10 Things to Do When Your Toddler Takes Forever To Fall Asleep

child does not sleep

Published: March 24, 2021
Updated: December 13, 2024

Do you often find that your toddler takes forever to fall asleep, turning bedtime into a nightly battle? Many parents face the challenge of putting a toddler to bed, where it feels like their little one takes a long time to fall asleep. This struggle is not uncommon, as many parents lament, “My 3-year-old takes forever to fall asleep!”

 

Understanding why your baby takes forever to fall asleep at night can be daunting. Whether it’s a reluctance to settle down after a playful day or a need for more comfort and reassurance, these sleepless struggles can impact the entire family.

 

Stay tuned as we explore ten insightful strategies to ease bedtime routines and help toddlers transition smoothly into dreamland. From setting a consistent bedtime schedule to creating a soothing sleep environment, these tips aim to transform bedtime woes into peaceful nights.

 

What Benefits Can Toddlers Get From a Good Sleep?

toddler sleeping tight

Ensuring your child gets enough sleep is crucial, as a toddler takes forever to fall asleep can lead to various issues. While occasional late nights might happen, consistently good sleep supports better daytime functioning. Here are ten benefits your toddler can gain from having adequate rest:

 

  1. Proper growth and development.
  2. More energy for playing and learning.
  3. A better mood for the day ahead.
  4. A healthy immune system that lessens the chance of getting sick every time they are exposed to germs and viruses around the home or in school.
  5. Ability to conquer more challenges as they learn how to cope with new situations each day.
  6. Less likely to have behavioral problems as they get older.
  7. Better cognitive skills, which would spell higher intelligence scores as they go through school years.
  8. Longer attention span since they will be able to hold onto the information longer.
  9. A better mood for the day ahead.
  10. More restful nights for both you and your child because your child is no longer experiencing nightmares or night terrors.

 

But if you have a toddler who has a hard time going to sleep, there are things you can do to improve her odds of getting to sleep sooner. Here are ten things that will help your child fall asleep faster.

 

Why are Toddler Takes Forever to Fall Asleep?

Understanding why a toddler takes forever to fall asleep is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. Several factors contribute to these sleep challenges, from developmental changes to environmental influences. Let’s explore the key reasons your little one might have trouble settling down at night.

 

  • Developmental Stages: Toddlers often experience sleep regressions around 18 months and 2 years, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. These phases are normal and usually temporary but can cause them to take longer to fall asleep.
  • Separation Anxiety: At this age, toddlers may develop a heightened sense of separation anxiety, making them reluctant to be away from their parents at bedtime. This fear can cause delays in falling asleep as they seek reassurance and comfort.
  • Overstimulation: Activities that are too stimulating right before bed, such as vigorous play or screen time, can make it difficult for toddlers to wind down. Overstimulation leads to heightened alertness, making it harder for them to relax and fall asleep.
  • Dietary Factors: Foods and drinks containing sugar and caffeine can significantly affect a toddler’s ability to fall asleep. These substances can increase energy levels and make it challenging for them to settle down when it’s time for bed.
  • Routine Disruptions: Inconsistent bedtime routines can confuse a toddler’s internal clock, making it harder to know when it’s time to sleep. Establishing and maintaining a consistent routine helps signal the brain that it’s time to wind down and rest.

 

How to Get Your Toddler to Go to Sleep and Stay Asleep

Getting your toddler to go to sleep and stay asleep can be challenging for many parents, especially when your toddler takes forever to fall asleep. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to create healthy sleep habits and ensure restful nights for your child.

 

1. Keep it dark and quiet.

Many parents do not realize that a child’s body prefers the degree of darkness and silence that comes with nighttime. It means no television or video games in the bedroom or right outside the bedroom, including cell phone light coming from under the door. This is also essential not to have the television on all day in the background. It will prepare your child’s body for a quiet, dark, and restful night.

 

2. Establish a nighttime routine.

Creating a solid routine is essential, especially if your toddler takes forever to fall asleep. A consistent routine helps set expectations for bedtime and allows your child to look forward to one or two calming activities each night. This consistency supports the development of healthy sleep habits, making it easier for your toddler to settle down and fall asleep more quickly night after night.

 

3. Don’t allow naps during the day.

If your toddler has a hard time sleeping at night, you don’t want to let him sleep during the day because this will make it harder for him to sleep at bedtime. Like adults, toddlers need a solid block of sleep at night to feel rested and refreshed when they wake up in the morning.

 

4. Make their room comfortable.

make toddler room comfortable for sleep

A toddler will be much more likely to fall asleep in his bed is close enough to his parent’s bed to see or hear them while he is trying to lose sleep. Also, don’t make the bed too big. It should be small enough so that your child cannot simply roll over and wake up.

 

5. Encourage your child to take a short nap during the day.

If your toddler refuses to sleep for the night, offer her a short nap during the day. It will help her body get tired enough to fall asleep at bedtime. Most toddlers can nap during the day and then have a good night’s sleep at night.

 

6. Help your child reduce daytime naps by playing games that are more stimulating than relaxing.

If your toddler takes forever to fall asleep at night, reducing daytime naps can be beneficial. Engage your child in stimulating activities like playing interactive games (such as puzzles, building blocks, or physical activities) during the day. These activities can tire them out more effectively, making them less likely to nap and more ready for an earlier and smoother bedtime.

 

7. Make sure your toddler is getting enough rest during the day.

For your child’s body to function at its best, it must stay rested and refreshed all day long. Too much of anything is often just as bad as too little. Try to make sure your child is getting plenty of rest during the day and that he isn’t overtired.

 

8. Don’t leave your child in a car seat all day long.

If your toddler takes forever to fall asleep, it’s important to avoid letting them stay in a car seat for extended periods while you run errands or shop. Prolonged use of a car seat can cause your child to become overtired, making it difficult for them to wind down and fall asleep at bedtime. Ensure they have a chance to move around and engage in more stimulating activities during the day to prevent overtiredness.

 

9. Don’t respond to your child’s cries for attention at night until she is awake.

When a child cries at night, it is incredibly tempting to go in there and comfort him. Often, this encourages him to cry even harder, thinking that you will come in and pick him up. Instead, wait until he is awake before going into his room the first time. If he is distraught or has a genuine problem, he will call out again.

 

10. Set a timer if your child tends to play when she’s supposed to be sleeping.

set timer if your child tends to play

For some children, it takes time to realize that they are not going to fall asleep. It can be because they feel bored or lonely or even excited about a new toy that you got them. Either way, setting a timer for 15 minutes is a good idea. It will give your kid a chance to adjust to the darkness and silence of the room. At this point, if a toddler takes forever to fall asleep, talk to him and see if there’s something else that you can do for him. If the toddler takes forever to fall asleep, it’s time to go back into the room and try again. 

 

If he starts crying, you have two choices. You can either comfort him by making sure that you don’t talk about the toys or about anything stressful and only offer him some love and reassurance. Or, you can let him cry for a few minutes if you are confident that he will not hurt himself or cause any damage. If he’s mildly upset, he’ll probably stop crying after a few minutes. If he calls for longer than ten minutes, check on him. When you see that he is distraught and can’t calm himself down, go ahead and comfort him. If you don’t see any sign of that at all after ten minutes, let him continue to cry it out until he falls asleep.

 

When Do You Need Professional Help?

While many sleep issues can be resolved with patience and consistency, sometimes professional help may be necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate when it’s time to seek expert advice for your toddler’s sleep challenges.

 

  1. Persistent Sleep Problems: If your toddler consistently struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep despite trying various strategies, it may be time to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist.
  2. Health Concerns: Frequent night wakings or difficulty falling asleep can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, such as sleep apnea or allergies. Professional evaluation is important to rule out these conditions.
  3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: If your toddler is overly tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, this could indicate a sleep disorder. Professional help can identify and address the root cause.
  4. Behavioral Issues: If sleep problems lead to significant behavioral issues, such as extreme irritability, hyperactivity, or behavioral regression, seeking professional advice can help address both sleep and behavior concerns.
  5. Impact on Family Life: When your toddler’s sleep troubles affect the family’s overall well-being, causing stress and exhaustion, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance to restore balance and improve sleep for everyone.

 

Final Thoughts

We’ve explored several factors that affect your toddler’s ability to fall asleep, from developmental stages and separation anxiety to overstimulation, dietary factors, and routine disruptions. Implementing the strategies discussed can help improve your child’s sleep. Remember to be patient and consistent. We encourage you to share your experiences and sleep tips in the comments section below; your insights might help other parents facing similar challenges.

 

We hope this article provided valuable insights into managing your toddler’s sleep issues. When looking for a reliable daycare that can support your child’s development, Baby Steps Daycare is here for you. We understand how essential sleep is for growth and well-being, so we incorporate restful environments and offer programs designed to help children thrive. Our goal is to holistically support your child’s development at home and in our care. Contact us Today