Kids need a lot of sleep. But sometimes it seems like that is the absolute last thing a toddler wants to do! Anyone who has struggled to put a toddler to bed at night kicking and screaming or heard those infamous words "no nap!" can understand.
Get A Toddler To Sleep Through The Night
Every child is different - that is for sure. Some toddlers don't have a problem with sleep and some seem to need all the extra help you can give them.
For example, my 3 year old still doesn't sleep all the way through the night. She has never been a good sleeper though. She would always wake up at least once or twice a night, usually wanting a snack. Now that she is 3, she comes to our bed about 50% of the time and says she had a bad dream or she is hungry.
On the other hand, my 18 month old has slept through the night since was almost exactly 6 months old. Yes, I do realize how incredibly lucky I am for that! The only time she has trouble sleeping is when she is teething. So, for her it is easy to help her get back to sleep because I know she needs a little medicine and some cuddles and then she will be fine.
For my older daughter, I have just come to the conclusion that she is a restless sleeper. I honestly have no clue how to help her sleep through the night, so I needed the advice from other moms below.
Here is what other moms have to say about getting a toddler to sleep through the night.
Advice and Stories from Real Moms
Move around your bath time schedule
Our son gave up his naps at around 2 years old, so he sleeps solidly throughout the night most nights. Do baths a couple of hours before bedtime if your toddler gets too excited right before bed. We found that our son was excited, rather than relaxed, by baths, so pushing bath time back helped him get to sleep easier. - Donella from Gluesticks and Gumdrops
Twins that had different sleep patterns
Don't ask me -- it never happened with us. (One of our twins always came in to sleep with mommy and daddy in the middle of the night.) The other one slept through the night, though. - Lauren from Mom Home Guide
Start young
Teach them to sleep through the night as a baby so you don't have to worry about it now. Start as you mean to go on and all that. - Valerie from Occasionally Crafty
Keep them dry
Keep them dry! It works wonders. Here are some tips on keeping them dry. - Menucha from Moms and Crafters
It is different for every kid
When you find out, tell me! - Niki from Play Learn Every Day
Thank you Moms!
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Having a routine with plenty of out door play time or active playtime always helped when mine were little. Pinned & shared. Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party!
thank you for sharing these tips at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. It’s been 35 years since I had a little one who wouldn’t sleep. But I remember those screeching words “no nap!” very well. xo
Hi there, Kristen, I remember those days, don’t worry it’s just a stage. If I made it though it, you and the other moms will too ,remember, that stage will go by rather quickly.
It’s hard to believe right now but I know you are right. Thanks for the encouragement!
My three year old fights sleeping, but usually once she’s out she sleeps through. Thanks for posting. Hello from Treasure Box Tuesday.
My littlest is going through this! ugh! Thank you for the tips!