Toddler sleep

Most toddlers will sleep about 10 -12 hours at night (once asleep, about half will sleep through most nights). Getting your toddler to bed in the first place can be a challenge. A consistent routine will usually win in the end. As the toddler years covers the age from 12 months to 3 years they will move from two sleeps per day to eventually just one sleep per day.

Unfortunately, toddlers are usually early risers, there isn’t much you can do about it. Putting them to bed later in the hope that they may wake later doesn’t tend to work. They may still wake up early and be grouchy from too little sleep.

During this stage your child will usually move into a “big bed”. If you are expecting another baby and need the cot make sure you have your toddler out of the cot well in advance to minimise any anxiety over the baby taking what belongs to the toddler.

There are some great children’s books on moving into a big bed to make the transition a time of excitement and a reward of growing up. Have a look for these at your local library.

There is no hurry to move children to a bed unless your toddler has discovered the art of climbing out at night, this then becomes a safety issue.

The following links have been selected by Lower Great Southern Communities for Children team. We have made every effort to select relevant sites that are informative and accurate. The material linked is to provide information only. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner therefore if you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.