Did you know that your toddler may be tired, and yet not fall asleep? If you’ve been thinking “my toddler will sleep when he’s sleepy” you’ve been robbing your child of the precious sleep hours his brain and body need to help him stay healthy. In fact, if your child has already developed poor sleep habits, he may refuse to go to sleep, staying up till 11pm or midnight and leading you to think he doesn’t need more sleep when in fact he isn’t getting enough.
Between the ages of one and two, your child needs 13 to 14 hours of sleep each day (at least 11 hours at night). You actually have to help your child sleep. It’s an important part of parenting; you don’t just let the child freestyle.
Before my toddler turned two, he was already falling asleep on his own; goodnight hugs and kisses at 7pm, get into bed, hug your little pillow and close your eyes as mummy turns off the lights. That’s all; he’s asleep in minutes. Did it happen all at once? No. Was it hard? Yes. Did my heart ache leaving my baby to sleep by himself? Yes. Has it proved worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Here are a few tips to help you reach this nirvana.
Take baby steps: I started by rocking him to sleep on my back Naija mum style and then putting him in his bed, then moved to lying beside him on my own bed with the lights off and talking to him until he fell asleep, and finally graduated to tucking him in and leaving. You can use bedtime stories, lullabies or simply your own voice. You need to be firm at every stage, but don’t try to rush things. It took me nearly a year to move through these phases. Your goal is to help your toddler reach that place where he can fall asleep on his own without rocking or singing.
Embrace routine and consistency: The word ‘routine’ has come to be seen as an enemy, but toddlers need it to thrive. Set a fixed bedtime and stick to it. Initially she will fight it, but as you stay firm, she will get used to it. Toddlers need you to be consistent; it builds their sense of security in a world they’re just getting to understand.
Regulate naps: Naps are an important part of a toddler’s life, butif you need your toddler to learn how to fall asleep, you have to regulate them. Don’t let your child nap after 3pm, otherwise his night sleep will be affected.
Your tot needs to sleep, and so do you. Plus, you need time to unwind and bond with your partner. Your child isn’t meant to steal all your time and drain your relationship. Shower your little one with affection, and handle him with a firm, loving hand. Get to work and enjoy the rewards!
About the writer: Joy Ehonwa is a writer, editor and online proofreader who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a copy-editing, ghostwriting and transcription business, and blogs at www.anafricandiva.wordpress.com and www.girlaware.wordpress.com
