9 Toddler Sleep Myths
Want to know the top 9 common toddler sleep myths? So glad you’re here!
Hi friends! Welcome to Sleep and the City!
Some mamas call me: “The Sleep Guru” with “the best tips and tricks” & say that the “Sleep Survival guides are the holy grail!” I like to say that I’m a fan of good rose and love my kids and cozying up by the fire, cuddling under a super chunky blanket!
There are tons of toddler sleep myths roaming the internet - so, what can you believe?
Let’s dive into the 9 common toddler sleep myths that I hear most often!
Myth #1 : Toddlers should sleep less than infants
Infants typically sleep anywhere between 12-16 hours and toddlers are very similar!
Toddlers can sleep 11-12 (sometimes up to 14) hours of sleep within a 24 hour period until they reach 5 years old.
Between 3 -5 years, toddlers can sleep 10 - 13 hours, however , it’s not recommended to get less than 8 hours of sleep. So, do toddlers need less sleep than infants? No because the recommended sleep windows are overlapping just a bit. But it does depend on your child.
Myth #2 : A Toddler’s Sleep isn’t a symptom of something else going on
There could be many reasons why your toddler isn’t sleeping but does lack of sleep mean there are other things going on? Possibly.
Research has shown that there is an association between too little sleep and health issues. What does this mean exactly? So, this study mentions that a reduction of just 1 hour of sleep each night during a toddler’s early years could affect school-age learning.
They go on to say that Toddlers who sleep less that 10 hours of sleep each night are twice as likely to be overweight, have hyperactivity, and have less cognitive abilities resulting in lower test scores later in childhood. This is because sleep deprivation can result in poor attention, poor knowledge acquisition, and poor memory overall.
The biggest takeaway from this is that instilling correct sleep habits as early as possible will improve much more than sleep later on. The Canadian Paediatric Society actually recommends that sleep professionals partner with parents to help their children “to develop optimal coping abilities” regarding their sleep.
Myth #3 : Kids Naturally Fall Asleep When They’re Tired
Have you ever heard the phrase, “second wind?” Like when everyone is tired but your toddler gets a second wind and is now wide awake? Most of us do fall asleep when we are tired - BUT - sometimes toddlers can actually become more awake.
Toddlers who are tired but seem awake can become giddy and start running around in circles. Does that sound like your kiddo? And sometimes, this can escalate - as toddlers get more tired it will become harder to fall asleep and the more times they wake up during the night.
Myth #4 : Never Wake Up a Sleeping Toddler
It might be hard to believe or follow, but it’s actually a good thing to wake up your toddler. Having that consistent routine put in place promotes better sleep - even if you are waking up your toddler in the morning.
A sleep schedule that allows your toddler to sleep the recommended amount of sleep each night with a wake time in the morning between 6 to 8 AM is perfect because a natural bedtime would fall between 6:30 to 8:30pm. Because toddlers need about 11+ hours of sleep, if they oversleep in the morning - with unscheduled or scattered naps throughout the day - it will be a bit more difficult to fall asleep at night. Having this imbalance in sleep routines may result in increased wakings and overall poor sleep during the night.
Who would want to wake up a sleeping toddler? It sure would sound crazy to a parent—or to anyone, for that matter—if you tell them that they should wake up a sleeping child. Not only will you disturb their sleep, but you risk losing precious moments of peace and silence for yourself, which comes very scarcely when you have a toddler.
It’s important to set a sleep schedule for the toddler and stick to it.
Myth #5 : Naps Are Not Needed Anymore Once They Hit Toddlerhood
Are you a parent who absolutely loves when your toddler takes a nap? Totally hear you if you are and here’s some great news! Toddlers can still take naps.
Here are some toddler nap stats for you:
Toddlers can sleep up to 14 hours each day (naps included). By the age of 4 years old, more than 50% of children are still taking naps and 3 out of 10 still take naps at the age of 5. What’s important is to know how much sleep your child should be getting before you begin toddler sleep training. For children over 2.5 years, use a 6-hour window prior to nap time, with a 5-6 hour window following the nap. If your toddler is over 3 years and no longer napping, start your bedtime routine approximately 12-13 hours after waking for the day.
Myth #6 : Toddlers don’t need a bedtime routine
Routines can be so much fun and they are super helpful!
Having routines can improve sleep. Helpful routines to improve sleep can be centered around waking up, meal times, nap time, and play times. For a bedtime routine, setting aside an hour each evening for quiet play, story reading, and listening to soft music, and try not to let lights out vary by more than 15 minutes night to night.
Create a consistent bedtime routine when you begin toddler sleep training to help them sleep all night long and stay in bed all night.
Some gentle techniques to use while toddler sleep training during a bedtime routine could involve teeth brushing, one 15-minute tv show, followed by books in their room, singing/prayer, and lights out. Stay consistent for at least 3-4 weeks and limit travel during any routine implementation. Gentle toddler sleep training techniques take time and patience, so make sure you reward your child (and yourself!) any time small sleep goals have been met.
Myth #7 : You have to do cry-it-out for toddlers
Don’t use cry it out when you are toddler sleep training, they are WAY too old for this, and there are better things you can do to assist your toddler in developing healthy sleep patterns and positive sleep associations.
And using the cry it out method could actually weaken the bond you’ve worked on for years with them.
Try this instead:
After your bedtime routine, try sitting beside your child or checking on him or her every five minutes until they are asleep while toddler sleep training, which is a great gentle technique to use to help them sleep all night long. Make sure you’re back in five minutes or less at first, and make up boring excuses to leave each time briefly- ideally, your toddler will be asleep within three checks!
Myth #8 : Toddler’s don’t really have nightmares
Nightmares are totally a thing and can usually happen in the later part of the night (after midnight). Nightmares can be scary for a toddler because they can usually recall the experience in detail. At night, they may cry, scream, and might even jolt or jump off the bed. How we react as parents is key to toddler nightmares. And being proactive can help even more!
What are some ways parents can help reduce nightmares?
Limit scary movies, television, or social media that might have content that could trigger nightmares. Other things can be helpful like installing a nightlight, check-ins at night, and sticking to a schedule.
Read all tips on nightmares, here.
Myth #9 : Sleep Training is Not For Toddlers.
Every toddler and family can improve sleep especially when parents or guardians are involved and determined to learn and utilize the tools around them.
Sleep training will result in healthier sleep habits, less tantrums, better mood, and overall improvement in physical, emotional, and cognitive health.
In fact, a study examined children who underwent sleep training - these children had less stress hormones in their saliva. This means that they experienced less stress and anxiety than the other children who were not involved in sleep training.
In some cases, check your tot’s comfort, starting with his or her mattress:
I highly, highly recommend a eco-friendly mattress like the one from Purple Mattress. The uncomfortable spring loaded mattresses we grew up on as kids are full of toxins that are literally centimeters away from our children for nearly 11-14 hours PER DAY, which is why you absolutely have to be smart when it comes to upgrading. Made in the USA, the original twin size Purple Mattress is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and extremely durable. Delivered right to your front door in a conveniently sized box, the mattress self-grows once removed from the packaging. The end result= easy setup, no mess, and the softness/firmness is JUST RIGHT for a child after they have been sleeping on a firm crib mattress.
The benefits of sleep training are endless and I’m here for you!
The quickest way we can assist you in gaining knowledge and education on helping your toddler improve sleep is by our Toddler Sleep Survival Guide. If you’re a bit more hands on and learn by working alongside someone - let’s schedule a one-on-one sleep consultation.
We’ve helped thousands of families become happy sleeping ones.
Reach out to me if you’d like to chat more.
Stay connected with us:
Read more of our posts:
Have questions? You can email us or check out our most asked questions, here.
Here’s to sleep!
xoxo,
lauren