A Brief Guide to Toddler Sleep.
Remember, each child is unique, and finding what works best for your family is key.
Adjusting Your Expectations: Debunking Toddler Sleep Myths
Your mindset plays a crucial role in navigating your toddler's sleep patterns. It's time to adjust your expectations and debunk common sleep myths that society and family often pass down about what "normal" sleep should look like for your toddler. Understanding that every child is unique can help you set realistic sleep goals and reduce frustration.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that many of the sleep norms we've been taught are not one-size-fits-all. For instance, the idea that all toddlers should sleep through the night without waking is a myth. Night wakings are common and completely normal for many toddlers, even beyond their first year.
In fact, up to 27% of toddlers up to 18 months of age have nightly awakenings, and sleep quality is highly variable up until the age of 2 years.
Dealing with “Split Nights”: A Parent's Guide
"Split nights," when toddlers wake up in the middle of the night and stay awake for 1-3 hours, are a common yet challenging phase for many parents. While exhausting, these wakeful periods are often linked to developmental milestones such as learning to walk or an increase in verbal skills.
If your toddler occasionally experiences split nights, it's usually best to ride them out. However, if these disruptions become frequent, it may be necessary to adjust your child's bedtime and nap schedule to better align with their circadian rhythm. By making these tweaks, you can help your toddler achieve more consistent and restful sleep, easing the strain on both of you.
Remember, split nights are a normal part of toddler development, and with a bit of patience and some strategic adjustments, you can navigate through this challenging phase more smoothly.
Navigating the 18-Month Sleep Regression: The Importance of Connection
Around 18 months, as toddlers develop new skills and become more mobile, many experience a sleep regression. This period can also bring about separation anxiety, making bedtime another hurdle they need to overcome. To help your toddler feel secure and ready for sleep, it's crucial to spend quality, one-on-one time with them in the evenings. Engage in calming and relaxing activities, avoiding anything overly stimulating right before bed. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine not only provides a sense of security but also encourages a regular sleep schedule, helping your child navigate this challenging phase more smoothly.
Advocating for Your Child's Sleep Health
While many sleep issues can be addressed with behavioral strategies, some signs may indicate underlying sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or restless legs syndrome (RLS). If your child snores, has unusual breathing patterns, or shows excessive tiredness and crankiness, seek advice from a sleep specialist.
Final Thoughts
Parenting toddlers through their sleep challenges can be tough, but focusing on connection, adjusting expectations, and creating a calming bedtime routine can make a significant difference. Remember, each child is unique, and finding what works best for your family is key.
Tune into my discussion with Jemma Munford here for more parenting tips for managing your toddler’s sleep!
Subscribe for future episodes of "Sleep Is My Waking Passion" on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Until next time, sweet dreams!
