Sleep Struggles: Helping Your Toddler (and You) Get More Rest

If you are a parent of a toddler, you have probably spent more than a few nights wishing for just one solid stretch of sleep. You are not alone. Sleep struggles are one of the most common challenges for families with little ones. Whether it is bedtime battles, night waking, or early morning starts, it can feel exhausting for everyone. The good news? There are gentle, realistic ways to help your toddler, and yourself, get a bit more rest.

Why Do Toddlers Struggle with Sleep?

Toddlers are busy learning, growing, and discovering the world. All that excitement can make winding down tricky. Add in big feelings, changing routines, or even a new sibling, and sleep can quickly go out the window. Sometimes, it is just a phase; other times, a few tweaks can make a big difference.

My Sleep School Experience

I want to share a little of our own journey, because I know just how tough sleep struggles can get. With our first, sleep was a constant battle. Long-term sleep issues caused by chronic reflux led us into so many bad habits, just to get by. There were nights I honestly thought we were beyond saving, and it felt like I had tried everything. On top of that, we were often written off with comments like, “That’s just babies,” or “It’s normal to get no sleep as a new mum.” I started to feel like I was just overreacting and pushed through for far too long, ignoring how much we were all struggling. Looking back, I wish I had reached out for help a lot earlier, because it’s not normal for our babies to be up all night, and I’m now a strong advocate for recognising when something isn’t right. When our second came along, I knew something had to change. We decided to give sleep school a go, and honestly, it was one of the best parenting decisions we have made. We were admitted as inpatients for a week, and it truly changed our lives.

Sleep school was so much more supportive and positive than I ever expected. The team never judged our struggles or our “bad habits.” Instead, they listened, reassured us, and gave us practical tools tailored to our family. With their close support for every nap, resettle, and night-time sleep, things quickly turned around. They also supported our mental health, and even shared play ideas and general parenting tips. If you are feeling stuck or exhausted, please know there is help out there, and you are never beyond saving. If you feel like something isn’t right, trust your instincts and reach out. You, and your little one, deserve rest.

Tips for Smoother Bedtimes

1. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine

Toddlers love predictability. Try a simple routine like bath, story, cuddles, and a favourite lullaby. Keeping things quiet and gentle signals to your little one that it is time to rest.

2. Watch the Daytime Naps

Too much or too little daytime sleep can impact night time rest. Most toddlers need one nap a day, but every child is different. If bedtime is a struggle, try adjusting nap times or shortening them a little.

3. Keep the Bedroom Sleep Friendly

A dark, cool, and quiet room helps little bodies relax. If your toddler is scared of the dark, a soft nightlight can help. Try to keep toys and distractions out of bed so it is a space just for sleeping.

4. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Night waking is normal, especially during big developmental leaps. Respond calmly and gently. Sometimes a quick cuddle or reassuring word is all they need to settle back down.

5. Mind the Screens and Sugar

Try to avoid screens and sugary snacks in the hour before bed. Instead, offer calming activities and a small, healthy snack if needed.

Do Not Forget About You

It is easy to put your own rest last, but your wellbeing matters too. If you are feeling exhausted, see if you can tag team with a partner, friend, or family member for a nap or a night off. Even a little extra rest can make the tough nights easier to handle.

When to Seek Support

If sleep struggles are lasting for weeks and nothing seems to help, it is okay to ask for support. Chat with your child health nurse, GP, or even consider sleep school like we did. They have seen it all and can offer advice tailored to your family. Lack of sleep has an enormous impact on our mental health, it's so important.

You Are Doing a Great Job

Remember, every family goes through tough sleep patches. You are not failing, just living the real life of parenting little ones. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate the small wins (like an extra 30 minutes of sleep), and know that this phase will pass.

If you ever need a chat, a coffee, or just a safe space to unwind, Bear and Cub Play Centre is here for you. We are all in this together.