Is your little one not sleeping well at night? Let's talk about Toddler Sleep!

Your little one is a little older now, isn't he? Maybe the days of waking up every hour or two at night to ask for milk are over. But... is it still a big challenge for you to get him to sleep at night? Oh, how frustrating it is for a parent to not sleep well at night! But don't worry, this is not just your problem. Many parents face various problems with their little ones' sleep at this age, that is, around one and a half to two years old. Today, let's talk about what we can do to give these little mischievous ones a comfortable, good night's sleep.

Why do babies' sleep patterns change at this age?

You may remember how your baby used to sleep for hours at a time when he was a baby. But now your little one is a little older. His world has grown bigger. So the things that affect sleep change too.

• Separation Anxiety: At this age, toddlers may feel a little scared of being left alone with their parents. When they sleep alone at night, they may wonder, "Where did Mommy go?"
• Growing independence and curiosity: Your little one is now walking, running, and playing on their own. They are very curious about the world. So, instead of sleeping, they want to play and explore new things. You may think, "I need to play a little more."
• Mental development and fear: During this time, they start to imagine things in their minds. They may be afraid of the dark, or even a toy in the room may look different at night. They may even say, "Mommy, there's someone behind that cupboard."
• Testing boundaries: Toddlers are very good at testing us. They try to delay bedtime by making requests like "Tell me one more story," "I need some water," etc.
• Changes in daytime sleep: Some children at this age limit themselves to one nap per day, or take fewer naps. These changes can also affect nighttime sleep.
• Teething: Some babies at this age may wake up at night due to pain and discomfort when teething.

Why is good sleep important for children?

Sleep is not just about closing your eyes. It is essential for a child's physical and mental development .

Just like food and drink, comfortable sleep is essential for a child's healthy development.

• For growth and development: Growth hormones in children work best when they are sleeping. Sleep is also very important for brain development.
• For learning and memory: Things learned and experiences learned during the day are stored in the brain, and memory develops when the child gets a good night's sleep.
• For good behavior and mood: If children don't get enough sleep, they can be very restless, easily angry, and cry. When they get a good night's sleep, they are happier and calmer.
• Strengthens the immune system: Sleep also helps keep the immune system strong, which helps protect against diseases.
• A blessing for the whole family: When your little one sleeps well at night, mom and dad can sleep freely too. Then the whole family can be happy, right?

What can we do to help our little ones get good sleep habits?

Okay, now let's see how to get these little critters to sleep well. This will require a little patience and consistency .

1. Consistent Bedtime and Routine

This is the most important thing . Try to put your little one to sleep at the same time every day. Also, do the things you do before bed in the same way and in the same order every day.

• Bedtime Routine: This should be about 20-30 minutes long. Choose something calming and non-disturbing.
• Bathing in warm water: This makes the baby's body feel good and helps prepare for sleep.
• Brushing teeth: It is good to instill this habit from a young age.
• A calming game: Something like doing a small puzzle or stacking blocks. Screens like TVs, phones, and tablets are not good at this time of day. The light from them reduces the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep.
• Reading a book: Cuddling your little one and reading a book with beautiful pictures is a great way to help develop their language skills, imagination, and strengthen your bond.
• Stroking, petting, and wishing good night: Talk to them affectionately and hum a little song to lull them to sleep.

Imagine, Niluka's mother takes her two-year-old daughter, Doni, to bed at 8 p.m. every night to put her to sleep. First, she bathes, then she brushes her teeth, then she reads a book, and finally she sings a little lullaby. When she does the same things every day, Doni automatically realizes, 'It's time to sleep.' She gets used to sleeping without tossing and turning in bed like before.

Remember: Do this routine the same way every day. Don't make big changes, even on weekends. This will help your baby's body clock adjust to the same routine.

2. Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment

A comfortable sleeping environment for your child also has a big impact on sleep.

• Quietness: Put your baby to sleep in a quiet place as much as possible.
• Darkness: It's easier to fall asleep in a very dark room. If your child is afraid of the dark, you can use a small, dim night light.
• The right temperature: The room should not be too hot or too cold. Keep it at a temperature where you don't sweat much and don't feel cold.
• Safe bed: If your baby sleeps in a crib, make sure it is safe. If in a bed, use something like a bed rail to prevent them from falling out.
• Comfortable clothes: Clothes you wear to sleep should be made of cotton, which is sweat-absorbing, non-straining, and comfortable.
• A favorite toy: Some babies like to sleep with their favorite teddy bear, doll, or small blanket. It gives them a sense of security and comfort. But it needs to be safe and non-suffocating.

3. Daytime Activities and Naps

The things a child does during the day and naps during the day also affect their sleep at night.

• Adequate activity: Play well during the day, run around and let your body get used to it. This will help you sleep well at night. However, playing with toys close to bedtime is not good.
• Regular daytime naps: Even at this age, naps are necessary. But limit them to a specific time and duration. Sleeping too much during the day or sleeping too late in the evening can interfere with sleep at night. A typical nap is about 1-2 hours.

4. How to teach them to fall asleep independently? (Teaching Them to Fall Asleep Independently)

This is a challenge for many mothers. Put your baby to bed as soon as he or she feels sleepy, that is, when his or her eyes are about to close. This is better than putting your baby to bed after he or she is completely asleep.

• Why is this important? When a baby learns to fall asleep on their own, they can fall back asleep on their own even if they wake up in the middle of the night. They can self-soothe and go back to sleep without having to look for their mother or ask for milk.
• It will be difficult at first: Yes, at first the baby may cry and protest. But you need to remain calm and steady . Stay close for a while, talk lovingly, and pat his back. If you do this every day, he will gradually get used to it.
• Never leave your baby crying in bed. That can make him more scared. If necessary, check back in a little later, comfort him, and try to get him back to sleep.

What to Do About Night Wakings?

This is also normal. Babies can wake up at night for a variety of reasons.

• Stay calm: If you get nervous, your baby will get even more nervous. So take it easy and see.
• Do only what is necessary: ​​give the baby a little water if he needs it, change his nappy if he gets wet. But don't talk loudly, play, or turn on the lights. That will make him think it's time to get up.
• Comfort with love: Say, "Mommy/Daddy is here, don't be afraid, go to sleep, son/daughter," pat the child's back lovingly, and try to get them back to sleep.
• Don't put your baby in your bed (if possible): If your goal is to get your baby to sleep alone in his own bed, putting him in your bed when he wakes up at night can help break that habit. However, there are times when your baby is feeling sick, or you're just tired, and it's okay to cuddle him and sleep at that time. But don't make it a habit.
• If he comes out of bed: Older children may come out of bed and come to you. At that time , without saying a word, take him back to bed and put him to sleep. Do this ten times, but be patient.

Common mistakes and things to avoid

• Inconsistent bedtimes and routines: going to bed at one time today, another time tomorrow.
• Exposure to screens before bed: TV, phone, tablet.
• Giving food/drink every time they ask for it at night: If the baby isn't really hungry, this can become a habit.
• Making bedtime a battle: Trying to get your child to sleep by yelling and screaming will only make them more reluctant to sleep.
• Comparing with other children: Don't think or say things like, "That baby next door is sleeping better." Every child is different.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

If, despite doing all of this, your little one continues to have sleep problems, or if you have any doubts, it's best to see a doctor.

• No matter how hard you try, there's no improvement in your little one's sleep.
• If your child snores loudly at night, seems to have difficulty breathing, or feels like they stop breathing for a while (symptoms of sleep apnea).
• Lack of sleep has a major impact on a child's daytime behavior and learning.
• If the whole family is stressed due to sleep problems.
• If you think there may be some other medical reason.

At times like this, seeing a pediatrician for advice will be of great help to you.

Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Getting your little one into good sleep habits isn't something that can be done overnight. It takes time, patience, and dedication.

• Consistency is the secret: doing things the same way, at the same time, every day.
• Be patient: It may take a few days, maybe even a few weeks, to see results.
• Give love and support: When your baby feels your love and security, he calms down.
• Think positively: Make bedtime a happy experience.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: Get help from your husband/wife, family, or doctor.

This journey can be a bit difficult, and sometimes you may feel exhausted. But with patience and love, you will definitely be able to provide your little one with a good night's sleep. You are not alone, many parents have had this experience. Good luck to you!

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