Common Toddler Sleep Problems (and How to Solve Them!)

We’ll help you figure out the cause of your child’s slumber trouble, so you both can get more rest.

She refuses to nap

Between 12 and 18 months, this pushback is often a sign that your kid is ready to reduce to one nap. “Toddlers can stay awake for longer periods during the day than babies,” says Parents advisor Judith Owens, M.D., director of sleep medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.

If your kid is already down to one nap, you can still expect occasional resistance, since toddler sleep patterns can vary from day to day. To minimize struggles, follow a consistent presleep routine. “The timing and order of meals and activities helps anchor your child’s circadian clock,” says Dr. Owens. If your child often has trouble conking out, try pushing her nap to later in the day, such as six hours after she wakes up in the morning.

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