How to Make Your Toddler Sleep Fast: Practical Tips for Peaceful Nights

“Sleep,” though it sounds so simple, yet for many parents, getting a toddler to drift off at bedtime can feel like a daunting task! I couldn’t agree more, as I have struggled a lot with sleep patterns when my son was a 2-year-old. There were days when I would just doze off much before he finds his sleep and I am sure there are many parents who would relate to this.

If you often find yourself searching for tips on how to make kids sleep or wondering how to make a child sleep instantly, know that it’s a very common part of parenting during the toddler years. Sometimes, toddlers have sleep patterns that may not seem perfect but don’t really require any intervention — especially if they’re not causing issues for you or your family. However, if your toddler’s sleep behaviours are creating stress at home and you feel your current strategies aren’t working, it may be time to make some changes. The good news is that there are plenty of approaches you can try. The method you choose should always be one that suits your family’s needs.

In this blog, let’s explore how is a typical toddler sleep rhythm and get an understanding of why toddlers face problem sleeping at night — and more importantly, how you can help your little one and yourself get a good night’s rest.

Toddler Sleep:  What You Need to Know

Between the ages of 2 and 3, toddlers experience significant developmental changes and growth spurts that can affect their sleep. Around this time, their sleep rhythms become more adult-like, but toddlers still need a lot of rest to support their rapid growth and learning.

At this age:

• Toddlers typically need 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps.
• Many toddlers shift from two naps a day to one long afternoon nap.
• As they become more aware of the environment around them they just tend to keep exploring more thereby compromising their sleep and becoming reluctant to bedtime.

If you’re wondering how to make your toddler sleep at night, knowing what their natural sleep needs are, is the first step towards it.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), toddlers aged 1-2 years should ideally sleep between 11-14 hours in a 24-hour period, including naps. Preschoolers aged 3-5 years need slightly less, around 10-13 hours per day.

Here’s a quick age-wise breakdown of the recommended sleep for children:

However, there are factors like personality, activity levels, and even illness can influence how much sleep a toddler needs.

8 Common Toddler Sleep Problems and How to Fix Them

Here is a list of 8 common toddler sleep problems which may be an underlying cause of why your little one is facing issues with sleeping:

1. Waking at Midnight

Toddlers often wake at night due to separation anxiety, teething, or even hunger. Gentle pats and reassurance can help them settle back down.

2. Getting Up Too Early

Some toddlers get up too early in the morning sometime even before you are awake. This can lead to a disturbed daily routine. For these toddlers to sleep till a little late consider blackout curtains and adjusting nap schedules to encourage longer night sleep.

3. Changes in Time (Jet Lag, Daylight Saving)

Shifts in routine can disrupt sleep. Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even when travelling or during time changes.

4. Fears and Nightmares

At toddler stage, dreams start becoming more vivid. If your child is fearful at bedtime, create a calming routine before they go off to sleep. Also, avoid scaring them at any given point in time, the memory of that scare might become a reason for their fear.

5. Snoring and/or Sleep Apnea

Some toddlers might snore loudly, which could indicate sleep apnea. If you encounter constant snoring consult your paediatrician.

6. Sleepwalking and Sleep talking

These behaviours are more common than you might think! They are generally harmless but could be dangerous for the child if in case it happens when no one is there to monitor, e.g., in the middle of the night or daytime naps.

7. Bedtime Tantrums

Resistance to bedtime often stems from wanting more control. Creating a calming post dinner bedtime routine which includes, bathing, brushing teeth, change of clothes can set their mind and body in the unwinding mode and they might get off to sleep without much efforts.

8. Taking a Long Time to Fall Asleep

Overtired toddlers can actually struggle more to fall asleep. Watch for sleepy cues and start the bedtime routine early.

How to Make a Toddler Sleep Fast: Practical Tips

While no magic wand exists, you can make bedtime easier and faster by following these science-backed strategies:

Create a Bedtime Routine and Be Consistent

A predictable sequence of events signals to your toddler that it’s time for sleep. Bath, storytime, cuddles, and lights out — repeat the same pattern every night.

Adjust Nap Times

Long or late naps can make it harder for toddlers to sleep at night. Do daytime naps affect night sleep for toddlers? The answer is yes, they certainly can! Aim for a nap that ends by mid-afternoon. If they tend/ask to sleep more, try awakening them slowly with all your love and affection and that might do the trick.

Allow Comfort Items

Letting your child take a favourite toy or blanket to bed can ease separation anxiety and make bedtime less daunting.

Encourage Sleeping Independently

Avoid letting your toddler sleep in your bed, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to get toddler to sleep alone or how to make toddler sleep without breastfeeding.

Gradually encourage independent sleeping by staying close initially (parental presence), and slowly reducing your presence over nights (camping out technique).

Keep the Bedroom Comfortable

Make sure the room is cool, dark, and quiet. If you’re debating should toddlers sleep in the dark, the answer is generally yes. A dark environment helps signal to the body that it’s time to produce melatonin — the sleep hormone.

Respond Smartly to Night Wakings

If your child calls out, wait a minute before responding. Often, toddlers settle back on their own if given a chance.

Conclusion

If you’re navigating the challenges of toddler sleep, remember: you’re doing an amazing job! Learning how to make a toddler sleep or figuring out how to put toddler to sleep fast takes time, patience, and flexibility.

Building a good sleep routine for kids, recognising individual needs, and responding with empathy can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits.

And the best part? Once your toddler finally nods off peacefully, you get that magical moment to breathe, rest — and maybe even watch them sleep in awe. Sweet dreams!

FAQs

• Why toddlers sometimes struggle with sleep?

Toddlers can struggle with sleep for several reasons. Sometimes it’s physical discomfort, like teething pain or illness, while at other times it’s emotional, such as separation anxiety or fear of the dark. Changes in routine, developmental milestones, and an increasing sense of independence can also disrupt sleep patterns. Understanding the root cause can help you find the right strategy to support your child’s sleep needs.

• How much sleep does my toddler need?

A toddler typically needs between 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including one or two daytime naps. As they grow, most toddlers around 18 months begin to transition from two naps to one longer afternoon nap. However, your child’s sleep needs can vary depending on your child’s temperament, activity levels, and overall health.

• Why does my toddler grind teeth while sleeping?

Teeth grinding in toddlers, also known as bruxism, can happen for several reasons. It may be linked to teething discomfort, stress, or even misalignment of the teeth. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, it is quite common and harmless. However, if you notice severe grinding or signs of tooth damage, you should consult your child’s dentist.

• Why does my toddler jerk/twitch while sleeping?

Sleep starts or hypnic jerks are sudden movements that toddlers or young children experience while sleeping, these are a natural part of your child’s brain and body development. They help the brain understand and coordinate limb movements. However, if your toddler jerks excessively when awake or seems uncomfortable, it’s best to discuss it with your paediatrician.

• Can low iron cause sleep problems in toddlers?

Yes, iron deficiency has been linked to restless leg syndrome and poor sleep in children. If you suspect this, consult your doctor.

• Do daytime naps affect night sleep of toddlers?

Daytime naps can impact how well toddlers sleep at night. If your toddler’s nap is too long or taken too close to bedtime, it might become difficult for your toddler to fall asleep at night. Maintaining a balanced nap schedule during the day helps promote better night time sleep.

• Do toddlers sleep more when sick?

Yes, when toddlers are sick they tend to sleep more. It’s completely normal for them to sleep more when they are sick. Their bodies need extra rest to fight off illness and recover. And by letting them sleep as much as needed you can help them heal faster and feel better.

• Why do toddlers move a lot while sleeping?

Toddlers often toss around a lot in their sleep, which is typically normal. As they grow and develop, their sleep cycles change, leading to more tossing and turning. Some toddlers even travel all over their bed during the night — it’s usually nothing to worry about unless it affects their sleep quality or safety.