Address Toddlers Sleep problems and issues

3 Parts:

Understanding And Correcting Sleeping Patterns

Tips, Tricks & Warnings

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Sleeping is a time for your toddler to rest and take a break from the constant stimuli of the world around them. In sleep, your toddler can dream and recuperate, and sleeping is also the time when your toddler's body will grow. But what can you do when your toddler doesn't get the sleep that they need, and it's not through lack of trying? When your toddler can't get a good night's sleep, you will also miss out on this necessary rest time. Below we will teach you how to understand your toddler's sleep patterns, along with some simple ways in which you can make sure your toddler gets the rest they need, so you can both get on with playing, learning and growing together, with lots of energy.

1. 1
   Plot out his sleeping patterns

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   The first thing you should do is identify the sleeping patterns of your toddler. Begin in the morning and make a note of how many times he sleeps and for how long he is sleeping during each stint. Keep taking a note throughout the day and through the night as well. Once you're fully aware of his sleeping routine, it will become obvious as to what routines need adjusting or fixing. Take for example a toddler who is sleeping too much during the morning and daytime, who then can't stay asleep at night. In a case like this, you would need to reduce his morning and daytime naps so he can get that rest overnight instead.

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2. 2
   Give him milk or something light to eat before bedtime

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   Your toddler will sleep longer when his tummy is full. Children who don't eat enough before bedtime are more likely to wake up during the night when they're hungry. Good foods to eat before going to bed are snack foods like cereals, breads and biscuits, etc. Make sure that your child also has plenty of water before sleeping. Make sure that you don't allow your toddler to sleep too long in the mornings, as they can develop a pattern of sleeping late. You should also make sure that they've eaten breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up. These kind of routines will help in reinforcing good sleeping patterns.

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3. 3
   Set a bedtime for when he goes to sleep in the evening

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   Setting a specific bedtime and sticking to it will develop positive sleeping patterns and get your child used to routines in his life; 8 p.m. is an ideal time to make sure he has enough rest without staying up too late. You can read to your child or lie down with them until they fall asleep. If you're having trouble getting him to sleep on his own, turn it into a positive thing. Let your child know that he's growing up now and he's ready to sleep on his own. Sleeping before 9 p.m. means that your toddler will wake up early, which is a good way to prevent sleep-ins.

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4. 4
   Read to him or tell stories

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   As touched on above, you can tell or read a story to your toddler before naps and before sleeping at nighttime. Not only is this a good way to help your toddler sleep, but it's also an opportunity to learn and develop positive morals and values in your toddler.

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5. 5
   Have him use the bathroom before sleeping

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   Your toddler should always use the bathroom before or close to the time that they are going to bed. Needing to urinate is a main cause of toddlers waking up during the night and this break in sleep can make it hard for him to get back into a deep sleep. Having a bathroom routine before bedtime can also help to prevent bed-wetting in toddlers.

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6. 6
   Don't let your toddler play too close to bedtime

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   Your child shouldn't be playing within an hour (preferably longer) of the time that they're going to bed. Playing throughout the day and the afternoon is a good way to burn off energy and get exercise so they can rest well at night, but playing too close to bed time can leave your child overstimulated, making it hard for them to get to sleep. When your toddler has finished playing, let him or her eat and then go through your tooth brushing and bathroom routine before bedtime.

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• You will notice from reading this article that getting your toddler to sleep properly is all about routines. Unlike adults, toddlers aren't yet as adaptable as us, and need routines set so they can develop good habits and get the rest that they need.
• Your toddler might be able to sleep easier with a nightlight. A nightlight can also help if your toddler wakes up during the night. A fully darkened room can be scary, whereas a nightlight may help them drift back to sleep in familiar surroundings where they feel comfortable.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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