Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, toddlers often sleep 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period. This usually includes 1 to 2 hours during the day, which helps support learning and development.
A number of sleep-related changes commonly occur in this age group, including a decrease in daytime naps, longer periods of sleep overnight and often less night waking. Every child is different, so try not to worry if your toddler’s sleep patterns differ from those described here. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor or a child health professional.
Sleep rhythms at 2 to 3 years#
Around this time, your toddler may reduce the number and length of their daytime naps. As their brain is developing quickly, they may develop night-time fears and need extra comfort. They may still resist going to sleep and want to stay up with the family. By understanding and connecting with your toddler, you will learn their cues and be better able to support positive sleep patterns.
Settling your toddler at 2 to 3 years#
Routines and the sleep environment play a big part in helping toddlers settle. Your toddler needs a cue to tell them it is time to sleep, which usually comes from their surroundings, such as a dark room or familiar objects nearby. Limiting screen time at night and keeping a regular bedtime routine (such as bath, book, song and bed) can help prevent and reduce settling difficulties and night waking.
Some strategies you can use to develop positive sleep behaviour include:
- Recognising and responding to tired signs
- Using positive and consistent bedtime routines
- Parental presence – using your presence as a safety signal to reduce your toddler’s anxiety by sleeping in their room
Bedtime fading#
Bedtime fading can help reduce night waking in older toddlers. It uses your child’s natural tendency to sleep for the right length of time (sleep homeostasis) by delaying bedtime by 15 minutes each night to reduce the time your toddler spends in bed.
It can be helpful to track your toddler’s sleep for a week or so first. This gives you a clear idea of what might be going on.
Moving from cot to bed#
Once you notice your toddler is trying to climb out of their cot, it is time to move them to a bed. This is usually between 2 and 3½ years of age, but can be as early as 18 months.
It is important to make sure your home and the new bed are safe for your toddler. Moving from a cot to a bed can bring new bedtime challenges, and toddlers in this age group may go through a stage of calling out or getting out of bed.
If you have tried these strategies for one to two weeks and you are still concerned about your toddler’s sleep, talk to your doctor or a child health professional.
Key points#
- A number of sleep-related changes commonly occur in this age group.
- A regular bedtime routine (such as bath, book, song and bed) can help prevent and reduce settling difficulties and night waking.
- Make sure your home and your toddler’s bed are safe.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.