Second Year Sleep Patterns
Here's What To Do
1
Know that my sleep patterns might start to change after my 1st birthday.
- Instead of sleeping 12-14 hours at night, I might start to sleep 10-12 hours each night.
- I may also drop my morning nap, but I'll still need an afternoon nap that's 1-3 hours long. Some kids won't give up their afternoon nap until they are 3 or 4 years old.
2
If possible, keep my sleep times consistent. Reinforce my sleep routine with rituals like reading a book, taking a bath, or kissing my stuffed animals good night.
3
Know that it's normal for me to wake up and fuss for short stretches at night. A lot of the time, I'll be able to fall back asleep on my own.
4
If I'm having trouble falling back asleep, I might need a brief intervention. Try to be "boring." Limit your interaction to rubbing my back or changing my diaper, but don't play with me.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Try pausing for a few minutes before you help me fall back asleep in the middle of the night.
E
Engage:
- "Time to get ready for bed! We need to take a bath, get a new diaper and pajamas, read a story, and sing our goodnight song."
- Be boring in the middle of the night. Like: "Let me change your diaper and give you a hug, but then you're going back in your crib. It's still night time, it's time to sleep."
E
Encourage:
- Try to let me fall back asleep on my own so I can learn how to control my own sleep patterns.
- If I'm sick, in a new place, or if my routine's been disrupted, it may influence my sleep. Do your best to go back to our usual routine as soon as possible.
R
Reflect:
- Does it seem like I'm getting enough sleep at night and at nap?
As your child grows...
They will need fewer hours of sleep in a day and may start to have more consistent sleep patterns.