Sleep behaviour and needs of a toddler

Sleep

Sleep is an important topic for babies, but it remains just as relevant once they pass that magical one-year mark. Your toddler has likely developed a day and night rhythm by now, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always sleep through the night. In fact, the second year of life brings so much developmental change that sleep can once again become a challenge. From developmental leaps and dreams to increased independence during the day and separation anxiety at bedtime; it can all play a part. At the same time, there are also toddlers who start sleeping better during this phase, suddenly giving parents more restful nights. Every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all sleep pattern. Here’s how sleep typically develops between 12 and 24 months, what changes to expect, and how to best support your toddler’s sleep.

On this page you’ll find..

Sleep and leaps
What can you do
How much sleep
Why not sleep
Crying in sleep

Download our app

Download

Leaps and sleep: what changes can you expect?

Leaps and sleep: what changes can you expect?

During a leap, you’ll often notice changes in both behaviour and sleep. Toddlers are in the middle of a period of intense cognitive and motor development. Learning to walk, talk, and test boundaries are major milestones that demand a lot of energy. As a result, sleep can become more restless, with periods of frequent waking, trouble falling asleep, early rising, vivid dreams, and more crying upon waking. Transitioning from two naps to one can also cause temporary sleep disruptions. Your toddler’s brain is busy processing new skills and experiences. It’s no surprise that your child may need extra comfort and security during this time.

What can you do as a parent?

What can you do as a parent?

Sleep issues can’t always be fixed, but you can help by offering calm, consistency and predictability. A consistent bedtime routine helps your toddler wind down. Try to keep naps on a regular schedule and avoid overtiredness. If your toddler suddenly resists bedtime more than usual, it might be a phase, or it could signal a need for extra closeness. Trust your instincts, you know your child best.

All about toddlers and sleep

How much sleep does a toddler need?

“How much sleep does a toddler need?” is a common question among parents. Between ages 1 and 2, children sleep an average of 11 to 14 hours a day. This usually includes one or two naps and a longer stretch of nighttime sleep. But “average” doesn’t mean “standard.” Some toddlers sleep through the night easily, while others still wake up often. That’s not always a problem. What matters most is that your child gets enough rest overall and wakes up feeling reasonably refreshed.

Why won’t my toddler sleep?

It can be incredibly frustrating: your toddler won’t sleep, even though you’re doing everything by the book. This behaviour is common during times of change, such as a leap or when your toddler is developing new skills. Increased independence during the day can also lead to bedtime resistance. Your child is testing boundaries, wants to assert control, and still craves safety and connection.

Did you know that sleep pattern changes often go hand-in-hand with other signs of a leap? Our app gives you a clear overview of all the signs. Learn to better understand your toddler and discover what’s really going on. Download the app and stay one step ahead of the leaps!

Toddler wakes up at night and won’t go back to sleep

Some parents notice that their toddler wakes up at night and refuses to go back to sleep. Your child may seem wide awake, wants to play or becomes upset when you try to return them to bed. Night waking is very normal for toddlers and often comes with the territory, especially during leaps or after unsettling dreams. Nightmares are also more common during leaps. The key is to comfort your toddler, offer clarity and keep enough downtime during the day.

Toddler crying in sleep: what’s going on?

If your toddler is crying in their sleep, it can be upsetting. Often, it’s nothing to worry about and simply a sign that your child is processing something. Dreams become more realistic at this stage, and toddlers aren’t yet able to make sense of all the emotions and impressions. Stay close, comfort them if needed, and try not to feel like you need to fix it right away. Sometimes, your presence alone is enough to help them relax.

Noticing changes in your toddler’s sleep and wondering if it’s linked to a leap? Use the diary function in our app to easily track sleep moments, or check the forum to see how other parents are dealing with it. You’re not alone!