. Seek advice or a sleep assessment if your older child routinely needs a nap.
For preschoolers and older toddlers who are getting out of bed routinely, try:
- Bedtime passes, 1 to 3 passes, are allowed if they are getting up for a reason. After their passes are up, they will be ignored for the rest of the night. If no passes are used, a reward system can be in place.
- Good morning lights are a night light on a timer that signals to children that it’s OK to wake up and get out of bed.
- Sleep fairy program offers positive reinforcement and rewards to children who stay in bed. It’s like the tooth fairy, but for staying in bed.
Be sure to schedule your well-child visits. We talk about sleep at every visit because it’s so important to health and wellness.
This article is intended for general information and education purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
