Terrible Twos: Getting Your Toddler to Sleep Through the Night

Your child may have grown out of the baby stage, but that doesn’t mean your evening routine will suddenly become a doddle. In fact, the terrible twos sleeping problems can bring a whole new range of issues to their bedtime – and if your toddler keeps waking up at night, it can be incredibly frustrating for the whole family, too.

Want to know how to get a toddler to sleep through the night? We’ve taken a look at some of the most common causes of toddler sleeping problems – and the solutions for getting toddler to sleep.

Common Toddler Sleeping Problems

While there are many possible reasons why your little one wakes up at night, here are some of the most common terrible twos sleeping problems:

• Nightmares: It’s not unusual for young children to experience bad dreams, causing them to wake up screaming during the night. In fact, most children have their first nightmares during the toddler years.
• Night terrors: Not to be confused with nightmares, night terrors occur when your child begins talking, screaming or lashing out in their sleep. Although these typically happen in children aged three years and older, younger toddlers can also be affected.
• Overheating or night sweats: Young children’s bodies aren’t yet fully developed – and this includes their ability to regulate their own body temperature. This means that children are more prone to overheating (just generally feeling hot) and suffering night sweats (feeling hot and sweating excessively). You can read more detailed information about Children and Night Sweats in our baby and toddler sleep advice hub.
• Allergies: Just like adults, toddlers can be allergic to dust mites, dust mite allergens and fungal spores. Synthetic bedding provides the perfect environment for all these allergens to thrive in, so if your child regularly wakes during the night with dry, itchy eyes, a runny nose or a cough, this could be the cause.

If your child suddenly begins experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to be sure that there’s no underlying cause. Once you’ve checked with your GP, there are a number of simple steps you can take towards getting a toddler to sleep.

Getting toddler to sleep

Learning how to get a toddler to sleep through the night can be tricky – but it’s not impossible! Try following our toddler sleep advice for a better night’s sleep for everyone.

How to get your toddler to sleep with a solid bedtime routine

From an early age, routine is important for your child’s sense of wellbeing. But as they transition from baby to toddler, their sleep routine needs to change too. While it’s common for babies to wake several times during the night, once children enter the terrible twos, most will wake less and many will start to sleep through. They may also start to go to bed a little later, as their daytime napping decreases.

If you find your toddler is waking up at night regularly, it may be time to review their routine. The right routine should help them feel more settled, less anxious and less likely to wake during the night.

There’s no single perfect toddler bedtime routine – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your child when getting toddler to sleep.

Here are a few toddler bedtime routine ideas to help you get started.

• Begin with a bath – a warming bath before bedtime can help your child to feel sleepier before bed. You can even try using a bubble bath which is scented with lavender to encourage sleep. Of course, if your toddler isn’t a big fan of bath-time, this step is best avoided!
• Read a book together – as well as being a great way to support your child’s development, reading a story with them once they’re settled in bed can be an effective way to help with getting a toddler to sleep. Choose a story that’s not too long and not too stimulating – a selection of old favourites can work well.
• Give them a settling supper – a soothing, milky drink before bed can help your child to get to sleep, as well as preventing them from waking in the night feeling hungry.
• Turn off TVs and other digital screens at least an hour before your toddler goes to bed – this is a good rule for adults too, as it’s been shown that using technology directly before bed can be disruptive to sleep quality.

Create a soothing nursery to help with toddler sleeping problems

Try to create an environment that’s as relaxing as possible for your child to avoid further toddler sleeping problems. Here are some ideas:

• Use a nightlight: If your child is prone to nightmares, a nightlight can help them feel less anxious in the dark. This can have the benefit of both helping them get to sleep and helping them to settle more easily if they do wake during the night – possibly without needing your help.
• Tuck toys out of sight: Tidy toys away in the toy box or wardrobe before bedtime to remove the temptation for your little one to get up and play during the night. Leave out one favourite teddy for comfort.
• Choose natural pyjamas. Always opt for natural fabrics over synthetic ones, as they are more breathable and will help your child to stay cool and dry. Choose 100% cotton pyjamas or sleep suits over polyester or mixed fabrics. This is particularly important if they are prone to overheating and night sweats.
• Stick to cotton covers: Encase wool duvets and pillows in 100% cotton covers to maximise their breathability and keep your child cool and dry. And of course, combine with cotton sheets, too.
• Use soothing scent: Some natural fragrances, such as lavender or chamomile, are known to have relaxing qualities. Try using a few drops of lavender oil on a pillow just before bed. This can act as a cue to tell your toddler that it’s bedtime.

How to get a toddler to sleep with all-natural bedding

With their routine and their clothing sorted, it’s time to look at your toddler’s sleep environment too. If your child wakes in the night feeling hot and clammy, a wool duvet and pillows can help them to sleep through. This is because wool is particularly effective at regulating temperature and absorbing moisture, helping your toddler to stay cool and dry while they sleep. It is also hypoallergenic, making it the ideal option for little ones who suffer with allergies at night too.

And those are our top tips that should help you when figuring out how to get a toddler to sleep through the night.

For more help in getting toddler to sleep, check out our complete kids and baby bedding range – the secret to better quality sleep for the whole family.