My Toddler Wakes Up Many Times A Night – Tips to Help

Feb 02, 2026

It can be exhausting when your toddler wakes up many times a night, needing you to cuddle them or sleep in their bed. You hear stories about babies up all night, so when see that your two year old is waking 3 and 4 times a night, you realize that you are ready for a solution. You have tried everything from ignoring the situation to co-sleeping, but nothing is working. The sleeplessness causes crankiness and temper tantrums the following day.

Today, we are happy sharing tips for parents to have a happy, well-rested child.

MY TODDLER WAKES UP MANY TIMES A NIGHT

Rule Out Medical Issues

Be sure that your pediatrician has ruled everything out. Consider having a sleep study done for your child and perhaps a visit to the ENT to rule out any ear-infections or tonsil issues.

It is OK to Need Your Sleep

You will hear many people say “enjoy the cuddles” but after weeks of waking several times a night, it can be hard. So- to start, I want to say that you should NOT feel guilty wanting your child to sleep. You need sleep. Your body and your mind need sleep. It will make you a better parent.

Start with setting limits

Set time limits: “You have 3 minutes to try brushing your teeth before Mommy helps.” Be firm. Give them a kiss when it’s time, and stand your ground. You’ll both be better off in the long run if you can normalize their sleeping habits and get them to self-soothe now. Oh, and turn the monitor sound down or off if you have one.”

Change Up Bedtime

Try an earlier bedtime. I know that is counter-intuitive, but when I moved bedtime back earlier in the evening, the kids slept better…and longer!

Make sure the kids have outdoor Time

More fresh air outdoors, for longer periods of time during the day, wearing them out. Having exposure to sun during the daylight hours helps regulate sleep at night.

Rewards! Rewards! Rewards!

Print out a reward chart and use stickers every morning that they stay in bed or doesn’t wake up crying for you.

Quiet Time Rule at Night

Test your theories at “quiet time.” Try leaving them alone for quiet time to see if your child is able to play by themselves, without needing you.

Watch Eating Habits

Be sure that she is eating enough for dinner. If your child is having a light meal at dinnertime, it may cause them to wake more often.

Give a Sleepy Time Snack

Give them some warm milk and a banana before bed (both said to induce sleep).

Change Waking Time

Wake her up earlier. 7:00am or 8:00am is a good waking time.

Give the Silent Treatment

Don’t talk when they wake at night. Don’t get into their bed to lie down with them. Simply cover them up with a quick kiss on the cheek and leave the room. Cutting out cuddle time should stop some of the wake-ups.

Change UP Sleeping Arrangements

You may want to try letting them sleep on your floor. You can get a little toddler couch that folds out or lay a blanket on the floor and let them sleep there. A few nights of learning to sleep through the night again may be just what they needs to get back to sleep. You can transition to move your child back into their room soon after.

Sibling Bonding

Let them sleep in an older sibling’s room. Sharing a room can be a big help for your younger child. This is the age when fear begins, so if it is fear that is waking your child up, this would help.

Bonding Bear

Try making a ‘build a bear’ together, where you put in a picture of the two of you.

Set the Stage for Sleep

Try getting new sheets that your child picks out (with their favorite characters on them).