As a parent of a toddler, you have inevitably battled trying to get them to go to bed on more than one occasion.  Even when it’s painfully (and loudly) obvious to everyone including your sweet child that they are tired and ready for bed, thanks to that wonderful independence they are now starting to practice, getting your child into bed (and keeping them there) can be hard work.  If you also battling your child to go down for their day sleep too, you will both no doubt be exhausted and frustrated too.  To help navigate this minefield of toddler sleeping habits, here is what you need to know about Toddler sleeping habits.

How much sleep does my toddler need?

By the time your toddler is around 15 – 18 months old, they will need 10 – 12 hours of sleep at night and will also benefit from an hour or two nap during the day.

When will my toddler move from two day sleeps to one?

For many toddlers, at around 12 – 18 months of age will be when many children drop from two to one sleep a day.  You will notice your child’s first sleep is getting pushed closer to lunchtime and they are then having a longer sleep at this time.

Many young children will continue to have a day sleep until they 3 – 4 years old, some of the signs your Toddler is ready to drop their day sleep include:

• Difficulty getting them to sleep during the day, more than just a toddler asserting their independence.
• Not settling at bed time – still wide awake past their normal bed time on the days when they have had a day sleep.
• They can have a short day sleep or skip it entirely and still function ok.

If you think your toddler may be ready to start staying up all day, try skipping their day sleep for a day or two and if they are not too crankly in the afternoon, it may be the right time to drop the day sleep.  During the transition to no day sleeps, the introduction of quiet time can be a great way for your little one to rest and recharge – and hopefully prevent any afternoon tantrums.

Quiet time can include:

• Reading Stories together in their bedroom or another quiet space.
• Lay on the bed or couch listening to music
• Play one of their favourite DVDs.

What tips and tricks do you use to help your toddler goes to sleep?