As your baby gets bigger and older, you'll notice changes creeping into their sleep patterns and this will be your signal to help them begin their transition into a bigger bed. This is a crucial time that will help them avoid any future sleep problems.
Sleep patterns are likely to have changed once your baby hits the age of two, but many parents will begin to notice their child only needing one big sleep per day by the time that have reached 15 months. By the age of three, it is ideal for your sleeping toddler to be routinely sleeping through the night.
Like babies, toddlers still require more sleep than adults and by following our advice, moving them to a 'big bed' and having them get a good night's sleep will make life easier for your entire family.
On average, toddlers will need at least 10.5 hours of sleep per night and they'll benefit from another hour or two during the day as well. Once they have hit three or four however, the daily naps may be phased out. A common theme for sleeping toddlers is that they tend to be early risers, so this should be considered when you decide on a suitable time to put them down. Encouraging them to fall asleep at around 7.30pm is a good, average guide to use as a start point. If your child currently sleeps a lot during the day, it is wise to begin to help them cut this down, as it will help them get through the night.
So, when is it right to move them from their cot to a bed? The telltale signs include your child essentially being so mobile and active they're able to get out of their cot and them being able to get to the bathroom on their own. Don't worry if your sleeping toddler is still happy (and fitting!) in their cot though - you don't need to rush them into a bed. Just try to remember that, on average, most toddlers are in a bed by the age of three.
One very important consideration is to ensure your toddler's new sleeping environment is safe. As they are becoming more and more adventurous, toddlers get up to all kinds of mischief so make sure that windows can be safely locked closed or only slightly open, there are no loose curtain cords or anything they can choke on, only the bare minimum of electrical appliances are present and stairs are secured.
When it comes to the big move itself, try to make it as positive an experience for your toddler as possible. Talk about how fun it is, explain to them how proud you are about the growing up and consider giving them a greater feeling of ownership by helping them choose their bed and/or even their new bedding. Also remember that pillows are still considered unsafe for toddlers under two.
Here are our top tips for sleeping toddlers:
- Remember it is a transition, so bring some old into the new. Their favourite blankets are often important to toddlers and the familiarity helps them settle more quickly.
- Get them to get into bed on their own. This helps them associate sleep with independence, which in turn makes them more settled.
- Be clear about what is happening. Say goodnight naturally, and put them at ease before you leave the room. Don't make the experience a big deal and let them know that you'll see them in the morning.
- If your toddler wakes, help them settle back into bed and if they are particularly distressed, lie with them until they are back at ease.
If your toddler seems to have sleeping problems GPs, health nurses and paediatricians can help. You might also want to read our article on night time tips!
Discuss sleeping in the EB Tips and Questions forum.
