Blissed Out BabiesBlissed Out Babies
Sleep is one of the most crucial factors in a toddler’s health and development. However, as a parent in Manchester, navigating your toddler’s unpredictable sleep patterns can be challenging. Unlike adults, toddlers experience different sleep cycles, often leading to frequent night wakings, early rising, or difficulty settling down at bedtime.
Understanding how your toddler’s sleep cycles work can help you create a more effective bedtime routine, minimize disruptions, and ensure your little one gets the rest they need. In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind toddler sleep, common challenges parents face, and practical strategies to support your child’s natural sleep rhythms.
(For more insights on baby and toddler sleep, check out our Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleep)
Sleep cycles are the stages of sleep we go through each night. While adults have cycles lasting about 90 minutes, toddlers have shorter sleep cycles, typically lasting around 45-60 minutes. This means they transition between light and deep sleep more frequently, which can lead to more night wakings.
Learn more about the science of sleep cycles.
Knowing when these transitions occur can help you anticipate when your child might wake up and how to help them resettle more easily.
Toddlers may wake up multiple times due to leaps in development, sleep needs change, starting daycare or moving rooms at nursery can unsettle the routine and separation anxiety can mean they find it less easy to go back to sleep by themselves.
(Read about how to help your child with night wakings)
Many toddlers wake up too early because their sleep cycles naturally shift toward lighter sleep phases in the early morning hours. Adjusting bedtime and room conditions can help manage this.
(Check out the Early Waking Mini Course for tips)
Around 18 months, some toddlers begin resisting their second nap. Understanding their natural sleep patterns can help parents determine whether a nap adjustment is necessary.
Watch for signs of sleepiness such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming more irritable. Putting your toddler to bed at the right time can prevent overtiredness, which often leads to difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Toddlers thrive on routine. A calming bedtime routine signals to their brain that sleep is approaching. Some effective bedtime activities include:
(Need help designing a sleep-friendly routine? Read our Bedtime Routine Guide)
Manchester, or any busy city’s urban environment can sometimes be noisy at night. Consider:
It’s natural to comfort your child when they wake up, toddlers have no impulse control and their brains are not yet able to self-regulate. So when they wake up scared or needing something, they will signal for you. Sometimes delaying comfort just means everyone is awake longer than they need to be. So don’t worry about giving them a cuddle if they need it.
If your toddler is resisting naps or waking too early, consider adjusting their nap times. Test out what works well for your toddler, if you need some help this handy quiz will help you to recognise whether your child is getting enough sleep.
Understanding your toddler’s sleep cycles is key to nurturing healthier sleep habits. By recognising their sleep cues, establishing a calming bedtime routine, and creating an optimal sleep environment, you can support their natural rhythms and improve their overall rest.
For further reading, check out The Better Sleep Blueprint, a comprehensive guide to baby and toddler sleep.
Would you like a personalised sleep plan for your toddler? Book a consultation today!
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.