If you are one of the lucky parents whose child has been sleeping through the night without any problems, there can still be times when they wake unexpectedly. There are lots of reasons why this might happen. Maybe they aren’t getting enough exercise during the day and they aren’t tired enough, or they could be hungry, having bad dreams or teething again.
Tips to try if they keep waking up
Tip #1: Dinner, bath and story
Tip #1: Dinner, bath and story
A bedtime routine can help your wee one relax and sleep better. Maybe it’s tea, bath, story, then cuddles and don’t forget some milk, then brush their teeth. Just try and do it the same way, at the same time, every evening.
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Tip #2: Night lights
Tip #2: Night Lights
Night-lights aren’t just a good idea for your baby – your older toddler might still like one in their room.
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Tip #3: Keep calm
If your toddler gets up through the night (and we all know they love doing that), just calmly get up and take them back to their own bed straightaway.
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Tip #4: Explain night time rules
Tip #4: Explain night time rules
It can help to tell your toddler during the day that everyone sleeps in their own bed. So when they get up to pay you a visit in the middle of the night, just calmly put them back. Chances are that you’ll have to do this a number of times before the message strikes home.
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Tip #5: Take your time
If your toddler cries during the night, don’t go and see them immediately. Wait just a minute or two and they may settle themselves.
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Tip #6: Track nap times
Long naps in the afternoon can have a big impact on sleep. Remember your child is growing all the time, so their needs and habits are constantly changing. Reduce the length of their nap gradually and they’ll hopefully be back sleeping through the night again.
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Tip #7: Nightmare help
Tip #7: Nightmare help
Bad dreams and nightmares are something a lot of young children experience at some stage. Be careful what they’re watching or reading before they go to bed. You’d be surprised how easily these things can bother your little one when they’re trying to sleep.
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Tip #8: Changes
Changes in routine can affect your child’s sleep patterns. Simple things like starting nursery or going to a child minder for the first time can impact their sleep. You might not be able to avoid these changes, but it can help if you know why it’s happening.
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Tip #9: Play helps sleep
Tip #9: Play helps sleep
A walk (even just to the shops and back), or a run outside in the fresh air, or playing hide and seek inside, can all help your child to sleep better at night.
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What the professionals say
“Some toddlers like getting out of their bed and coming into yours - and that can be hard to stop. A good way to deal with this is at some point, well before bedtime, explain to your child that everyone sleeps in their own bed at night. If they do decide to get up or come into your bed, take them back and settle them down gently but firmly. Be prepared to repeat this, and don’t give in.”
A Tayside Health Advisor
More information
Ready Steady Toddler has lots of information on helping your baby sleep and establishing routines. If you think your baby is not settling at night because of a health issue, contact your GP or health visitor for additional support.
