#asktheexperts Hello doctor
My daughter is 18 months old and the issue I am facing is that she wakes up 3-4 times throughout the night and sometimes she starts playing after 3-4 hours sleep and then she sleeps again after1.5-2 hours… it’s happening since last 3-4 months but its not going on daily basis it’s happening like 2-3 days in a week randomly.

Question

#asktheexperts Hello doctor 
My daughter is 18 months old and the issue I am facing is that she wakes up 3-4 times throughout the night and sometimes she starts playing after 3-4 hours sleep and then she sleeps again after1.5-2 hours… it’s happening since last 3-4 months but its not going on daily basis it’s happening like 2-3 days in a week randomly.

Accepted Answer

It's common for toddlers to experience sleep disruptions, and many parents go through similar challenges. Here are some strategies you can try to help your 18-month-old daughter sleep better through the night:

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Calming Activities: Create a soothing bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a warm bath, reading a story, or gentle rocking. Consistency helps signal that it’s time to wind down.

Same Sleep Schedule: Aim to put her to bed and wake her up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

2. Check Sleep Environment

Comfortable Setting: Ensure her sleep environment is conducive to sleep. A dark, quiet, and comfortable room can help. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine to minimize disturbances.

Comfort Items: Allow her to have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal for comfort.

3. Manage Daytime Naps

Nap Schedule: Make sure she is getting enough daytime sleep. At 18 months, most toddlers need about 1-2 hours of naptime during the day. Too little daytime sleep can lead to overtiredness and difficulty sleeping at night.

Avoid Late Naps: If she naps too late in the day, it might affect her ability to fall asleep at night. Try to keep naps earlier in the afternoon.

4. Monitor for Discomfort

Teething or Illness: Check if she is experiencing any discomfort, such as teething or illness, which could affect her sleep. Look for signs of fever, congestion, or ear infections.

Comfort Measures: If teething is a factor, consider offering a teething ring or consulting your pediatrician for pain relief options.

5. Minimize Nighttime Disturbances

Limit Interactions: When she wakes up at night, try to keep interactions minimal. Use a calm voice and avoid turning on bright lights. This can help signal that it's still nighttime and time to sleep.

Gradual Approach: If she frequently cries at night, consider a gradual approach to help her learn to self-soothe. Allow her to cry for a few minutes before going to her, which can help her learn to settle herself.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Temporary Phase: Understand that sleep disruptions can be a temporary phase. Consistency and patience are key as she adjusts.

Track Patterns: Keep a sleep log to identify any patterns or triggers that might be causing her night wakings.

7. Consult a Pediatrician

If her sleep issues persist or worsen, or if you notice any concerning symptoms (like significant irritability or changes in behavior), consult your pediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying issues and provide further guidance.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances are common in toddlers, and with the right strategies, you can help your daughter improve her sleep patterns. It may take some time, but consistency and patience will be key in helping her develop better sleep habits.