How to Put a Two Year Old to Sleep

Determine a good time schedule., On average, a two-year-old sleeps about 11 hours at night and two hours during the day, although this is not a solid rule. , Be sure your child has enough physical exercise., Agree on a consistent word (preferably...

16 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Determine a good time schedule.

    Allow plenty of hours between nap time and bedtime.

    If they are too close together, your child is unlikely to sleep.
  2. Step 2: On average

    , Two year olds have a lot of energy, and if it's not burned off, it may interfere with sleep later on. , Examples would be "night"

    "nappy"

    or "la-la".

    If your child understands what's going on, there's a better chance of cooperation. , Typical routines include a bath, a sippy cup, pacifier (if he or she still uses one), story time, or a lullaby. ,, This is the time when you change their diaper, pull anything out of the bed/crib, and grab a book to read to him or her. , This will streamline the routine to make it always the same and not having an extra-long book to read some nights. , They'll know that first comes a bath, then a story and song, then it's time to sleep. , You can practice this during the day. , Many children find physical touch very soothing and reassuring.

    Even two year olds like a nice back rub once in a while.
  3. Step 3: a two-year-old sleeps about 11 hours at night and two hours during the day

  4. Step 4: although this is not a solid rule.

  5. Step 5: Be sure your child has enough physical exercise.

  6. Step 6: Agree on a consistent word (preferably one word) that he/she can associate with sleeping.

  7. Step 7: Plan out a routine for the child to wind him or her down with.

  8. Step 8: Make your home quiet and dim lights an hour before bedtime to allow your child to transition from daytime to nighttime.

  9. Step 9: Prepare everything: the crib or bed

  10. Step 10: the child

  11. Step 11: and you.

  12. Step 12: Instead of reading consider singing the same song every night or repeating the same poem every night as a sleep cue.

  13. Step 13: Children love a schedule

  14. Step 14: so follow the exact same routine daily and soon they'll know exactly what to expect.

  15. Step 15: Teach your children to stay in bed and lie quietly.

  16. Step 16: You can also try rubbing his or her back.

Detailed Guide

Allow plenty of hours between nap time and bedtime.

If they are too close together, your child is unlikely to sleep.

, Two year olds have a lot of energy, and if it's not burned off, it may interfere with sleep later on. , Examples would be "night"

"nappy"

or "la-la".

If your child understands what's going on, there's a better chance of cooperation. , Typical routines include a bath, a sippy cup, pacifier (if he or she still uses one), story time, or a lullaby. ,, This is the time when you change their diaper, pull anything out of the bed/crib, and grab a book to read to him or her. , This will streamline the routine to make it always the same and not having an extra-long book to read some nights. , They'll know that first comes a bath, then a story and song, then it's time to sleep. , You can practice this during the day. , Many children find physical touch very soothing and reassuring.

Even two year olds like a nice back rub once in a while.

About the Author

M

Melissa Armstrong

A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.

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