How to encourage good sleeping habits in your toddler

However, for many parents this is easier said than done. We share expert advice on how to help your toddler establish good sleeping habits. 

Reconsider afternoon naps

“While toddlers still need to sleep in the day, you can limit the length of these naps, and try to make them nap earlier in the day. If they sleep for very long and late in the afternoon then it’s only natural that they will struggle to fall asleep at night,” says Clicks Clinic Sister Tanya de Beer.

Aim for a nap in the middle of the day, ending no later than 15h00, if you are aiming for a 19h00 bedtime.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine

Too much stimulation just before bedtime often makes it difficult for toddlers to fall asleep. “What often happens is that one – or both – of the parents comes home just before bedtime, and then they want to play with their children. While it’s good to spend quality time with your child before bedtime, this should take the form of reading a book or talking calmly, not throwing them up in the air or chasing them round the house,” says Sister de Beer.

Try a night light

“Some children, as they get closer to two years, suddenly become afraid of the dark. Try leaving a passage or bathroom light on, or put a night light in their bedroom. This is often all a toddler needs to feel safe and secure,” says Jacqui Flint, owner of Happy Parenting, who offers the Baby Love sleep guidance programme to parents. 

“If a child has been brought up with their bedroom door closed at night, now may be a good time to leave it slightly ajar, so that they don’t feel so isolated,” she adds.

Listen to the nature of night-time crying

“It’s important to assess the manner in which your child is crying, as well as the situation. If your child is healthy and the only reason for frequent waking is because they have woken from a light sleep cycle, then it may be necessary to implement sleep training. It is, however, strongly recommended that you have a consultation with a sleep consultant first so that you know how to go about the process correctly,” says Flint.

Be firm and consistent

“A child is smarter than we realise at the age of 12 months”, says Sister de Beer. “If you let them push boundaries, they will. I believe in being firm, but calm. Tell your child in advance that you will be reading a story and then they will go to sleep. Say goodnight and then leave the room. If they cry, go back a minute or two later and tell them again calmly, but firmly that it is time to sleep. Consistency is key here. If you stick to this approach, the chid will eventually realise that crying merely for attention doesn’t pay off.”

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