Children of this age are increasingly aware of their surroundings; therefore, distractions can make them more disruptive at bedtime. Their increasingly wild imaginations can also begin to disrupt their sleep. Now more than ever, following a simple bedtime routine is every parent’s best bet for getting a 1-2-year-old safely into the cot.
How long does my child need to sleep?
Between one and two years of age, most children need around 11-14 hours of sleep in each 24-hour period, including one or two naps during waking hours. By the time they are around 18 months, or sometimes a little earlier, most children condense the two naps into a single nap taken after a meal or in the afternoon. A child who resists a morning nap is most likely ready to take only one nap in the afternoon.
Where should my child sleep?
Your child aged 1 to 2 years should sleep in a safe cot. Before a child’s first birthday, blankets are not recommended because they increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But, from the age of one year onwards, it is fine to put a light blanket in the cot. There are also safety items, such as cushioned dolls, soft blankets, or stuffed animals, all of which are small in size and can be placed in the cot without problems because they provide comfort and reassurance. But do not place soft toys or large stuffed animals in your child’s cot.
Avoid items with strings, cords, or ribbons that can wrap around your child’s neck. Be aware of and remove objects that your child could touch when standing over the cot: curtains, cords from blinds, and wall hangings such as pictures and tapestries are potential hazards for your child.
Your child’s curiosity may lead him or her to look for ways to climb over the cot rail to get out of the cot. Don’t leave too many toys in your child’s cot, which your child could pile up and climb over to get out of the cot. And remember: don’t use padded cot bumpers – your child could use them as steps to climb out of the cot.
If your child is a natural climber who is determined to climb out of the cot, make sure the cot mattress is in the lowest possible position. If the mattress is lowered as low as possible but your child still insists on climbing over the cot rail to get out of the crib, consider switching to a “big boy” bed with a side guard rail to prevent him from falling out. At first, you may find it difficult to leave your child in bed, but at least you will know that your child will not hurt himself trying to get out of the cot. For added safety, install a safety fence at the entrance to your child’s bedroom so he or she can’t wander around the house without adult supervision. And be sure to childproof your child’s bedroom.
Why does my child wake up at night?
Your child may start waking up at night for various reasons. Sometimes because of discomforts, such as teething or an illness. Sometimes because of mild separation anxiety: “Where’s mummy? Where’s daddy?”
Dreams and nightmares can begin to affect children of this age, who find it difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. Look closely at the books your child is exposed to just before bedtime, and make the content of what he or she sees or is read enjoyable. If your child does not have an attachment object, such as a soft, cushiony blanket or doll, to provide security, consider providing one. Time spent in front of screens (such as a TV or tablet) can disrupt children’s sleep. This is one of the reasons health experts recommend:
- Limit screen time
- Children aged 1 to 2 years stop viewing screen devices one hour before bedtime
- Children not having screen devices in their bedrooms.
Look for other possible causes of your child’s nighttime awakenings. Many 1-2-year-olds wake up at night, so in colder months you may want to dress your toddler in thicker pyjamas so they don’t wake up in the cold.
Is it too noisy from another room to fall asleep? Children this age can learn to sleep with some noise, but a loud TV or a conversation in a nearby room may prevent them from falling asleep. Check your child’s bedroom for noise. Make it a place where they can sleep soundly and your child will most likely notice the difference.
How can I help my child sleep?
By now, you’ve probably found the right combination, such as a warm bath and a goodnight story, to help your baby relax before bedtime. Stick with it and don’t make it too long. This now lovingly used aid may not be so pleasant when your child asks you, night after night, to make it longer and longer. Decide how many glasses of water you will allow your child to drink before bedtime and how many times you will go to pick up the toy he takes out of his cot as a bedtime challenge.
Get into the habit of setting rules and sticking to them. Not only will this help your child sleep better now, but it will also help in the future, should other, more serious discipline problems arise. If your child wakes up in the middle of the night, you will want to check quickly and quietly that all is well and reassure your child that you are close by. But too much interaction can be counterproductive, so keep night-time “visits” short and make them boring for your child.
If your child is an early riser, prevent sunlight from waking him or her by closing blinds and curtains at night. Also, try leaving a few safe toys in the cot, which may keep your child entertained when he or she wakes up in the morning.
