My Toddler Still Won't Sleep Through the Night

Toddlers usually require 10 to 14 hours of sleep each day, says Dr. Stephen Dowden at KidsHealth.org. Parents should decide whether their toddlers need to take their full sleep quota during the night or include a short daytime nap in their sleep schedules. "It may take several weeks of experimenting until you find the right combination of sleep and naps," says Dowden. According to Denise Mann at WebMD, an underlying physical or psychological condition sometimes causes a toddler's sleep problems, so parents should consult a pediatrician with any health concerns. However, Mann explains that most toddler sleep issues are associated with the child's stage of development and can be successfully managed with a consistent sleep schedule and a determined attitude.

Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce a consistent, calming bedtime routine for your toddler. Choose activities that are soothing and enjoyable, such as watching a short, age-appropriate television program, followed by a relaxing bath and gentle picture story. "A consistent bedtime routine helps prepare a child for sleep," according to the Raising Children Network.

    • 2

      Put your toddler down to sleep in a safe, secure crib, advises Dowden. Safety awareness is important, because toddlers are curious and may try to reach nearby unsafe objects or climb out of their cribs. Say, "Goodnight," turn off the light and immediately leave the room.

    • 3

      Ignore any immediate calls or cries from your toddler after you have left the room to give him the chance to settle. If you know that your toddler is in no urgent discomfort or danger, wait five minutes before responding to the cries.

    • 4

      Return to your toddler's bedroom after five minutes, if the crying continues. Keep the room dark, and gently and swiftly place your toddler back down to sleep. Say, "Goodnight," and immediately leave the room.

    • 5

      Return after another five minutes if the crying continues, but this time say nothing, and gently and swiftly place your toddler back down in bed again. Immediately leave the room. Advice from the Raising Children Network is to avoid talking to, reprimanding or making eye contact with your toddler, and to resist any temptation to offer a drink or extra cuddles. Continue this process until your toddler falls asleep.

    • 6

      Avoid mentioning your toddler's sleep problems the following morning, because it will make no difference to the child's behavior. Instead, begin the next day in a positive way, and continue to implement your calm and consistent sleep schedule in the evening.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Getting a Child to Sleep in Her Own Bed
      Q My daughter just turned three years old and is still sleeping in our (mom and dads) bed. How do we get her into her own? When she was approximately 10 months old, a babysitter put her in her crib as soon as we left. Luckily we came back because we
    • Is it ok that my 13 year old sleeps with a night light?
      Its completely okay for a 13-year-old to sleep with a night light! Theres no age limit on needing a little comfort in the dark. Heres why its perfectly fine:* Its a personal preference: Everyone has different comfort levels with darkness. Some peopl
    • 6 Tricks to Help Your Toddler or Preschooler Go to Bed (and Stay There!)
      Has bedtime turned into an all-out battle of wills between you and your child? If getting your little one to sleep has become a nightly struggle, or if sleep is elusive now that hes in a new big-kid bed, has a new sibling, or had another big change,