Toddlers and Sleep: A Well-Rested Happy Toddler

Getting enough sleep is critical for a toddler’s growth and development. Most toddlers need between 12-14 hours of sleep, with one afternoon nap, which your child will take at school if he stays for the afternoon. 

Providing your child with an early bedtime, and a consistent evening routine, is one of the best things you can do for his well-being at this age. Here are a few sleep pointers; feel free to ask for more specific advice if sleep doesn’t come easy for your child:

• Early, consistent bedtimes are best. Many toddlers do best on 12+ hours of nighttime rest. In bed by 7 pm is a good goal for a child who needs to get up by 7 or 7:30 am to make it to school by 8:30 am.

• Create a consistent evening routine. Work in dinner, a bath, cuddle time, and reading time. Avoid all screens around bedtime: they are too stimulating and may lead to sleep problems.

• Offer comfort articles, but no pacifiers or bottles. A favorite blanket or a cuddly animal can help with the transition. Pacifiers are not recommended for toddlers; falling asleep with a bottle is bad for their teeth and ears.

• Build skills at falling asleep independently. At school, the children fall asleep on their bed by themselves. A teacher may initially pat their back, and be nearby. The goal is for a sleepy, but awake, child to learn to fall asleep without depending on a parent to do so. This includes not coddling or rocking your child to sleep in your arms.

-Cricket Teacher