How to Keep My 21-Month-Old Child Asleep

Toddlers may need help sleeping at night.

Many parents expect an infant to wake up at night, but don't realize that it's common for toddlers to experience difficulty sleeping through the night. A toddler may not need as much sleep or he may be going through some type of stress and need more encouragement to sleep on his own. A well-rested baby makes for a happier parent and child.

Instructions

1. Follow a consistent bedtime routine to help your toddler fall asleep. The key is consistency, having the same routine at the same time each night. The routine will help your toddler wind down before bed and may include having a bath, getting on pajamas, reading books, playing a quiet game, brushing teeth and a hug and kiss goodnight.

2. Adjust nap time or bedtime as needed. Your child may be sleeping too much during the day if she has a hard time falling asleep at night. If she is going down for a nap too late in the afternoon, move her nap earlier. Wake her up from a nap if she is sleeping too long. If she is still not sleeping well at night, either cut out naps all together or move bedtime later.

3. Teach self-soothing skills. Toddlers that have been dependent on being nursed or rocked to sleep may have a harder time going to sleep and self-soothing back to sleep upon waking. One way to help him self-sooth is by offering a comfort item, such as a soft stuffed animal or blanket. If your child is going through the transition of being weaned from pacifiers or bottles, offer a substitute comfort item. Some children are also soothed by sound, such as a fan, white noise, sound machine or soft music.

4. Decrease any family stress that may be keeping him up at night. Often children show their insecurities during the night from something that went on during the day. Family stresses include arguing in the family, the birth of a new baby, a recent move to a new home, or a new babysitter. Be calm and sensitive to your child's feelings and comfort him upon waking at night.

5. Be active during the day. Children will sleep better out if they have plenty of opportunities to get their energy out during the day. Give your child free play time and go outside on a walk or to the park. If it's cold outside, go to the mall to walk. Then when it's time to nap or go to bed, he will be worn out and ready to sleep.

6. Give extra comfort as needed. Even children that usually sleep well may be up a lot at night if they are sick, teething or had a nightmare. Care for your child's health and sing or read to her during the night to calm her. Use a night light to decrease disorientation from not being able to see familiar surroundings.

7. Lessen the transitional stress of crib-to-bed transition. Children commonly transition from crib to toddler bed or twin bed between 18 months and 3 years old. During this time it is especially important to be reassuring. Continue a consistent bedtime routine and be ready to give extra comfort during the night as needed until he is used to the new bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give your toddler medicine for sleeping, such as sleeping pills. They are not safe for young children and pose a threat to their health. A child who is sick or in pain may be given infant pain relief drops. Always consult your family doctor or pediatrician before giving your child any medicine.

References

• Scholastic: Helping Your Toddler Sleep Through The Night
• Baby Center: Sleep Aids for Toddlers