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Midnight Meltdowns: How to Handle Toddler Nighttime Tantrums

Midnight Meltdowns: How to Handle Toddler Nighttime Tantrums

As a parent in Manchester, few experiences are as challenging as being awakened in the middle of the night by your toddler’s intense tantrums. These episodes can leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and uncertain about the best course of action. Understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective strategies can make these nighttime disruptions more manageable.

Understanding the Causes of Nighttime Tantrums

Several factors can contribute to your toddler’s nighttime meltdowns:

  • Overtiredness: Missing the optimal sleep window can lead to increased irritability and difficulty staying asleep.
  • Separation Anxiety: Between 18 months and 3 years, toddlers may experience heightened anxiety when they realize you’re not nearby during the night.
  • Developmental Milestones: Rapid cognitive and physical developments can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Nightmares or Night Terrors: Disturbing dreams can cause sudden awakenings and distress.
  • Physical Discomfort: Hunger, thirst, or temperature discomfort can lead to restlessness.

Strategies for Managing Nighttime Tantrums

Implementing the following techniques can help soothe your toddler during nighttime disturbances:

1. Stay Calm and Composed

Your demeanor sets the tone. It can be SO hard to stay calm in the middle of the night when your child is very upset, but calm instil calm. They need you to lead, they need co-regulating, fake it until you make it.

2. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Provide physical comfort through hugs or by holding their hand. Use soothing phrases like “I’m here” or “You’re safe” to alleviate their fears. 

3. Don’t do anything at all

Acknowledge that sometimes they can’t hear you in the midst of the meltdown. There are times when just sitting calmly near them and letting them release their anger is the best course of action. Wait and let the tantrum pass then comfort and resettle back to sleep. 

4. Address Physical Needs

Are they hungry or in pain? Is there something physical we can help to relieve?

5. Take a break if you need to

Many sleep coaches will tell you that once you’re in the bedroom, you should stay in the bedroom all night. This may not work when your toddler is having a night time tantrum, sometimes leaving the room provides a distraction and allows a quicker reset.

When to Seek Professional Help

If nighttime tantrums persist despite implementing these strategies, it may be beneficial to consult a toddler sleep specialist like Jemma Munford. She can assess for underlying issues and help with practical suggestions for how to get better sleep.

By understanding the root causes of nighttime tantrums and applying these targeted strategies, Manchester parents can nurture a more peaceful sleep environment for their toddlers. Remember, consistency and patience are key. For personalised guidance, consider reaching out to Jemma at Blissed out Babies who can provide tailored support for your family’s needs.

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Hi, I'm Jem

I have always been interested in gentle parenting techniques, and as a self confessed ‘geek’ I spent many a sleepless night reading. I became so interested in infant brain development and the science of sleep that I completed my Holistic Sleep Coaching qualification, mentored by the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway. I have been working as a toddler sleep consultant since 2018, I am based in Manchester but I can work with you from anywhere in the world online!

This coupled with my experience in settling techniques, toddler negotiation strategies and analysis of naps and sleep needs gives me a wealth of knowledge to be able help you. 

If you’re looking for help with making changes to your family’s sleeping habits and would like to speak to a toddler sleep consultant who is down to earth and sympathetic and will focus on you and your family with empathy and understanding then please get in touch.

I would love to hear from you!

Jem x

photo of Jemma Munford sat in a brown armchair

Where to next?

Click here to book a free chat with Jem to discuss sleep packages and ensure we are a good fit. There is no obligation and I will only take clients where I genuinely feel I can change their lives.

I have three simple toddler sleep support packages, Read more about them here.

Yes! You can check out my free sleep resources here.

Perfect, in my book The Better Sleep Blueprint I share all my best guides and strategies for sleep up to 2 years of age. Check it out here.

You can also read more of my blogs here.