Getting your toddler to sleep

Young children actually need to practise going to sleep – if only we could too! That's why getting into the habit of a routine works really well. So follow bathtime with a story, some gentle play like colouring-in, and then a big cuddle. Your wee one will soon learn that bedtime comes next.

Try to always say goodnight firmly and as if you really mean it. If your child gets out of bed, take them straight back, and tell them you’ll come back to check on them. Just remember to do just that so they know you’re following through!

Closing the curtains in his room and just having a wee light on helps my kid know it is time to settle down.

As your toddler gets older their sleeping habits can change. Maybe that two hour nap in the afternoon is now stopping them from going to sleep at night. Why not bring their afternoon nap forward or even reduce it to one hour? It might be trial and error till you find the right balance.

Try taking your child shopping to pick out their own bedding for their ‘big boy or big girl bed’. When the time comes, it might make their bed seem more appealing, and bedtime a little easier. Oh, and if the bedding has characters on it, you can both wish them all goodnight before going to sleep. Night Night bumble bee…

Children can often tell if you’re stressed. If they know you’re trying to rush their bedtime routine for whatever reason, they can start to play up. We know it’s easier said than done, but keep calm as much you can.

As well as staying calm yourself, it’s good to try and calm your wee one down before putting them in their bed. A cuddle and listening to a song or bedtime story together will get them in the mood for sleep. It’s also a great way to spend time getting closer to your child.

“I always find that my son settles and sleeps better if he's played outside. So we always try and do something outside every day, even if it’s just a short walk to the corner shop.”

Getting out and about during the day can help your little one sleep at night. It could even be just a walk to get some fresh air – which is good for both of you. When you’re outside, talk about what you see. You could try questions like, can you see the trees? or what colour is the bus? You can find more ideas for playing outdoors here.

Jumping and running about together during the day can help improve your child’s sleep at night. Here are some ideas for ways to keep active, even if you can't get outside.

You’ll probably find your child’s pattern changes as they get older. Playing with siblings, or with you after tea, and before bathtime, can help get rid of some of their extra energy. Here are some ideas for games you can play indoors.

It can be so easy to fall asleep with toddlers on sofas or armchairs, but this can be really dangerous. Try and think carefully about your toddler’s safety for every sleep.

"My daughter was being clingy during the day and even worse at bedtime. I worked out she wanted more cuddles and attention during the day and she became easier to deal with day and night."

When you’re all sitting round the table is a good time to tell little ones what happens after dinner. Breaking down the evening routine into quiet play, tidy time, bathtime and storytime means they know exactly what comes after pudding, and what comes after that.

Children rely on you to help them feel calm and safe. So when they wake in the night they may feel confused and scared, so you just need to hold them close. A gentle sway and some loving words will help them know you are there and calm them down.