At some point, every parent realizes what a blessing it is to have their toddler sleep peacefully throughout the night.
This is one of those things we take for granted until we notice that kids don’t always cooperate when it’s time for bed.
If you don’t have a proper understanding of the reasons that might cause these delays and disrupted nights, you will keep wondering what the main issue is. And another problem is that, if your child doesn’t sleep, you won’t either.
Although some issues like medical conditions can cause these problems, there are other common reasons you might be missing.
Read on:
1. Fear of being alone
Toddlers often go through a phase where they are scared of being left alone. They are worried about the imaginary monster that might be lurking under their bed, they are anxious about being in the dark and many other things that we often don’t think about as adults.
The other thing is that they might be so used to you soothing them to sleep that they don’t know how to naturally fall asleep without you being there.
2. You haven’t figured out the appropriate routine
At each stage of life, there is a specific number of hours of sleep. Toddlers need up to 14 hours of sleep and getting the right balance can be hard to do at first.
When you put your child to bed too early, they will have a hard time falling asleep. And when you do at a point when they’re too tired, you will also have the same problems.
What you can do is have a consistent schedule that you work with, including nap times.
3. Too many distractions
Toddlers are also sensitive to what goes on around them. If there is too much going on like bright lights in the room and noise, they certainly won’t be able to sleep at the right time and they might experience interruptions.
Help them by adjusting these things and ensure they are warm and have comfy beddings and pyjamas.
4. They are eating the wrong things before bed
You’ve probably already heard of foods you shouldn’t be eating before bed. These are foods that will make it hard for you to fall asleep and consequently lead to a groggy morning and slow day.
The same happens to your toddlers. There are certain things you should avoid giving them before bed like sugary drinks and snacks.
It can be tempting to give in to their snack demands before bed but this is something you should avoid. Besides, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to choose from.
5. They just want to stay up
Some kids can be very cheeky when it’s bedtime. They are eager to be part of the crowd and they will find any excuse to get out of bed a few moments after you just put them in.
Here you have to set firm boundaries with them because if you don’t, they will barely get the rest they need.
