Toddler Sleep Problems:
My toddler wakes up too early!

One of the top toddler sleep problems is when your toddler wakes up too early and you end up not getting enough sleep. Toddler sleep issues can be a difficult issue to cope with so here are some top tips to help you and your toddler get better sleep.

Nap times: Check your toddler's nap times. Nap times should ideally be in the middle of the morning around 10am or 10.30am. If you have a too early nap then your toddler is likely to wake up early so perhaps your toddler wakes up at 5am and then has his morning nap at 8 or 8.30am. Take your toddler's nap forward by 10 minutes every day until you reach 10am. Expect your toddler to be a bit tired and grumpy whilst you make these changes to his toddler sleep but gradually his sleep pattern will adjust to his new nap time.

Quiet Play: Let your toddler play in the mornings in his bedroom. Tell your toddler that he needs to play in his bedroom until Mummy or Daddy come in the mornings. When your toddler is asleep you can put his favourites toys near his bed so that he can see them when he wakes up. Give this play time a name such as "pyjama play time" or "quiet play time". This works better if your toddler is out of his cot and is in a toddler bed as he can get out and play in his bedroom. If your toddler is in a cot leave a few of his favourite, but very safe toys at the bottom of the cotton or attach a little basket on the side of his cot to contains toys in.

Activity: Organise your toddler's day carefully: He needs fresh air, exercise as well as quiet time before supper time and bedtime. It's easy sometimes to meet up with other mothers and chat away and this is fine, but be sure to give your toddler enough attention for him to be physical and active. Take a ball with you to the park, play catch and do some exercise with him.

Bed time: Check what time your toddler is going to bed. Some toddler sleep problems are due to old routines sticking when they need to be changed. Perhaps your toddler is going to bed too early and you may need to jig the routine so that he is going to bed later and then getting up later. If your toddler goes to sleep at 7pm try starting your bedtime routine 10 minutes later each day so that is he going to sleep at 7.0pm or 8pm.

Blackout curtains: Some toddlers are simply woken by the sun coming into their bedroom. So that the light does not interrupt his toddler sleep invest in blackout lined curtains to keep his room dark.

Noise: Check if any noises are waking your toddler up. You may need to shut the window to block out traffic and make sure everyone in your family is quiet when they get up so that they do not wake your sleeping toddler.

Wake Up Activity: When your toddler does wake up let him be active rather than go straight down to breakfast. If he has breakfast immediately on waking he will want to wake you up to prepare it! As before, change his routine by 10 minutes until it's at the time that you want to prepare breakfast.

Wet Nappy: Your toddler may be waking up because he has a sodden nappy. Try to cut down on the liquid intake after supper time and offer your toddler drinks during the day and have one available to him throughout the day. Hopefully then his nappies will be wettest during the day. See our bedwetting section for extra tips.

Sometimes young children are naturally early risers and sometimes it is something you need to fit into your day. Once children start school or kindergarten then they are likely to sleep in for longer.

Lots of parents experience toddler sleep problems and you will come through it one day and your toddler as he grows will sleep better. However, always look at what is happening and make little changes to see how you can improve your toddler sleep problems. Everyone will benefit and it'll help everyone make the most of these precious toddler years.