Young Toddler Sleep Guide

In this comprehensive guide, I aim to teach you everything you need to know about supporting sleep for 19 month olds to 3 year olds.

I am hoping that you are here because you would like to learn a little more about how sleep works in the toddler years and to find out more about what you can do to support your toddler’s sleep. You can feel assured that I won’t be suggesting any strategies that involve leaving your toddler to cry or not responding to their needs because I believe that there are more effective, less distressing ways for both you and your toddler. I will be providing you with some practical tips and a range of ideas which can influence sleep habits and rhythms.

The guide covers: 

Do we need to teach sleep ?

• How sleep works
• sleep cycles
• your baby’s circadian rhythm
• sleep pressure
• awake windows
• sleep needs
• normal amounts of sleep at different ages

Knowing:

• what normal sleep is
• the difference between overtired or under tired
• how sleep needs impact individual routines
• the different types of temperament and their impact

Naps:

• when to have them
• nap transitions
• dropping the final nap

Environmental factors

• food
• exercise
• bed ready
• bedtime routines, keeping it stress-free

Supporting independent sleep

• self-soothe
• comforter
• role play
• communication
• transitioning to their own sleep space
• setting boundaries

Coping with:

• progressions/developmental leaps
• separation anxiety
• sleep deprivation

Trouble shooting

• What can I do about my toddler getting into my bed at night ?
• My toddler fights going to bed, how can I stop this ?
• Why does my toddler resist naps ?
• Why does my toddler only have short naps ?
• My toddler is always grumpy when they wake from their nap, how can I change this ?
• My toddler keeps waking up super early!
• I’m struggling with frequent night wakings, help!
• Should I let my toddler have a danger nap (a late afternoon nap)?

As well as:

• Checking/ruling out for any underlying problems which could affect sleep
• Supporting with falling asleep and sleeping in their own sleep space
• Options for night weaning/reducing night feeds