For many parents, the question of how to teach two-year-old sleep training is of great importance. Nutrition, toilet training and sleep issues gain importance in this special period when the child starts to change and react differently. So, how should sleep patterns be at the age of 2? We did some research for those looking for information about sleep training and sleep patterns at the age of two ..
things to Consider in 2-Year-Old Sleep Training
the age of 2 is both a very new stage for the growing child and a time of new discoveries for parents about this little person. for the 2-year-old, there are changes to cope with, such as toilet training, changing diets and the need to socialize more. The anxiety that comes with these changes can lead to sleep refusal or sleep deprivation. So, how to sleep train a 2-year-old?
1-Don’t be stubborn!
Children always react negatively to stubbornness, especially during this period. Therefore, being stubborn will only harm the parent-child relationship.
2-Plan for sleep time and environment!
If possible, let your child have his/her own room and bed. Create a near-dark light effect here by closing the curtains and turning off the light. Ensure silence. Dress him/her in pajamas and prepare him/her for sleep. Now that this process has begun, he will realize that it is time to sleep.
3-Help him!
You can develop rituals to prepare her for sleep, such as massage, stroking her leg, a gentle lullaby.
4-Lie down next to him!
You can let him rest by lying next to him until his sleep resistance is broken. If you have time, you will also have an opportunity to rest.
If insomnia or sleep refusal persists, it is usually due to stubbornness. Whatever happens here, if you provide sleep or rest, you can get back on thesame track if you can break the sleep 2 year old resistance .
Sleep Training without Crying
Why do babies cry a lot before going to sleep or why do babies cry to stay asleep? This is something that is very difficult to understand for adults who are desperate for a good night’s sleep at every opportunity:)
First, let’s talk a little bit about learning to sleep:
Not sleep, but the transition to sleep is learned. Sleep is a natural function of the body. Falling asleep is a learned habit. Now, think about yourself and other adults around you: Some sleep in pitch darkness, some sleep in front of the TV, some sleep listening to music, some say they can’t fall asleep without reading a book, and some fall asleep as soon as they go to bed or even before they need to go to bed… This shows that sleep is learned by following a certain routine. This is exactly what happens with babies. Only we don’t understand it. He cries because he cannot express himself. If we get the baby used to sleeping on the lap, it looks for it to fall asleep, if we get the baby used to sleeping while breastfeeding, it gets used to it and looks for it…
at 2 years of age, an important reason for sleep resistance is the child’s changing sleep system. Babies react to this change as they learn to sleep on their own. Sometimes they are unsettled by innovations such as giving up the bottle or leaving the diaper.
It is important to help him/her a little during this reaction and prepare him/her for the learning-study phase, which will last for an estimated ten weeks. after 10 weeks, babies who have learned the routines can get used to the new order and resume daytime sleep. In summary, a change in the way of sleeping can also be a cause of sleep resistance.
daytime sleep at 2 years old
By the age of two, children can often be reluctant to sleep during the day. By the age of two, the child begins to refuse to sleep during the day. This is due to sleep regression. in case of2 years old sleep regression, we can list the things you should pay attention to as follows:
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Stubbornness is absolutely useless!
Therefore, do not be stubborn and try to prevail. Not only will you wear yourself out, but you will also cause the child to cry and be unhappy and damage their relationship with you.
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Fatigue makes it difficult to fall asleep!
We think that children will fall asleep more easily when they are tired. However, fatigue causes crying and anxiety in children. This makes it difficult for them to sleep. For this reason, it is important to ensure that they sleep before they are tired enough. Remember Fatigue is a condition that leads to insomnia in children, not a sleep-inducing outcome.
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Change the way you sleep!
Your child must be used to sleeping in one way or another all the time. It can sometimes help to change this routine a little. For example, if your child used to fall asleep on his own when he was put to bed and now, at the age of 2, he is going through a sleep regression, it may be a good idea to lie down next to him.
There are also options such as taking them out in a stroller, rocking them, stroking them, giving them water.
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Get a sleep buddy / change sleep buddy!
2 years old is a revolution for him. In fact, according to him, one era ends and another begins 🙂 Well, in this new period, you can show that you understand him with some innovations or you can change the routine a little bit. For example, if you have never bought a sleep buddy before, now is the time. In the meantime, pay attention to the following points about sleeping buddies:
- Choose a soft toy for a sleeping companion that is soft, does not get hair in the mouth or nose, and does not have buttons or zippers.
- When choosing a sleep toy, make sure it is washable and has playable limbs such as arms, ears and tail.
- Do not put the sleep toy next to other toys. Make sure your child understands that it is not a toy, but a friend who sleeps with him/her.
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Read a fairy tale!
Children especially love fairy tales during this period. It is wonderful to explore with fairy tales. On the other hand, it is also a great and beautiful opportunity for uninterrupted time alone with you, as you are fully attentive while reading a bedtime story. In this situation, he sleeps feeling safe and secure.