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Home › Articles › Sleep Issues › Bedtime for Toddlers

Bedtime for Toddlers

10 Steps to Sleep Without Tears

By Dr. Laura Markham

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4. Set up a cozy bed.
Your goal is to ensure that discomfort doesn't exacerbate the normal cycles of slight waking into real waking. Quiet matters – make sure she can't hear the TV. Consider a "white noise" machine if necessary. Darkness matters – make sure the curtains keep the streetlights out. Room-darkening shades are invaluable, especially in the summer months when your toddler will be going to sleep while it's still light out. Warmth matters – if she kicks her covers off, make sure she sleeps in warm pjs with feet. And of course, once she's out of diapers, be sure she uses the bathroom last thing.
 
5. Many toddlers need a bedtime snack to hold them through the night, especially during growth spurts.
Warm milk, a piece of toast with peanut butter (not hydrogenated oil, though), something calming and predictable, not too interesting, and without sugar, usually works best. If they can eat it at a snack table in their room while you read a bedtime story, before brushing teeth, you can move efficiently through the bedtime routine.
 
6. Don't give up naps too early.
Although every child has individual sleep needs, most kids aren't ready to give up naps till age 3. For many kids, going napless can make them cranky and adrenalized, which makes relaxing at bedtime harder.
 

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