Sleep issues unique to toddlers – by Jennie Krogulski
SLEEP ISSUES IN THE DEVELOPING TODDLER
Sleep problems are common in the developing toddler. They range from problems going to sleep at night, to waking at night, and getting up too early. These problems can be a normal part of development, and can be resolved in handled correctly.
WAKING BECAUSE OF DISCOMFORT
It is important to assess whether or not your toddler is waking because of discomfort. Is he teething? Is he ill or has he recently recovered from an illness? If so, then his immediate needs require being addressed. Once those needs are met, if he is usually a good sleeper, then he will eventually return to his normal sleep patterns.
STAYING IN BED
This is a common problem in many households. In fact, over the years I’ve watched each employer I’ve had struggle with this issue of keeping their children in bed at night.
Establish a routine! It is so important to establish a comfortable nighttime routine that becomes familiar to the child. Allow time for him to settle down and calm his body. Begin immediately after dinner by giving him a bath, putting on his pajamas, combing his hair and brushing his teeth. Then allow him to watch a video, read books to him, or simply cuddle with him. Do not allow him to run around, drag out the toys, or be rambunctious! Insist that he remain calm. Fifteen minutes before bedtime, send him to the bathroom, and then tell him to get in bed. Allow him to take a sippy cup of water to bed (no juice or milk). Prayers are an important part of some family routines. Be sure to say something like, “I want you to stay in your bed. If you get out of bed, I am not going to talk with you. I will bring you back to your bed and put you back in it.” Then give him a kiss on the cheek, tell him you love him, and then it is lights out.
If he is like most children, you will soon hear the pitter patter of little feet. This is where most parents and caregivers get it wrong. Do not engage in conversation with him(assuming there is no dire emergency). Silently and calmly walk him back to his room, put him in the bed and leave. You may have to do this twenty times a night (or more) for the first week or so. Do not fret! Eventually he will begin to stay in his bed. It takes commitment on the caregiver’s part to teach healthy sleep habits to a small child. Granted, it is so much easier to just let him fall asleep in front of the TV and then carry him to his room and put him in the bed. However, it is in his best interest to help him develop health sleep
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by Jennie Krogulski
SLEEP ISSUES IN THE DEVELOPING TODDLER
Sleep problems are common in the developing toddler. They range from problems going
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