2 Year Old Sleep Problems (& Solutions!)

36 Comments

  1. Ewa

    our son is 28 months old and recently we have reduced his nap to 50-60 min a day ( 13-14 the latest). however it seems like he is not able to fall asleep until 21-22. we have a set routine since he was a baby and it eas always working perfectly. we are taking him to bed around 20 but after a while is is starting to call us and demanding to go to our bed. he is not able to fall asleep with us either so we are ending up taking him back frustrated.in the morning he does not want to get up when im waking him up to the nursery at 7.30am.
    do you think he doesn’t need his naps anymore?

    Reply
    • Artemis

      Hi Ewa,

      Sorry your little guy struggles to fall asleep before 9-10. Endless bedtime requests are very common at this age, I assure you! Co-sleeping as well.

      I don’t think this is related to his naps at all. At Baby Sleep Made Simple, we view sleep holistically, and I think there might be other things going on (as there often are at this age). I highly recommend you join our Bid Kid sleep program here:
      https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/big-kid-sleep-training

      The program will help you keep the nap, get him falling asleep peacefully and earlier, and stay asleep in his bed all night. People who join this course almost always report that this feels like an impossible outcome, only to have these results a few weeks later. We would love for you to be one of those moms, too!

      The program is 20% off for a limited time only, so hurry up and join! We’ll see you on the other side and help you reach your dream goals in regards to your son’s sleep.

      Artemis, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  2. Kim Lawson

    My two year old is experiencing many of the issues in the article, separation anxiety, waking early, disrupted routine and expecting a new sibling. We’re now in the habit of holding his hand or just staying in the room while he falls asleep, he’s stopped waking in the night but it waking early and resisting naps without this process which is taking a toll. How do I break the habit and leave the room straight away again? He used to be happy with this and fall asleep independently but he stands up and screams in his cot if I do this now. Please help!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Kim,

      Thank you so much for your message! It sounds like your little one just has A LOT going on. I remember being in your shoes too! My daughter was also 2 and going through a regression while I was 8 months pregnant. I would definitely love to help you improve your little one’s sleep. The next best step would be to book a private consultation. We will discussing everything from food, environment, naps, bedtime routine, and create a plan to get your LO falling asleep independently again. I am including the information below for you to check it out if you are interested. I hope I get the opportunity to help your family!

      https://programs.babysleepmadesimple.com/30-minutes-private-consultation-checkout/

      Best,
      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  3. Thomas

    My little girl will be two at the end of the month and, so it goes, my last child and the one who sleeps the worst at night!
    I tell myself that I love her 24/7, and I also do not like her very much between 2100-0900 because of her constant night waking! Since she was 9-10 months old the night-waking has been continuous. Sure, there have been stretches where she has slept through the night, just not many.
    We have tried everything from limiting screen time, no naps after a certain time, don’t let her sleep past a certain time. No nap, short nap, long nap, early nap, late nap, any combination of the four. No screen time past 1800, a pre-bed snack, voluntarily sleeping in her room, her sleeping with us for part of the night or the whole night. I’ve camped on the couch with her numerous nights and she still wakes up.
    I’m just at my wit’s end because I’m the one who gets up with her, my wife does not. Please, any guidance or wisdom? Help a dad out!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Thomas,

      It can be exhausting when our LO’s aren’t sleeping and we have to be up with them all night long!

      We can definitely help you get your LO’s sleep on track and get your entire family sleeping better! We can provide the best support to your family in our 21 Days to Peace & Quiet program.

      In this program we offer 4 step-by-step sleep training methods. You choose the one that feels best for your LO. We have super gentle & gradual all the way to quick & efficient. Each step of the way you get advice based on your baby’s developmental stage, energy levels, and temperament.

      Two of our package options include personalized support and I find this to be so beneficial during the sleep training journey! Jilly and members of our support team answer questions 7 days a week in our private FB group and we host 3 Zoom calls per week! You will always feel like you have the support you need every step of the way.
      You can find out more info on the program here: https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/21-days-to-peace-quiet-program
      When you are 100% consistent in following the steps of the program, your baby will be sleeping amazingly within 1-3 weeks. It depends on the method you choose as well as your baby’s adaptability, but we cover all of this in the program!

      Happy to answer any questions you have. We hope we get the chance to help you and your LO on this sleep journey!
      Have a great day!
      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  4. Taylor Panyko

    Hi there!

    We have recently moved our 2 year old (turned 2 in April) to a toddler bed. At first and most nights I noticed that she had been sleeping well through the night. Recently in the past couple of weeks she is waking between 1-3 AM and cries for me to rock her back to sleep. Then she wakes up at 5 AM and won’t go back to sleep. She has had the same bedtime routine for as long as I can remember and we moved her because no sleep sack or other measure kept her in bed. She always climbed out. She also slept really well in the toddler bed at first. I’m not sure if this is a regression because I know she is talking a lot more lately. I’m not sure if I should try a night light and encourage her to go back to bed on her own or go in and rock her hoping that it will go back to normal. She stayed at her grandparents this weekend and slept in a pack n play because that’s all they have and she slept all night. Could it be we moved her too soon? Or could this be a sleep regression. I’m not sure what to do. Maybe we just stick with it? We also want to start potty training because she’s ready so I don’t want to keep her in a crib.

    I’m really not sure what the issue is but she wakes once per night and then wakes too early!

    Reply
  5. Meliza Narido

    Hi Jilly,

    My daughter is 2 and 4 months old. My daughter sleeping time is around 7pm. She wakes up at 10pm and doesn’t want to go back to sleep until 2-3 am. This has been going for more than a week now. Any ideas will be much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Meliza,

      Our 2 year old sleep guide is the best place to start! Is your LO falling asleep independently? This can really solve most night wakings!

      We can definitely help you get your LO’s sleep on track and get your entire family sleeping better! We can provide the best support to your family in our 21 Days to Peace & Quiet program.

      In this program we offer 4 step-by-step sleep training methods. You choose the one that feels best for your LO. We have super gentle & gradual all the way to quick & efficient. Each step of the way you get advice based on your baby’s developmental stage, energy levels, and temperament.

      Two of our package options include personalized support and I find this to be so beneficial during the sleep training journey! Jilly and members of our support team answer questions 7 days a week in our private FB group and we host 3 Zoom calls per week! You will always feel like you have the support you need every step of the way.
      You can find out more info on the program here: https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/21-days-to-peace-quiet-program
      When you are 100% consistent in following the steps of the program, your baby will be sleeping amazingly within 1-3 weeks. It depends on the method you choose as well as your baby’s adaptability, but we cover all of this in the program!

      Happy to answer any questions you have. We hope we get the chance to help you and your LO on this sleep journey!
      Have a great day!
      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  6. Aliisa

    Hi!
    Our son has really bad separation anxiety. Is It ok To sleep on his room during this season?
    He goes To sleep alone and doesnt need any help To fall asleep.
    During night he cries and screams mom alot and falling back To sleep is really Hard.

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Aliisa,

      Thank you so much for your message! Separation anxiety can be super tough. It is totally okay to help comfort your LO during this time. Just keep in mind that a habit can develop from this though that will have to be broken in the future. The best thing you can do for separation anxiety is to spend A LOT of quality time before bed with lots of direct eye contact at this stage. It can really help calm your LO and feel the connection before bed! 🙂

      Best, Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  7. Juliane Swindle

    Hi Jilly,
    my son will be 2 in a couple of weeks. He is an early riser (5 am), but lately he wakes up even earlier (4 am) and often 3 am, when he is so hyper that he cannot fall back asleep by himself (same as 4 am when I tried to calm him down with hand on the chest in his crib and humming, which still does not work.)
    He naps at daycare for 1h45 until 2:30 pm and we try to make him fall asleep around 7 am, but have to drive him in the car every night for 30 to 45 minutes until he is able to wind down and fall asleep. He never shows signs of tiredness or drowsiness and is just very active (without me encouraging him) the last 2 hours before bedtime. It is really hard for me to lock him up inside and not allow him to play with the other kids outside when we come home at 4:30 pm. Also, serving dinner before 6 pm is very challenging.
    Are the 9h45 min (including the nap) enough sleep for his age? Is he just a very energized kid that does not need a lot of seep?
    Mahalo for your answer!
    Juliane

    Reply
    • Micaela

      Hello Juliane, I would encourage you to join our sleep training program 21 Days to Peace and Quiet. It’ll help you teach your toddler how to fall asleep independently and this will solve also early wakings (plus you’ll get to enjoy your evenings and not drive around to help him relax).

      The program has 4 step-by-step methods that walk you through teaching your baby how to settle to sleep on their own, which will show them how to resettle during night wakings too. It also covers reducing and fully weaning off night feeds.

      With 3 of the methods you stay with your baby as you teach them to sleep better. You don’t have to leave the room if you don’t want to. And you can choose a slower, more gradual method to reduce your baby’s resistance, fussing and crying. We can’t promise “no tears” but you can work to minimize baby’s resistance.

      We also accommodate for your baby’s temperament too. Each lesson has tips on tweaking the steps to suit your baby’s energy levels, sensitivity and adaptability.

      I’m confident we can get you and your baby sleeping great.

      Happy to answer any other questions you have about the program.
      https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/21-days-to-peace-quiet-program/
      Micaela BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  8. Aliisa Valkeinen

    Our son wakes up At night and trows his lovey To get us To go To him. We trained him as a baby using checking In method mut he has never been good sleeper. What we can do about the lovey?

    Reply
    • Micaela

      Hi Aliisa, with a 2y old it’s all about communications. Explain to him that nighttime is meant for sleep and that also mom and dad need to rest to have all the energies to play with him the next day. Tell him that the lovey is tired too and just wants to sleep with him in his crib. Try to spend some extra 1-on-1 time with him before bedtime so he won’t need your presence during the night 😉
      Micaela BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  9. Alexa Feldman

    Hi Jilly,
    We are struggling with early morning wakings with our two year old son. He’s a great napper and usually naps 2 hrs (sometimes we let him nap 2.5 but we can shave off the half hour). We struggle with figuring out the best bedtime for him because it seems no matter what time we lay him down in his crib he will roll around in there for 30 min – 1 hour, sometimes longer! It’s so frustrating because we just want him to fall asleep. Usually if nap ends early we lay him down around 7 or if he wakes around 2:30 pm from nap we lay him down around 7:30. Do you have any advice for us to help him fall asleep faster and hopefully sleep longer?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Alexa,

      For a 2 year old, definitely limit naps to 2 hours and have a really solid bedtime so his body clock is tune (consistency will really help). Limit all screen time for 2-3 hours before bed AND make sure to limit sugars before bed. Try to keep fruits and yogurts for during the day and not during supper. Make sure he is very physically active. I would aim for 5.5/6 hours of awake time before bed. It is normal for some kiddos to need at least 15-20 minutes to fall asleep (my daughter actually needs 30 minutes too), but try these tips above to help!

      Alyssa, BSMS Support team

      Reply
  10. Laura

    Hi there! You have such great advice here! Being sleep deprived is so hard and we’re struggling to find a solution for our almost 3 year old!
    She was the most amazing sleeper in her crib, we’d plop her down around 7:30 leave promptly and she’d sleep until 7! In January she started climbing out of her crib so we immediately made the crib into a convertible, which in hindsight was an awful mistake. But we were so worried about her getting injured. Now she climbs out of her crib at 4:30 every morning even with a 1.5 hour nap, lots of daytime play and a structured bedtime routine starting at 7:15. She also won’t sleep unless you stay in the room with her(another mistake!) any help would be greatly greatly appreciated at this point!!
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  11. Tara Knotts

    My granddaughter is 2 & a half. Her dad works during the day and mom works until 1030 at night. Dad gets her down for bed about 830 but the moment she hears mom she’s up. And refuses to sleep. Keeping dad up also who has to be up for work at 630. Mom tries giving her tablet & phone. Which I’ve said keeps her stimulated and will keep her up. This has caused issues in their relationship because mom will come home relax & if my granddaughter gets up either him or I tend to her. We’ve discussed this with mom & she’ll do it at the start then stop again. We all work. Her dad is trying to keep her on a routine but mom lets her do whatever. Mom goes to bed around 3 am and so does child then sleeps until noon. I have raised plenty of children but it’s extremely hard to talk to mom without coming off as mean. Please help

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Tara,

      Thank you for your message. It can be really tough when members of the family aren’t on the same page. The best thing in this case is to let Mom and Dad talk and discuss a positive routine. You are certainly try to provide some of our resources for Mom to read on her own (this way you are helping), but she can do it on her own terms. Best of luck–I am sure this is so difficult!!

      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  12. Kam

    Hi, my daughter is reaching the 20 month mark.. she has never been a good sleeper, but when she was around 7 months we sleep trained her with the cry it out method and she self soothe upon night wakings and eventually got to a point of sleeping through. That didn’t last though.. as soon as she could stand in her crib she would refuse to lie back down and would eventually make herself sick from all the crying. We gave in. Fast forward to now, she no longer has her daytime naps – she was on 1 a day of around 2-2.5hrs but it became a battle to get her to sleep (45mins minimum) and then slowly she would refuse them until late afternoon, which would mess up her sleep time. Now at almost 20 months she doesn’t sleep at all in the day – is this normal? Her bedtime routine is better.. dinner, bath, massage and sleep usually by 8pm if not earlier. She still wakes in the night, most times she has milk.. usually around 6oz at intervals through the night and she’s never gone back to sleeping through until morning without waking up. She normally wakes up around 7.30 but this is now becoming earlier.. today it was 6.30am can you offer me any tips on how I can improve her sleeping habits? I worry she’s not getting enough hours of sleep in a 24hr period. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Kam,

      Thank you so much for your message! Most toddlers drop their naps around 3-4 years of age. Many toddlers go through a regression around 2 years old and they can fight naps, but I would still try to keep putting her down (at least for quiet time). If you still can’t get her to go down, then I would encourage you to try and get her to sleep 12 hours at night. Try an earlier bedtime around 6:30/7pm to compensate for the lack of day sleep. Have you thought about night weaning her? She is most likely waking up from habit vs. hungry at the point (always contact pediatrician to be sure), and weaning off milk at night should really help her sleep straight through!

      Check out some resources I have linked for you below!

      https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/when-do-toddlers-stop-napping
      https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/how-to-get-toddler-to-nap

      Best,
      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  13. Bernadette

    Hi. Our 2 year 2 month old has been a really good sleeper qnd has settled on his own at bedtime and during the night. However he has recently started wanting either me or my husband in his room to go to sleep or to stay in his room with him when he wakes at night. He has just started talking lots more and started daycare. Im sure it will pass but i am concerned we are creating a new habit staying in his room during the night if he wakes or at bedtime. However if i let him scream and cry, no one in the house will get any sleep. Is staying with him through this phase ok do you think?

    Reply
    • panagiota

      Hi there Bernadette. As you said this is probably a developmental thing. And you don’t have to let him cry. But what you can do is talk to your son during the day, and let him know that you love him, you’re always there, to the next room, and that you’ll put him to sleep and leave. Reassure him that his safe and you and his dad are always there.

      This guide has tips that will help you keep your LO in his crib –> https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/toddler-getting-out-of-bed-repeatedly-2

      Try implementing these tips for a few days and then let us know how things work out. Good luck. Panagiota, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  14. Emily

    My son is 2 years and 9 months old and just learned how to crawl out of his crib. We transitioned him to a toddler bed and he will NOT stay in bed. We have tried walking him back to his bed every night saying our rehearsed line (“It’s time to go to sleep”). This goes on for 2-3 hours each night before we finally give up. We’ve stayed in his room next to him as he falls asleep…only he doesn’t fall asleep. We’ve tried mounting a gate on his door; he climbed it. We’re ordering a taller one but it won’t be here for another week and we’re desperate. Beyond all this, he refuses to nap. We do a nap routine and leave him in his room for one hour—sleeping or not—and he falls asleep about once every 3 weeks. He has got to be overtired but won’t pass out until almost midnight each night, usually in our bed becasue we’ve tried for hours to get him to go to sleep and nothing works. What do we need to do differently? Help!!

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hi Emily,

      Thanks so much for your message! We really recommend trying to keep your LO in the crib until at least 3-4 years of age (unless climbing out for safety reasons). Little ones can better handle toddler beds when they are older. You can try these tips to see if it helps keep your LO in the crib longer:

      1) If your crib has uneven sides, put the shorter side against the wall and push it up against a corner, so there are less sides to climb out.
      2) Make sure there are no bumpers, pillows, or blankets that are in the crib that your LO can use for height to climb out. Try a sleep sack.
      3) Have the mattress at the lowest setting
      4) Try this for a few days and nights with a firm “No” when your LO tries to climb out. See if this helps after a few days.

      If this still isn’t working, then toddler bed is the best solution. Check out this article for helpful tips! https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/how-to-transition-toddler-from-crib-to-bed

      Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  15. Amber

    My little boy is 21 mo, he’s an only child and has never been a good sleeper. I feel like we change routines every two weeks bc he’s doing something different. Currently he’s going to bed around 9-930 bc he FIGHTS and fights…and this is after a routine consisting of bath, reading and nursing and finally putting him down asleep (all wrong, I know ?). He then wakes up screaming between 12-4am to come to bed with me (I’m assuming). He’s always woken up in the night, multiple times. I’m in anesthesia school and am ab to start clinical (EARLY am) where I don’t want him in my bed bc I’ll be leaving early, and Dad just isn’t me so I want him in the crib! I cringe when I hear him cry and scream and I crumble. I tried letting him cry. He threw up all over bc he gagged himself (I think he’s teething so His hands are in his mouth). And lord did I feel like the worst mom. He’s also in a toddler sleep sac to avoid climbing out of the crib. He’s a big boy and can escape. He isn’t ready for a toddler bed and neither am I. So much needs to be changed and idk where to start, or how to gain the courage to let him cry???.

    Reply
    • Alyssa Taft

      Hello Amber,

      Thanks so much for your post! We would love to help you and your LO get more sleep! First, I would sign up for our FREE Exhausted Moms Survival Kit. It has a ton of helpful sleep tips to get your LO sleeping better. I would also highly recommend signing up for our program. We can really help you teach your LO to fall asleep independently and sleep in the crib. We’re currently having a Spring Sale. This gives you 30 days of personal support with our sleep training program, 21 Days to Peace & Quiet. Jilly walks you through each step and shows you exactly what to do every night. Plus we answer questions 5 days/week inside a private FB group. So you really get all the direction and support you need. Here’s more info: https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/21-days-to-peace-quiet-program. Please let me know if you have any questions!! Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

      https://www.babysleepmadesimple.com/exhausted-moms-survival-kit

      Reply
  16. Guelmy

    My 2 year old wakes up 2-3xs in the middle of the night to pee. She’s a terrible sleeper and only wants to sleep in my bed.

    Reply
    • panagiota

      Hi there mama. What you can do is let her wear a diaper at night. This will not ruin potty training. Many children are potty trained for the day and still wear diapers during night time. Please try this trick and let us know how things work out.

      Apart from that what do you mean she’s a terrible sleeper? How is her bedtime and naps? Have you tried any of the tips in this guide? Happy to help you. Panagiota, BSMS Support Team

      Reply
  17. Alyssa Taft

    The good news is that the 2 year old regression is often much shorter and will pass quickly! Just remain super consistent with routines so it won’t cause any long-term sleep interruptions! Alyssa, BSMS Support Team

    Reply
  18. Jenna Macdonell

    My little guy is 33 months and has always been an amazing sleeper but he’s been through a lot of change. My husband left and I had to go back to work. He took me going to work the hardest. Even though he’s with my mom every day (which is very familiar). He began getting night terrors about a month after I started work and had had them every night since (about 2 months). He previously self soothed, went to bed awake and never slept in my bed. Now he can’t do any of this. I’ve cut screen time, established a good bed time (bath, jammies, story) routine, increase naps, decreased naps, brought back his sound machine, let him cry it out (he never gave in, just lays crying on the floor in his room). How do I get him back sleeping well but offer him the comfort and security he clearly is craving ? Help! I’m out of ideas

    Reply
    • Jilly Blankenship

      Hi Jenna,

      You’re doing everything right in regards to his sleep routines and lifestyle. I suspect it’s the recent life changes that are affecting his sleep. This is really normal.

      I suggest you talk with him during the day about all the recent changes. Explain that you’re always thinking about him when you’re working and how much you miss him. Maybe you can video call during the day just to say hi?

      When you get home, have one-on-one time with him, completely uninterrupted. Put your phone away and spend at least 20-30 minutes chatting, reading, hugging and having quality time together. Tell him how much you missed him.

      During his bedtime routine tell him how proud you are of him, what a big boy he is and that you’re always checking on him during the night. Then gently let him know what you expect of him (he’ll stay in his bed all night.)

      Basically, communicate everyday how much you love him, think about him, miss him and are always there for him. (And remind him how much Grandma loves him too. And Dad, if applicable.)

      You may need to sit quietly in his room for several nights to get him used to staying in his bed and room. Do the same for night wakings. Keep him in his familiar sleep space, you go in to provide reassurance.

      Once the night terrors have stopped, you can wean yourself out of the room. This video has advice for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jdkqhKfJfo

      I hope this helps,
      Jilly

      Reply
    • Leah

      This sounds identical to the issues we are having with my 33 month old daughter. I recently went back to work, and she is really struggling at night. I’m wondering if you have any advice/things that worked for you?
      Thank you!!

      Reply

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