Blissed Out Babies
Waking at 5am is one of the most common toddler sleep struggles — and one of the most exhausting for parents. Discover why toddler early waking happens, from nap timings to light and temperature changes, plus gentle fixes you can try tonight to help your little one sleep later.
Why your toddler keeps waking up at night and not going back to sleep (and why it’s so tricky to fix)
If your toddler is suddenly wide awake at 2 a.m. happy, chatty, and ready to play, you’re not alone.
These long, middle‑of‑the‑night wake‑ups (called split nights) often happen when your toddler’s daytime sleep routine doesn’t quite match their growing sleep needs.
But here’s what many parents don’t realise: once your toddler’s body clock resets to expect that night‑time party, it can take gentle, carefully planned steps, and a lot of consistency, to bring nights back on track.
In this blog, I’ll explain why your toddler waking up at night and not going back to sleep isn’t your fault, what might really be causing it, and how to start gently resetting your little one’s sleep, so you can all enjoy calmer nights again.
Wondering why your toddler never seems to sleep as much as the charts say?
By toddlerhood, most children have already settled into how much sleep they truly need — usually around 10–11 hours at night plus a nap.
Instead of chasing perfect numbers (which often leads to frustration and bedtime battles), this guide gently explores how to redistribute the sleep your toddler already needs so it fits better with family life.
Discover realistic age‑by‑age ranges, why making toddlers “sleep more” rarely works, and practical, gentle tips to help everyone feel more rested, without forcing it.
Think your toddler’s bedtime routine is flawless because it’s always been exactly the same?
Or that the earlier they’re in bed, the better they’ll sleep?
Many loving parents unknowingly follow advice that can actually cause more night wakings, bedtime battles and 5am starts.
In this blog, I share four common (and surprising) toddler sleep mistakes, like:
✅ Aiming for too much sleep
✅ Sticking rigidly to the same routine from baby days
✅ Keeping the whole evening quiet (and missing playful connection)
✅ Using baths as a “calm down” when they’re actually full of fun and stimulation
Discover why these well-meant strategies often backfire, and what to try instead, so your toddler (and you!) can enjoy calmer, happier nights.
