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In honor of winding down 2024, I gathered the best toddler sleep questions I got this year from families over on Instagram and packed them all into one must-read list. We're diving deep into the sleep training struggles every parent faces—from why it can sometimes take hours for kids to fall asleep to those mysterious overnight wake-ups that leave everyone groggy.
We’re also tackling big emotions like the fear of being alone and sharing practical tips to curb bedtime stalling (even when it’s impossibly cute). Whether you’re navigating these challenges for the first time or just need fresh ideas, this article has got you covered with real-life solutions to help everyone in the house get some well-deserved rest.
>>Watch this blog on my Awesome Little Sleepers YouTube channel! 👇
Q: Some nights my son falls asleep in 10 minutes, and other nights it can take HOURS for him to finally fall asleep. Why?
If your little one’s having trouble falling asleep, there are a few things to consider.
First, if you’re in the room with them, it might actually be keeping them awake—toddler sleep can become a game of resistance when they know you’re there. Gradually exiting their room can help.
Also, pay attention to bedtime timing—if it’s too late, they could get a burst of energy that delays sleep. For that, you can adjust bedtime by 15 minutes earlier or later based on what they did that day and their tiredness.
And lastly, if everything seems perfect but the struggle continues, it might be worth checking in with a pediatrician to rule out any health issues like sleep apnea or iron deficiencies.
Q: My 5-year-old goes to bed independently, but wakes up 1-3 times every night. What gives?
Overnight wake-ups can be caused by habits formed around bedtime interactions. If your child wakes up looking for comfort—like you tucking them in, or letting them sleep with you—they may begin expecting this routine during the night. Hence the plateau in your sleep training progress.
To break the cycle, look at your own responses. Consider not offering extra kisses or tucking them in if they wake up. A small but consistent change, even like switching the parent who responds or keeping co-sleeping off-limits, can help your child sleep more soundly through the night.
Q: My 3-year-old child is scared of being alone, especially at bedtime. How can I help?
It’s totally normal for toddlers to get clingy at bedtime! But if they also struggle to play independently during the day, it’s a good idea to work on that first before thinking about bedtime routines. Building up their ability to spend time away from you in other parts of the day can make a big difference when it’s time for bed!
If your little one’s struggling with separation, try not to sneak away when you need to leave. Instead, prep them by saying something like, “Mommy’s going to drop you off, but I’ll be back soon!” When you do leave, always follow through—kids love knowing that you’ll return.
Another helpful tip is to encourage independent play during the day. Even if it’s just stepping out to use the bathroom for a minute, praise them for being okay on their own. Over time, you can build up their confidence and independence.
Q: My 4-year-old won’t stop talking at bedtime. I feel like she’s stalling, but I love her cute stories. How can I nicely make her stop?
It’s totally sweet when your toddler wants to talk at bedtime, but it can definitely make things drag on! A great way to handle this is by planning for a set "talk time" as part of the bedtime routine. Set a timer for 4–5 minutes and involve her in the process by letting her choose how long she wants to talk. This helps her feel in control, while keeping things on track for a timely bedtime.
You both get to enjoy those sweet conversations without worrying about the clock!
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