How to Keep Your Toddler Asleep
- 1). Ensure that your toddler gets the proper amount of rest he requires during the day. A toddler who is sleep deprived is more likely to awaken during the night. Toddlers between the ages of one and two need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day, according to the Nemours Foundation. If your toddler is napping during the day for two to three hours and not going to bed at bedtime, or if he's consistently awakening much earlier than you would prefer, reduce his nap time.
- 2). Note if your child seems to have a stuffy nose, is too warm, too cold or otherwise uncomfortable when he awakens. For example, he could be ill, or the pajamas he's wearing could be too warm or constricting. Dress your toddler appropriately for bed according to the temperature in his room. Try running a humidifier in his room if he tends to develop a stuffy nose or speak to your doctor about prescription nose spray.
- 3). Establish a consistent bedtime routine that your toddler will come to expect. For instance, each night at the same time give her a bath, tuck her into bed and read a book or two before turning off the light and telling her "good night."
- 4). Keep noise levels in adjacent rooms to your toddler's room at a minimum. Loud conversations, music or television programs can disrupt sleep.
- 5). Briefly and quietly comfort your toddler if she awakens during the night, such as patting her on the back for several minutes before leaving the room. Come back and check after five minutes. Then come back and check after seven minutes. Gradually increase the time in between visits until your child can sleep on her own.
- 6). Close the blinds or curtains in your child's room before going to bed so the natural light won't awaken him before you're ready for him to be awake.