What to do at 2……

 

My 2 year old was a great sleeper and all of a sudden she will not nap.

My 2.5 year old never woke in the middle of the night, now he will not stop waking in the middle of the night.

My son who is 2 takes off all his clothes and his diaper every time he is in his crib!

My daughter who is 2 constantly climbs out of the crib, no matter what we do.

My partner and I just brought home our new baby, but it’s our 2 year old that is not sleeping!

These are just a few examples of the many 2 year old sleep problems that are occurring.

 

2 year old parents, not to worry you are not alone.

 

Take a deep breathe and remember 2 is when a lot of things are happening for your child and these milestones and transitions may hinder sleep.

 

The best way to combat any sleep problems with a 2 year old is to be consistent and to follow through.

 

Your child is starting to test your boundaries—what will mommy or daddy let me get away with?

To begin, talk with your partner and decide how you want to approach your child’s sleep issues. How are you going to respond to night wakings and any other behaviors? Make sure you are on the same page.

Make sure the sleep environment is safe. Treat the entire room like a crib. Look around and secure anything that could be a hazard. Secure the dressers to the wall, put security tabs on the dresser drawers, make sure all the cords or strings from any window dressings are cut or away from a climbing toddler, and so on. Look at the room from the eyes of your child.

Be mindful that 2 year olds will try any and everything to protest sleep or to get their parents back in the room. It is normal to see a child constantly climb out of the crib. Something to combat this is to put the child in a sleep sack. If your kiddo is taking his clothes off, try a sleep sack on backwards. A backwards sleep sack will also help those who are taking off their diapers.

Often times 2 year olds will not nap. This protesting of the nap is not an indicator that the child is done napping. It is a 2 year old fake out.  A 2 year still needs to nap. During these nap protests still put your child down for his/her nap. If the word nap is causing hesitancy change the narrative to rest time. Trying out an okay to wake clock at this age is often helpful.  Be consistent, ensure your child is going down for the nap at the same time every day,even if sleep is not happening. You will see the nap come back.

Remember that anytime something new is happening, your child may have some bumpy nights. Be reassuring to your child and be consistent with sleep. This will help in curbing possible night wakes.

If your child is having night wakes, be super careful of how you respond to these night wakes. At 2 all it takes it 1 time coming into mom and dad’s bed to create a sleep association.  1 time is all it takes. 😊

Transitioning your child to a big kid bed is not the solution to any sleep problem. If the sleep issue is not resolved before transitioning to a bed, the behaviors will only intensify.

Be patient and prepared.

Remember 2 is an age where things are happening.

As long as you are consistent and following through—all will be well.