The toddler years are filled with new milestones, excitement, and yes, sometimes a little bedtime drama!
As your little one hits the two-year mark, you might notice changes in their sleep patterns and routines. Maybe they’re resisting bedtime more or waking up earlier than before. Don’t worry, it’s all part of the journey! In this article, we’ll share some simple, practical tips to help you support your 2-year-old’s sleep and make bedtime a bit easier on everyone. Let’s get your toddler’s sleep routine back on track so everyone can get some much-needed rest!
When Sleep Challenges Start at 2 Years Old
You might be on Team Lucky—your baby just magically started sleeping better without you doing anything special. Or maybe you’re on Team Intentional, where you put in the work to create healthy sleep habits (possibly including sleep training) and are now enjoying the rewards of better sleep.
But no matter how you got here, you might suddenly find yourself with a 2-year-old who refuses to go to sleep, throws tantrums at bedtime, and somehow took over the bedtime routine like a tiny dictator. A couple of weeks ago, you could just put him in his crib, say goodnight, and he’d peacefully drift off. Now, he’s demanding to be taken out, asking for endless books, and you’re sitting beside his crib, lying on the floor, or even climbing in with him—hoping this is just a phase that will magically disappear.
This is your reminder that the early years of parenting are a constant evolution. Sleep training isn’t a one-and-done deal, and luck alone won’t carry you through the entire parenting journey.
Why Is My 2-Year-Old Waking Up at Night?
Two-year-olds are in a transition phase—leaving babyhood behind and stepping into full-blown toddlerhood. They’re exploring the world, craving independence, and getting frustrated when their big ideas don’t match what they’re actually allowed (or able) to do. Imagine your toddler wants to walk down the street without holding your hand. He’s furious when you insist, but then you get to the crosswalk, and suddenly, your parental authority is 100% necessary to keep him safe.
Bedtime works the same way. At night, we tend to second-guess ourselves more. We see our child resisting sleep and assume he must not be tired, he’s scared, or he’s going through some mysterious sleep regression. But more often than not, what he really needs is a clear, calm boundary—just like when you hold his hand to cross the street.
“My Child Used to Be a Great Sleeper, But Now It Takes Hours for Him to Fall Asleep!”
Sound familiar? Here’s a common story from parents:
“My son used to be a great sleeper. We did sleep training at five months, and bedtime was a dream—routine, crib, lights out, and he’d fall asleep on his own. But for the past two weeks, he’s been fighting bedtime, trying to climb out of his crib, and we’ve ended up staying next to him until he finally falls asleep… sometimes up to two hours later!”
While this can feel frustrating, it’s completely normal. Your toddler doesn’t hate sleep—he’s just testing boundaries and figuring out how much control he has over his world. That doesn’t mean you need to give up your evenings. Here’s how to get bedtime back on track.
5 Tips for Managing Your 2-Year-Old Who Doesn’t Want to Sleep
1. Stick to a Consistent Nap and Bedtime Schedule
At Rockin’Blinks, we’re big believers in early, age-appropriate bedtimes. Research shows that overtired kids have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. That second wind your toddler gets at the end of the day? It’s often a sign that his body is releasing stress hormones because he missed his natural sleep window.
Two-year-olds typically need 4.5 to 5 hours of awake time between their nap and bedtime. This means they should be asleep (not just starting their bedtime routine) within that window.
And let’s talk naps—because they still matter! Nap time should happen at the same time every day (ideally between 12-1 PM). Some kids do fine with an hour-long nap, while others need up to three. Skipping naps too often can lead to overtired meltdowns and night wakings.
2. Have A Moment To Talk With Your Toddler about the bedtime routine
On the night you’re ready to reset bedtime, sit down with your toddler and explain things in simple terms:
“Hey buddy, I know it’s fun to stay up and play. I love playing with you too! But our bodies need rest to grow big and strong. So here’s what we do before bed…”
Then walk through the bedtime routine: brush teeth, potty/diaper, pajamas, one book, crib/bed, lights out, and sleep. You can even role-play with stuffed animals to make it fun. Whatever you decide, make sure your toddler knows exactly what to expect.
3. Be Ready for Some Pushback (And Don’t Panic!)
If you’ve been rocking your toddler to sleep or sitting with him until he dozes off, expect some protest when you change things up. Toddlers don’t love change. They might cry, bargain, or attempt the classic “just one more hug” trick.
Hold your ground like you would at the crosswalk:
“I know you’re upset. It’s okay to feel that way. But it’s time to sleep, and I’m right here.”
If you decide to stay in the room, gradually move further away from the crib every few nights. If you’re leaving the room, reassure your child from outside if needed. Either way, keep interactions minimal—the less you engage, the faster he’ll adjust.
4. Expect Bedtime to Take a While at First
The first few nights might feel endless but stay consistent. Whether it takes 10 minutes or an hour, your job is to hold the boundary, not rush the process. This isn’t traumatic—it’s just a new rule. And, like all new rules, it takes time to get used to.
5. Handling Night Wakings Without Losing Your Mind
All humans wake up 4-6 times a night (yes, even adults!). When sleep is solid, these wake-ups are brief and unnoticed. But when a toddler is struggling with bedtime, he’s more likely to wake fully and call for you.
When this happens, respond the same way you did at bedtime. If you’re using a gradual approach, keep interactions minimal while staying close. If you’re reinforcing independent sleep, offer reassurance from outside the room. The key is consistency.
What Happens If My Child Starts Climbing Out of the Crib?
If your toddler suddenly turns into a mini escape artist, don’t panic! There are ways to keep the crib safe and decide whether it’s time for a transition. Check out our full guide on what to do when your toddler starts climbing out of the crib for practical tips and next steps.
Hang in There—Better Sleep is Possible!
Toddler sleep struggles can be exhausting, but they don’t have to last forever. It’s easy to feel like your child just “doesn’t need much sleep” or “hates bedtime,” but the reality is—all humans need sleep, and toddlers need even more than we think.
If you’re ready to set some boundaries, stay consistent, and trust the process, we promise—peaceful nights are on the horizon. You got this! And if you ever need extra support, Rockin’Blinks is here to help. 😴✨
