One minute, your toddler is sound asleep, and the next, they’re wide awake, calling for you at 2 AM. You tuck them back in, whisper soothing words, and tiptoe out of the room, only for them to wake up again when you’ve drifted off.
These constant interruptions disrupt your sleep and leave you frustrated, exhausted, and longing for a solution. Even worse, frequent nighttime awakenings affect your toddler’s cognitive functions.
Luckily, with a few simple changes to their bedtime routine and some simple adjustments to their sleep environment, you can reduce those wake-ups and bring some much-needed peace back to your nights.
Let’s explore why toddlers wake up at night and how to handle these nightly disruptions.
Why Do Toddlers Wake Up at Night?
Nighttime wake-ups are a common challenge for tired parents. Although it might feel like a never-ending cycle, there are a few common reasons why your little one can’t seem to stay asleep.
1. Developmental Changes
Toddlers are going through rapid physical and cognitive development, which can disrupt their sleep. Whether it’s teething, learning to walk, or mastering language, these milestones can cause restless nights. It’s completely normal but understandably exhausting.
2. Separation Anxiety
Around the age of 18 months to three years, toddlers often develop separation anxiety. Even though you’re just a few feet away, they may wake up feeling insecure and in need of comfort, so they check to see if you’re still there. It’s a natural part of their emotional development but can lead to frequent wake-ups.
3. Overstimulation Before Bedtime
That last-minute burst of energy right before bedtime might be cute, but it can be a recipe for poor sleep. Toddlers need a calm wind-down routine to transition from playtime to bedtime. If they’re overstimulated with screen time or other activities, it can make falling and staying asleep difficult.
4. Inconsistent Sleep Schedule
Toddlers don’t have a fully developed circadian rhythm. If their sleep schedule varies too much, it can confuse their internal clock and lead to more wake-ups throughout the night.
Keep in mind that toddlers should get 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps, to support healthy development.
How to Comfort a Toddler Without Stimulating Them
When your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, your first instinct might be to soothe them immediately. However, comforting them without fully waking them requires a delicate approach, especially when you’re co-sleeping on an oversized mattress.
Research suggests that nighttime awakenings are more prevalent when parents are overprotective and overly involved in soothing their toddlers back to sleep. In other words, sometimes less is more when it comes to helping them settle.
Here are some actionable tips to help put your little one back to sleep without over-stimulating them:
Keep your movements minimal: Gently pat or hold their hand without shifting positions to avoid fully waking them up.
Whisper or hum softly: Use a soft, soothing sound to comfort your toddler without engaging in conversation.
Avoid picking them up: Try comforting them in place by snuggling closer or gently stroking their arm to help them settle.
Keep lighting to a minimum: Use dim lights to check on your toddler without signaling that it’s time to wake up.
Stay calm and composed: Your toddler will follow your lead, so take deep breaths and remain calm to help them relax.
Tips for Dealing With Persistent Wake-Ups
Several factors play a key role in whether your toddler wakes up during the night. According to research, the three most important factors are a consistent bedtime routine, a calm sleep environment, and your child’s sense of emotional security.
Let’s see how you can manage these areas and let your toddler sleep through the night with fewer disturbances.
1. Address Sleep Environment Issues
Factors like room temperature, light, and noise can easily disrupt your toddler’s sleep.
Toddlers tend to sleep best in a cool environment, with a recommended temperature between 60-67°F. If the room is too warm, they may wake up feeling uncomfortable, so keeping the room cool with breathable bedding helps regulate their body temperature.
Bright lights, or even subtle ambient lighting, can interfere with your toddler’s sleep cycle, making it harder for them to stay asleep. Use blackout curtains to block any external light, and if your toddler needs a nightlight, use one with a soft, warm glow to avoid overstimulation.
In addition, sudden household sounds or external noise can wake a sleeping toddler. A white noise machine can be a lifesaver because it provides a consistent, calming sound that helps drown out disturbances and encourages deeper sleep.
2. Set Consistent Boundaries
When toddlers know what to expect, they’re less likely to push back during the night or demand extra attention. For example, if your toddler frequently wakes up wanting to play or have a snack, it’s crucial to gently but firmly reinforce that the bed is for sleeping, not for fun or food.
Consistency is key here. If you give in one night and let them watch TV or stay up later, it can confuse them and lead to more frequent wake-ups. Instead, stick to the same routine and rules every night and calmly but firmly guide them back to sleep when they awake.
Over time, this consistent approach will help them learn that nighttime is for rest, making it less likely that they’ll wake up expecting engagement or special treatment.
3. Create a Safe Sleep Zone
Toddlers are less likely to wake up at night seeking reassurance when they have a sleep zone that is familiar and safe. It calms their anxiety and makes them feel secure, which means they’re more likely to sleep through the night. That’s why you need to make sure their space in the family King bed feels like a personal sanctuary.
Use soft, familiar bedding, a favorite stuffed animal, or a special blanket to provide that extra sense of comfort they need to sleep soundly.
If you’re sleeping on an Alberta King or Alaskan King mattress, there is plenty of room for your toddler. However, you can use bed rails or pillows to create a defined sleep space so they aren’t disturbed by other sleepers.
4. Encourage Self-Soothing
When toddlers are able to calm themselves back to sleep without needing your intervention, you can all enjoy more restful nights. One way to start is by giving them a favorite stuffed animal or a soft blanket that they associate with comfort. These familiar objects can provide reassurance when they wake up, which helps them settle back into sleep without needing you.
It’s also important to give them a chance to self-soothe before you jump in. If your toddler stirs in the middle of the night, resist the urge to immediately pick them up or engage. Give them a few moments to see if they can calm down on their own.
Gentle encouragement can go a long way. Let them know they’re safe and it’s still time to sleep, but avoid over-stimulating them with too much interaction.
5. Try Gentle Sleep Training Methods
Gentle sleep training methods teach your toddler to fall asleep on their own and stay asleep through the night without the need for constant soothing or intervention.
One popular approach is to check on your toddler at timed intervals to reassure them without picking them up or staying too long. This method helps them learn to self-settle while still knowing you’re there if they need you.
The key to safe co-sleeping is to stay consistent and remember that gentle sleep training isn’t about leaving your toddler to cry it out. It’s about giving them the tools and confidence to fall and stay asleep on their own.
How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
A calming bedtime routine signals to your toddler that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. Consistency in these routines helps create a sense of security and relaxation, which makes it easier for your toddler to stay asleep through the night.
Here are a few tips to create a soothing bedtime routine:
Set a consistent bedtime to help regulate your toddler’s internal clock.
Avoid screens at least an hour before bed to prevent overstimulation and help their mind relax.
Read a book together to create a sense of closeness and signal that it’s time to sleep.
Take a warm bath to relax your toddler’s muscles and create a soothing transition from play to sleep.
Practice gentle breathing to calm their body and mind before bed.
Use soft lighting to encourage melatonin production and create a peaceful environment.
Let your toddler cuddle a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to provide a sense of security as they drift off to sleep.
Sleep Soundly on an Alaskan King Bed
Dealing with nighttime wake-ups from your toddler can be exhausting. But, by creating a calming bedtime routine, setting consistent boundaries, and improving the sleep environment, you can make a world of difference.
Encourage self-soothing and try gentle sleep training methods to help your toddler learn to settle on their own, which will lead to fewer interruptions during the night.
Of course, co-sleeping with a toddler means you need plenty of space for everyone to sleep comfortably and safely. That’s what the Alaskan King can help with, as this giant mattress offers enough room for the whole family to stretch out and sleep soundly without feeling cramped.
In addition, each of our Alaskan King mattresses is handcrafted with premium materials and designed for the ultimate comfort and durability.
So, if you’re looking for space and support for the most comfortable nights of co-sleeping, check out our premium Alaskan King mattress selection.
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