Toddler Sleep (Ages 1–3 y): Common Issues and Practical Solutions
Struggling with toddler sleep?
Learn about common sleep problems in 1–3 year olds, including bedtime battles and night waking, with practical tips from paediatric sleep specialists.
Sleep challenges are extremely common in toddlers aged 1–3 years. At this stage of development, children are learning independence, experiencing big emotions, and undergoing rapid neurological growth – all of which can disrupt sleep. The good news is that most toddler sleep problems are developmentally normal and can improve with consistent, responsive strategies.
Common Toddler Sleep Problems
Parents often report:
Bedtime resistance and “stalling”
Night waking
Difficulty falling asleep
Calling out after bedtime
New challenges after moving from cot to bed
These issues are often linked to overtiredness, separation anxiety, inconsistent routines, or toddlers needing parental help to fall asleep and re-settle overnight.
What Helps Toddlers Sleep Better
Simple, evidence-based strategies can make a big difference:
Keep a consistent, calming bedtime routine
Aim for an age-appropriate bedtime
Put your toddler to bed drowsy but awake
Respond calmly and consistently to night waking
Gradually reduce how much help your child needs to fall asleep
Gentle approaches that support emotional security while building independent sleep skills tend to be the most sustainable for families.
When to Seek Support
If sleep difficulties persist or are causing distress for your child or family, professional guidance can help. Early support can prevent sleep problems from becoming long-term patterns.
At Prana Paediatric Sleep Service, we provide personalised support for toddler sleep and settling concerns, behavioural insomnia in young children, and sleep-related breathing issues.
