Getting My Toddler To Sleep Through The Night

Hands up if you're in the struggle bus with your toddler's sleep schedule – yep, me too!

Truth is transitioning from the baby schedule to toddler chaos can be a bit challenging. Turns out consistency and patience are the things that will help you navigate this thing momma. Starting can be a bit tricky but sticking to a routine is the key to you and your toddler getting a good night's rest.

Here are a few things I incorporated into our routine that made a big difference...

Establish a Consistent Bedtime

Establishing a sleep routine for a toddler is crucial for both the child's well-being and the sanity of parents. Toddlers, like all children, thrive on predictability and routine. A consistent bedtime signals to the child that it's time to relax and wind down, This gives them a sense of security and makes the transition to sleeping smoother. My toddler's current bedtime is 9pm. I noticed that when I put Kairo down earlier than that, he would wake up in the middle of the night. Honestly, it's whatever works better for you momma.

Eat two hours before Bedtime

Now, I know this may sound a little weird but just like us adults it plays a part in our toddler's sleeping. A gap between eating and sleeping helps ensure that the digestive process isn't competing with the body's need to rest. Providing a balanced meal a couple of hours before bedtime helps regulate blood sugar, preventing potential spikes or crashes during the night that could disrupt their sleep. Try to avoid giving them sugar late in the night as well.

Limit screen time before bed

Limiting screen time for my toddler at least an hour before bedtime is essential for promoting healthy sleep patterns. I thought that allowing my toddler to watch a movie right before bed was innocent but turns out it was doing my harm than good. He would stay up past his bedtime and have a hard time falling asleep. Blue light, which is emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is produced in response to darkness and helps signal to the body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

Creating a comfortable sleep space

As the day winds down and it's time for bedtime, make your toddler's room a peaceful place for a good night's sleep. I like to turn down the lights to create a calm atmosphere, signaling that it's time to relax. Before bedtime, I tend to play gentle music or sounds to create a soothing environment. These simple steps help my toddler transition from the activities of the day to a restful night of sleep.

Bath BEFORE bed

I used to give my toddler his bath right before dinner but after making this small change, it helped a lot. Bathing my toddler right before bed helps calm his body and mind. You can even take it a step further and use Dr. Teal's melatonin kid bath line. This is one of my personal favorites and the key ingredient is lavender. The product works wonders and smells amazing.