Overview of Early Morning Waking in Toddlers
Early morning waking can be a challenging situation for parents of toddlers. Toddlers can often wake up much earlier than parents prefer, resulting in a lack of sleep for the entire family. But there are strategies to help ease this situation and help your toddler get back into a better sleep schedule. Understanding why this occurs and how to address it is the first step in helping your toddler achieve a better night’s sleep.
Early morning waking is a common issue with toddlers due to their patterns of development. As toddlers learn new skills and become more independent, they may have trouble settling down at night or for their naps. This can lead to your toddler waking up too early in the morning and not being able to resettle.
Sleep deprivation and early morning waking can take a toll on both your toddler and the rest of your family. Establishing a sleep routine, limiting daytime sleep, and controlling stimulation in the bedroom can be effective methods for encouraging better sleep habits.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Creating an age-appropriate sleep routine is important for helping your child develop healthy sleep habits. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine — such as a bath, story, and prayer — can help your toddler relax and ease the transition to sleep. Aim to keep the routine the same every night so your child knows what to expect.
Keeping a consistent bedtime — not too late, not too early — is also essential for ensuring your child has enough rest. It’s recommended that children ages 3 to 5 get between 10 and 13 hours of sleep every night.
Limit Daytime Sleep
Too much sleep or napping during the day might be one of the causes of early morning waking in your toddler. Try to limit napping and daytime sleeping to no more than two hours in the afternoon. Active playtime outdoors and other activities can help your toddler stay awake until bedtime.
When it comes to nap times, establish a consistent schedule and keep naps short. A general guideline is 30 minutes for toddlers aged 1 to 3 and about one hour for those aged 4 and 5. Try not to allow your child to sleep too late in the day, as this can disrupt his or her night-time sleep.
It may take a few days or weeks for your child to adjust to the new routine, but it will eventually become a natural part of your daily schedule.
Control Stimulation in the Bedroom
Excessive or stimulating activities in the bedroom can prevent your child from settling down for sleep, so limit distractions and noise. Keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable can help your child settle down for sleep. Also limit TV and other screens at least an hour before bedtime.
You can also try adding calming items to your toddler’s bedroom. Soft toys, nightlights, music, or a comforting blanket can all help to encourage a relaxed atmosphere.
Strategies for Reducing Early Morning Waking
- Establish a consistent sleep routine
- Limit daytime sleep and napping
- Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable
- Limit TV and other screens an hour before bedtime
- Add calming items to the bedroom such as soft toys, music, nightlights, etc.
Conclusion
Early morning waking in toddlers can be a difficult situation for parents, but there are strategies to help address this issue. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, limiting daytime sleep, and controlling stimulation in the bedroom can help your toddler get back onto a better sleeping schedule.