Parenting doesn't stop for a pandemic and neither do we! Tresillian is here for you - 7 days a week. If your baby is having sleep difficulties you can now self-refer to Tresillian services by calling our Parent’s Help Line on 1300 272 736. Call now to talk to one of our experienced nurses about which Tresillian service will best suit you.
How much sleep does my toddler need?
All children are different which means that some children will sleep more and some will sleep less.
From 12 months to 3 years children need between 12-13 hours per day over a 24 hour period with one long overnight sleep and one to two sleep/s during the day depending on their age and individual needs. Some children will not require a day sleep.
If your child is happy and displays no tired signs they may get through the day without a day sleep. A short `nap’ or quiet time may be sufficient.
What are the tired signs for a toddler?
When you have a tired or overtired toddler you may see one or more of the following signs:
- irritable,
- clumsiness
- clinginess
- grizzling
- crying
- demands for constant attention
- boredom with toys
- fussiness with food
Respond to tired signs by reducing stimulation e.g. putting toys away, talking quietly, closing curtains, turning off lights
Introduce a bedtime routine ‘quiet time’ to help your child wind down depending on the time of day e.g a bath, nappy change, teeth cleaning, a cuddle, story time and tuck/wrap depending on age followed by a kiss goodnight
Having a favourite small soft toy in the cot/bed may provide comfort.
Always ensure that the cot sides are up and securely in place
When your toddler won't settle
- If you have tried putting your child to bed and they continue to be distressed or crying, pick them up and cuddle until calm and then reattempt to settle them. Always check their nappy.
- Talk quietly, reassure your child i.e. `it is time for sleep’, to encourage a state of calm and position them on their back in the cot/bed awake.
- If they still don’t respond pick your child up and cuddle them until they are calm, give them a cup of water then try staying in the room until they fall asleep. The length of time it takes to calm your child will decrease as your child learns to self settle.
Transitioning from cot to bed
- Moving into a bed is an exciting step in your child’s life.
- Start by encouraging your child to climb into bed by themselves.
- Provide verbal reassurance, i.e. ‘time for sleep’ and tell your child what is going to happen next. In a calm firm voice give positive instruction, i.e. ‘It’s time to go to sleep’ to discourage your child from climbing out of bed.
- Initially keep a familiar blanket or toy (no bigger than a clenched adult fist) from the cot to help make your child feel more secure. Remember to praise your child if they do stay in their ‘big bed’!
Top Tip
Pillows are not recommended for children under the age of two as this can increase the risk of suffocation and should be introduced with caution.
My three year old is still not sleeping through the night
If you’ve tucked your child into bed but she continues to call for you or gets up to find you, try these strategies to settle her into bed. Gently lead her back to bed and with a kiss and cuddle, tell her it’s time for sleep. If she becomes distressed, stay with her reassuring her, until she falls asleep on her own. You may need to repeat this several times until your child feels OK about bedtime.Sleeping and Settling FAQ's
- The only way my baby will sleep is on me, what do I do?
- How can I help my baby have longer sleeps during the day?
- What can I do to help my baby sleep better at night?
- My baby has started waking and screaming at night, he used to be a good sleeper. What do I do?
- My baby takes hours to settle in the evening, what can I do to make him go to sleep sooner?
- My toddler wakes at 5am every morning. Any tips how to get him to sleep a bit longer?
- My newborn cries on and off all day. Nothing I have tried works. What can I do to make baby sleep?
- I recently had my second baby but now find my 3 year old is having sleep problems and waking up overnight. Any tips?
- My baby likes to sleep in my arms. Will I spoil my baby by doing this?
- My baby is difficult to get to sleep, should I use a bottle to help get her down?
- I feel like a failure because my baby does not sleep through the night like other babies in my mother's group
- Does Tresillian believe in controlled crying?
- Is 'crying it out' a good method to use to help my baby learn to sleep?
