Toddler Sleep Training

Sleep is not often thought of as a skill; however, when you are parenting a toddler it may help to consider sleeping a skill that needs to be taught.


Children seem to be born with an innate resistance to sleep that does not end with infancy. When a child becomes a toddler sleep resistance can become a significant problem.


Here are some guidelines for helping a toddler learn the skill of sleep.

Instructions

  1. Toddler Sleep Training

    • 1

      Institute a firm routine in the hours after dinnertime. Children thrive on routine because it gives them stability. After eating dinner, allow a short time of quiet play and then progress into a bedtime routine. Common bedtime routine activities include a bath, a snack, stories, brushing teeth and a bedtime snuggle.

      When children recognize the routine they will come to appreciate the patterns and will gain security from knowing what will happen and what is expected of them.

    • 2

      Keep any play time incorporated into a bedtime routine quiet and calm. Children need to have a quiet atmosphere to get them ready to sleep. If they are allowed to play rambunctiously before bedtime they may have a hard time settling in their beds and falling asleep. Minimize after-dinner television because this may stimulate a child.

    • 3

      Keep bright lights to a minimum during bedtime routines. A dim room will create drowsiness and help a child relax. Snuggling and feeling cozy is a great way to encourage a child to relax and feel sleepy. Try to create an environment that will induce sleep.

    • 4

      Minimize late afternoon napping because this can often disrupt a timely bedtime for a toddler. Try not to allow a toddler to sleep past approximately 3 pm. This should make it possible to have a reasonable time for bedtime in the evening.

    • 5

      Tuck a child in after all of the steps of the routine have been completed. If you have laid a good groundwork, you should have a drowsy child who sleepily murmurs, "Good night," as you tiptoe out of the room.

      If a child resists for some reason, comfort him or her but stay firm. He will learn from your firmness what is expected of him and will eventually cooperate with the bedtime routine you have established.

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