Gro-Clocks sleep trainers help toddlers sleep through the night by showing them the passage of time.  If you have trouble with your toddler not staying in bed throughout the night or even not being able to fall asleep quickly, then you are among the majority of parents with toddler sleep problems.  There are some things you can do to help your child sleep better.  In the long run you will both be better off as you both feel better after a good night’s sleep.

Helping the toddler change his or her sleep habits really should start from the time they first wake up in the morning and continue throughout the day until bedtime.  What do I mean by this?  Everything that children do during the day will affect how well they go to sleep and how well they stay asleep during the night.

Having a daily routine is essential to improving sleep habits.  Children then will be tired enough to drop off to sleep when bedtime rolls around.

If you want your child to go to bed early, then they must not be allowed to sleep too late.  The time the child wakes up will affect not only the bedtime but also the naptime.  It is important for you to decide when you want the child to wake up and when you want them to go to sleep.  Knowing that young children need an appropriate number of hours of sleep and knowing what your own schedule is will determine the wake-up and bedtime hours and eliminate those toddler sleep problems.

It has been well documented by researchers that children need to be physically active during the day to fall asleep quickly.  Spending time outdoors such as at a park, playground, or swimming pool, is a good way to increase activity.  Fresh air is really important.  Getting together with other toddlers such as having “play dates” are also stimulating to toddlers.  Stuck in the house?  Put on some music and dance around.  Do anything that requires a lot of movement.

The amount of nap time each toddler needs is different but most do need some nap time during the day at least until 3 years of age.  They need to have enough afternoon energy to tire themselves out to be ready for bedtime.  Often when they don’t nap and become overtired, they have a difficult time settling down for a good night’s sleep.  Just don’t let them sleep too long during the day or they may not be sleepy when bedtime arrives.

It is important that you determine what will work best for your schedule as well as your toddler’s needs.  Some experimentation may be necessary but a routine is essential to eliminating toddler sleep problems.