Toddlers go through rapid developmental changes, and sleep is often one of the first areas to feel the impact. Parents may notice more night wakings, early rising, resistance at bedtime, or a struggle to follow a consistent schedule. These challenges are common, but they can take a toll on the entire family structure — especially when routines shift with seasonal changes like Daylight Saving.
This guide breaks down why sleep disruptions happen, what parents and nannies can do, and when it may be time to seek additional support.
- Developmental leaps, including mobility milestones and heightened separation anxiety, make it harder for toddlers to settle or stay asleep.
- Overtiredness from dropping naps at an early age or inconsistent nap timing leads to more night wakings and harder bedtimes.
- Environmental disruptions such as noise, light, or temperature changes can interrupt sleep cycles.
- Sleep associations like needing rocking or feeding to fall asleep make independent sleep challenging at times
- Hunger in younger toddlers may cause wake-ups overnight.
- Screen use before bedtime reduces the ability to fall and stay asleep.
- Emotional factors like nightmares or fears emerge as imagination grows.
- Growing pains as a child develops.
- More night wakings
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Early rising
- Keeping bedtime routines consistent
- Shifting bedtimes earlier or later by 15-20 minutes each night prior to daylight savings. schedules gradually can help ease the transition.
Evidence-based recommendations include:
1. Keep the Sleep Schedule Consistent
Daily routines and aligned nap times help regulate the internal clock.(Add and fact check please: Toddlers ages 24 months to 4 years old are recommended to have at least 1.5 to 2.5 hours of daytime rest a day to encourage health development and night sleep.
2. Build a Calming Bedtime Routine
Bathtime, stories, and quiet play help toddlers wind down without screens.
3. Set Up a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A quiet, dark room with a comfortable temperature and minimal stimulation supports longer stretches of sleep.
4. Watch Nap Timing and Total Rest
Ensuring toddlers get 11–14 hours of sleep (this includes nighttime sleep and daytime naps) daily prevents overtiredness, which often makes bedtime easier.
5. Avoid Screens Before Bed
Limiting screen use at least 1–2 hours before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
6. Support Nutrition and Full Tummies
Hunger is a common cause of waking in younger toddlers. Monitor feeding schedules and encourage healthy nutritional eating and snacking throughout the day
Nannies play a key role in helping toddlers maintain stable rest routines, especially when parents are working long hours or routines vary. Studies from the Sleep Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital highlight:
- Maintain consistent nap and sleep routines that match the family’s home schedule.
- Support calm transitions between active play and sleep to avoid overstimulation.
- Use sleep logs to track naps, wake-ups, behaviors, and patterns — and share them with parents. This will help parents plan appropriately for bedtime routine and time.
- Keep rest times screen-free and soothing to encourage independent sleep habits.
- Maintain open communication with parents to ensure a united approach to sleep routines.
This consistency is one of the core strengths of professional caregivers and is often why families seek agency-vetted support.
Some sleep issues are normal. Others may signal that something more serious is occurring with your child.
Red flags include:
• Frequent night wakings that persist past typical developmental stages and require constant soothing to fall back to sleep.
• Difficulty falling asleep for weeks, even with consistent routines
• Signs of breathing issues, chronic discomfort, or known medical concerns
• Extreme separation anxiety causing sleep disruption
If any of these appear, families should discuss symptoms with their pediatrician.
Toddler sleep challenges can feel exhausting, but they’re also a normal part of early development. With steady routines, supportive caregivers, and coordinated communication, most families see meaningful improvements.
Sources:
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/sleep-strategies-kids
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep12yr.html
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sleep-disorder-center/sleep-in-toddlers
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6587181/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/sleep-an-essential-element-of-success-for-children
Honest Care Nanny’s Take
At Honest Care Nanny Agency, we know that better sleep changes everything — for toddlers and parents alike.
Our experienced caregivers and newborn care specialists help families build consistent routines, support bedtime transitions, and make nights peaceful again.
Our Services Include:
✅Short-Term Childcare – Backup or overnight help when you need it most.
✅Professional Nannies – Experienced caregivers who maintain structure and nurture healthy routines.
✅Newborn Care Specialists – Expert guidance for infant sleep and smooth baby-to-toddler transitions.
Ready to bring calm back to bedtime?
Contact Honest Care Nanny Agency today to be matched with a caregiver who can help your little one — and you — get the rest you both deserve.
