It all begins even before we settle down for the night. Our queen-sized bed is accompanied by a sidecar twin, yet our 3-year-old still insists on sharing our space. After nursing him to sleep, I sneak away to enjoy some time with my partner. However, the moment we lie down, my little one starts to stir. His cries begin — that distressing whimper that could either fade away or escalate into full-blown sobs. I reach over to comfort him, tucking him back in and giving him gentle pats. He quiets down, and I think I can finally relax.
But soon enough, the crying resumes. It’s nearly midnight, and this child needs to sleep; he was already up until 9 p.m. I wait, hoping for reprieve, but the crying only intensifies. A brief moment of calm is followed by restless dreams filled with kicks and moans. I brace myself for yet another long night.
It turns out that sleeplessness isn’t just a newborn issue; it affects toddlers and preschoolers too. By 6 a.m., my son is awake and demanding “mama milk.” Although I typically reserve nursing for bedtime, desperation drives me to compromise. With a tug of my tank top, he latches on like a little piranha. After five, maybe fifteen minutes — just enough time for me to drift back to sleep — he’s screaming for “the other mama milk.” Fine, whatever.
I roll him over and repeat the process. But before long, Sunny declares he’s awake and flounces out to the living room. I can only hope that my partner has brewed some coffee by the time I stumble into the hallway.
As reported by Parents, toddlers aged 1 to 2 should ideally sleep for 11 to 14 hours, including two naps. Meanwhile, 3- to 5-year-olds typically need 10 to 13 hours, usually with one nap that is often dropped around age 5. However, Sunny decided to drop his nap at 2 years old. Parents suggest establishing rituals and schedules, discouraging kids from leaving their beds at night, and providing comfort items to ease nighttime fears.
According to parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith, your toddler may wake at night due to a desire for greater control and autonomy. This could indicate a need for more independence in various aspects of their life, not just sleep. Factors such as the arrival of a sibling, starting preschool, dietary changes, or a parent returning to work can also contribute to sleep disturbances. Potty training, excessive daytime sleep, or an overly early bedtime might also be culprits.
None of these reasons seem relevant to my son’s sleep troubles. Great, thanks for the insight, HuffPost.
I’m not alone in this struggle. Another parent, Karen Mitchell, shares that her 3-year-old also faces sleep challenges. “He’s impossible to put on a schedule,” she confesses. After trying to establish a routine from infancy until he turned 18 months, she ultimately threw in the towel. Now, he’s more of a night owl, sleeping all day and wanting to be awake all night.
Despite the advice from Parents that my son should still be napping daily, we learned a year ago that if he does nap, he won’t fall asleep until 1 a.m. Sometimes, he dozes off unexpectedly, like in his car seat, and we can only pray it won’t disrupt everyone’s sleep schedule — mine, my partner’s, and even our other children’s.
Valerie Kirk, a sleep expert from Alberta Children’s Hospital, notes that about 40% of children will experience sleep problems by the time they reach 18. By “sleep problems,” she refers to any issue related to falling or staying asleep that affects the child or their family. That statistic seems accurate, and I’m relieved my kids are addressing their sleep issues early on. It appears Karen’s son is in the same boat.
We encountered similar challenges with my eldest child, who is now 7 and sleeps soundly in his own bed almost every night. Thank goodness! I hold onto the hope that my younger children will eventually follow suit — one day, and what a blissful day that will be.
To all parents of little ones who struggle with sleep, you are not alone. We stand in solidarity.
For more insights on the journey of parenthood, you might find our post on home insemination kits interesting, as it discusses various methods for family planning. Additionally, for those considering pregnancy options, this is an excellent resource for understanding treatments related to conception.
Summary:
Sleeplessness is a common issue not limited to infants but also affecting toddlers and preschoolers. Many parents face challenges with their children, who may struggle with sleep due to various factors like changes in their environment or routines. Experts suggest that establishing consistent bedtime rituals and understanding children’s needs can help alleviate sleep disturbances. Parents are encouraged to remain patient and hopeful as they navigate these challenges.
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