How To Help Your Toddler Wakening Up At Night
This article is to assist parents with more bedtimes solutions and knowledge, so that their toddler can sleep better.
1. Night Confessional Arousal
How to reduce it
Have mouth comfort. A pacifier might help your child feel more comfortable at night, since sucking is an innate reflex.
Have night lights. Placing a dim nightlight in your child’s room might help them feel less afraid of the dark. Parents can also open the room door to let in natural light. Both ways can help your child remember faster where they are if they wake up at night.
Have a quiet holding time. If your toddler wakes up confused, sit with them in bed, hug them, or keep them in your arms. The feel of your body and your scent can help calm your child. Then tuck them back into bed, kiss them, and say good night.
Have a soft talk. Remind your toddler where they are in a soft voice, saying, “You are in your bedroom.” Then, repeat “you are safe” while holding your child. While saying those words to your child, you can stroke their hair, gently lay your hand on their back, or hold them in a scooping position near your chest to hear your heartbeat.
2. Night Fears And Nightmares
How to reduce it
Validate feelings. Always validate your toddler’s feelings when they communicate why they feel afraid. Do explore your child's fears by talking about them and listening.
Teach using books. Reading books about overcoming nightmares, sleeping comfortably, and having fears can help your child see that they are not alone. Books can also teach positive strategies for expressing emotions when afraid.
Create a calm atmosphere. Place a night light or a lamp, or have the door cracked, so your child’s room is not too dark. Also, add calming music and a comfortable room temperature to help your child sleep.
Acknowledge the monster. Don’t dismiss any monster comments; acknowledge them and find a way to help your child catch the monster. For example, pretend you saw the monster and ask it to leave your child’s room, or keep a special monster spray nearby. When you catch the monster, tuck your toddler in, and give them their stuffy, some hugs, and kisses.
Things that parents can say about the monster
“You saw a monster in your room; where did it go?”
“How should we get rid of this monster?”
‘‘Let’s talk with the monster to get it to leave”.
5. Offer comfort. Have your toddler sit in their bed and place your arms around them, but keep the lights off. Instead, ask, “How can I help you feel safe?” or “You are safe; I am here.” When leaving, keep your toddler’s bedroom door open so light can come in.
3. A Sleep Schedule For One Napper
7 am: morning, wake up.
1 pm: naps should last 2 hours or less.
6:15-6:20 pm: get your child ready for bath time.
8:00-8:15 pm: finish all the nighttime steps.
8:20 pm: last kisses, cuddles, and cover your child in their bed.
8:30 pm - 8:35 pm: sleep time.
Tip: reduce nap time if your toddler is not tired at bedtime. For toddlers who have stopped napping, let them burn as much energy as possible throughout the morning and afternoon so they are tired and in bed by 6 pm-7:30 pm.
4. A Sleep Schedule For Early Sleepers
5:40 pm- 7:00 pm:
Bath time.
Small body massage.
Cleaning the teeth.
Clean diaper and bed clothing put on.
7:05 pm-7:20 pm
quiet room playtime
Singing lullabies
Reading books.
7:22 pm-7:38 pm
clean up
Hugs and kisses.
7:45-8:00 pm:
Your child is in bed.
5. Add To Any Nighttime Schedules
1. A grooming routine
A warm bath.
A small message with oil or cream.
Teeth brushing.
Toilet sitting.
Assistance with putting on bedtime clothing.
2. A cuddling time routine
Reading a book together.
Cuddling, kissing, holding, and hugging.
Singing lullabies or calm songs.
Back rubbing.
Rocking.
Listening to an audio story.
Light talking with your child.
3. A bedroom check routine
Play calming music in the background.
Tuck your child into bed.
Give your child their teddy.
Set the room temperature.
Put in a night light or turn on a lamp.
Say a comforting comment. “I love you; good night, see you in the morning.”