"Make sure you stock up on sleep before the baby comes". Remember hearing lovely wise words like this when you were expecting? Now baby's here you probably realise just how real sleep struggles can be!
A toddler’s day is full of adventure. From the moment they wake, they’re constantly on the go. Establishing a daily bedtime routine and ideal sleeping environment can help to calm the chaos and ensure they get the recommended 11-14 hours sleep including naps. Helping your child sleep easily and stay asleep will also help you get the shut-eye you need to wake feeling more like you!
Setting Up Your Toddler's Bedroom For Better Bedtimes
Ever found yourself googling ‘why my toddler won’t sleep’ in desperation? You’re not alone. Google the phrase and you’ll find endless advice on how to help your toddler sleep, from avoiding certain foods to the importance of adopting a bedtime routine.
A Medical Research Council-funded study has scientifically defined what constitutes a good bedtime routine for children aged 2-8 years. And contrary to what a toddler would tell you, it doesn’t include watching TV or eating chocolate before bed! Agreed by 59 experts, the study offers welcome guidance for parents who want reassurance, and it certainly beats scrolling through endless web pages offering conflicting parent advice.
The six key areas include:
- Brushing teeth before bed
- Time consistency for going to bed
- Book reading before bed
- Avoiding food/drinks before bed
- Avoiding use of electronic devices before bed
- Calming activities with the child before bed, including bath, shower and talking.
Creating a sleep-friendly bedroom may also help your toddler sleep better, just as creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary helps you sleep better too. An ambient room temperature, as well as toddler sleep aids such as nightlights, cuddly toys, white noise and blackout blinds can also make for happier bedtimes. Little ones may also benefit from soft, snuggly anti-allergy bedding that prevents the night-time allergies that can cause wheezing or sneezing and disrupt sleep.
For examples of daytime and nap schedules see the Huckleberrycare sleep guide.
Why Do 2 Year Olds Wake Up at Night
There can be many reasons why a toddler wakes up at night. As with adults, a toddler's sleep pattern is affected by the body's circadian rhythm, which dictates sleep and wake times. A toddler's relationship to sleep often changes around this age as they begin to take fewer naps. Inconsistent daytime and bedtime routines are a common cause for sleep struggles at night. Other factors such as the comfort and temperature of the sleep environment can also affect sleep. A comfortable anti-allergenic toddler duvet and pillow set may also help.
Sleep Training for 2 Year Olds
If you've nailed your toddler's day routine but are still googling 'how to get toddler to sleep', consider apps such as Huckleberry for expert advice. Tried and tested by Tielle's own team, such toddler sleep aids can be a lifesaver when navigating the joys and challenges of toddler life.
Summer Vs Winter Sleeping
Seasonal changes such as fewer daylight hours or warmer weather can affect toddler sleep. The ideal room temperature for a baby or toddler is around 16-20 degrees celsius. Adding blackout blinds or curtains can help to keep out the sleep-stealing natural light. Choosing the best bedding for toddler bedrooms can also help little ones sleep better. Our easy wash, anti-allergenic toddler bed duvets and pillows are naturally breathable and cased in 100% cotton making them particularly ideal for toddlers with delicate skin.
The Best Toddler Bedding
Creating a safe, comfortable bed is as important as a regular bedtime routine. Is the duvet lightweight? Is the pillow too hard or soft? Fleecy pyjamas and warm cot bed sheets may be tempting during colder months, but being too hot or cold can disturb sleep. Clothing and cot bed linen should always be suitable for the room temperature, however hot or cold it is outside.
Once your child reaches two you may want to invest in a high-quality cot bed duvet instead of a toddler sleeping bag - that way they can kick off the duvet or keep one leg out if they get too hot. When choosing bedding for a toddler bed, consider a duvet's weight, material and washability. Collectively, these can make or break a good night's sleep.
Weight: a lightweight 4 tog duvet is preferred to anything heavier for a toddler, unless the bedroom is exceptionally cold
Material: an anti-allergy cot bed duvet that retains its loft and softness can actively prevent the build-up of dust mites, fungi and bacteria and promote a healthier night’s sleep.
Washability: tummy upsets and accidents are common in toddlers, so be kind to yourself and choose a duvet that can be easily washed at 40 degrees (even at 2am!).
Read our guide to caring for your bedding like a pro.
Investing in high-quality cot bed linen can also help your toddler sleep better. A beautifully crafted 200-400tc sheet will be soft, durable, and more breathable and easier to launder than a sheet with a really high thread count. Cotton bedding is also less likely to pill than linen made from man-made fibres such as polyester, which can make the bedding rough and itchy on sensitive skin.
Your toddler’s bedding also needs to be perfectly proportioned to fit his or her bed, for safety and comfort. Tielle cot bed linen sets are specifically tailored to fit a cot-size bed.
Luxury Cot Bed Linen That's Practical and Cosy
Pink? Blue? Gender neutral white, yellow or green? When decorating a nursery, it’s easy to overlook the quality of the bedding in all the excitement of choosing a nursery theme.
Maintaining the perfect room temperature is more important for your little one's safety and comfort than any decals or murals. Ideally, this should be between 16-20 degrees. You'll also want bedding suitable for the room temperature. Soft breathable cotton bedlinen helps to regulate body heat, rather than synthetic fabrics such as polyester that trap heat. Polyester can also irritate sensitive skin.
When it comes to trends, white cot bedding always looks hotel-fresh and clean. White can also unify any room theme. This means that when you do redecorate the nursery (and let's face it, you'll soon tire of those murals or decals!), your classic white luxury cot bedlinen will continue to look great. Luxury toddler bedlinen in a super-cosy, easy-to-wash 200 thread count will also last for as many as 1,000 sleeps. Check out our cot duvet sets for children aged 24+.