A toddler needs 11 to 14 hours of sleep every night. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that they will go to sleep at night and sleep through the night without waking up. Even if they usually sleep through the night, it is possible they will go through a stage where they wake one to three times a night, making it difficult for parents to get the sleep that they need.
Waking up at night is common for a toddler. It may be frustrating and it is probably a behavior you would like to change, but most of the time it will run its course and get better over time. Petite Dreamers can help you understand why your toddler is waking up during the night and help you to devise the right strategy to help you cope.
Why Is My Toddler Waking Up at Night?
There are a number of reasons why your toddler may start to wake up more during the night than they did before. Some of the most common reasons include:
Teething
If your child is breaking teeth, especially the upper and lower canines and molars, it can make them cranky during the day and disrupt sleeping patterns at night. Giving them something cold to chew on or providing a pain reliever can help them to feel better and may help them sleep better.
Illness
If your child is suffering from any kind of illness, then they will struggle to sleep well. A fever, sore throat, stuffy head, or ear infection can make sleeping uncomfortable and may cause a child to wake up. A soothing ointment or humidifier can ease symptoms and offer relief.
Going through a Change
Your child may struggle to sleep during the night if they are experiencing a big change in their routine. Weaning, potty training, a new sibling, moving to a toddler bed, or moving to a new home are all major changes for a young child. Keep in mind that it is normal behavior for your toddler while they adjust to major changes. Offer them lots of attention during the day, especially right before bed. The extra attention can bolster their feeling of security.
An Interrupted Nap Schedule
If the nap is too long or too short, a toddler can struggle to sleep at night. Keeping a child up too late can throw off sleeping patterns and if a toddler sleeps too much during the day they can become restless at night. Keeping them on a regular sleep schedule is the most important factor you can control.
It can be stressful for parents when their toddler refuses to stay asleep at night. Parents can become sleep-deprived, exhausted, and overwhelmed. At Petite Dreamers, we can help you discover the most likely reason your toddler is dealing with a sleep-schedule interruption. Louise Duncan of Petite Dreamers can provide you with the solutions you need to fix the problem. Contact her today to get started!