Toddler Care

Just like adults, each toddler needs a different amount of sleep, but most follow this pattern:

Sleep Patterns of Toddlers
At 6 months	May sleep 11 to 12 hours at night and have two naps. Usually naps once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with each nap lasting one to two hours. May sleep at night for a stretch of several hours, or even through the night. Will start sleeping through the night at different ages; there is no correct age for children to start.
At 12 months	May sleep about 14 hours per day. Part of this may be in morning and afternoon naps. Between 12 months and 18 months, the morning nap disappears and is replaced with one longer afternoon nap.
At 24 months	May sleep 11 to 12 hours at night, with a nap in the afternoon lasting one to two hours.
At 36 months	May sleep about 12 hours at night, and may or may not have a short nap.

Keep Regular Day Routines

Try to set up daytime routines and habits. Your toddler thrives on routine.
Keep a regular nap schedule, even on weekends (if you can). If your day is very busy and naps are missed, your toddler may not sleep well at night.
Try to have your toddler eat regular meals and snacks during the day.

Keep Regular Bedtime Routines

Wind down the action at bedtime. Giving your toddler a bath, followed by reading and a quiet cuddle, helps him or her to slow down from the day. Ask other members of the family to share in this quiet time.
Make bedtime a special time. Set aside a few moments for talking about the day.
Give your toddler some choices at bedtime—which story to read or which pyjamas to wear.
Avoid TV watching before bedtime. TV is stimulating, not relaxing.

For tips on encouraging your toddler to settle
and breaking the habit of night waking, click here.