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.
Step-by-Step plan to Help Your Toddler Sleep again
1. Stick to a Consistent Nap and Bedtime Schedule
If you’ve been following us at Rockin’Blinks, you already know we’re big fans of early, age-appropriate bedtimes.
Research shows that overtired children have a much harder time falling and staying asleep. That burst of energy you often see in the evening? It’s not your toddler suddenly becoming a night owl — it’s a sign their body is releasing stress hormones because they’ve missed their ideal sleep window.
At two years old, most children can stay awake for about 4.5 to 5 hours between the end of their nap and bedtime. This means they should already be asleep by the end of that window — not just starting their routine.
Naps still play a critical role at this age, helping with learning, memory, and emotional regulation. Around noon, there’s a natural dip in alertness, making it an ideal time to start a nap. Aim for a consistent start between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Some toddlers only need an hour, while others might nap for up to 3 hours.
2. Have A Moment To Talk With Your Toddler about the bedtime routine
On the night you’re ready to get back on track, take a few quiet moments at bedtime to talk with your child. Use simple language to acknowledge what’s been going on:
“Hey buddy, I know it’s been hard to go to sleep lately. I love playing with you too! But now it’s time to let our bodies rest.”
Walk them through the routine so it feels predictable and familiar:
“First, we brush our teeth. Then we use the potty or change into a clean diaper. Next, we put on our pajamas, read a book or talk about our day, and then we go into bed, say goodnight, and sleep until morning.”
You can even act out the routine with toys to help make it playful and clear.
Whether you plan to stay in the room or step out, be consistent and let your toddler know what to expect.
3. Be ready for frustration and big emotions (And Don’t Panic!)
If your child is used to being rocked to sleep or having you nearby, and you’re planning a change, prepare for pushback. We wish toddlers would say, “Sure, Mom/Dad! See you in the morning!” — but we know that’s not how it works.
So take a deep breath, own your decision, and lead with confidence. Validate their emotions, but stay the course:
“I know this is hard. I’m right here. It’s time to sleep, and I’ll take you out of the crib in the morning.”
Your calm presence matters. Avoid over-talking — sometimes silence is more reassuring than words. Your toddler may cry or protest as they adjust, but that doesn’t mean the new plan isn’t working.
If you’re staying in the room, start close and gradually move further away every three nights. Keep interactions minimal and always explain what’s changing.
If you’re leaving the room, you can offer comfort with your voice from outside.
4. How long will it take for my child to fall asleep?
Honestly? We don’t know — and that’s okay. It’s normal to see that the first few nights of change there is resistance and frustration.
Some nights it may take 10 minutes, others much longer. That’s part of the process. What matters is that the new rules are consistent. Your child is learning a new skill — falling asleep independently — and they need your patience and trust. As your child trusts in the new routine, he will feel more and more comfortable and discover how to fall asleep without having to worry about what is changing.
This isn’t trauma. It’s a boundary. And it’s totally normal for a toddler to push back. Stay calm and steady until they fall asleep.
5. What if they wake during the night?
Night wakings are completely normal. We all wake briefly several times a night when transitioning between sleep cycles — we just don’t remember it.
But while your child is still adjusting, they might wake fully and need your support. When this happens, do exactly what you did at bedtime — whether that means reassuring them from outside the room or sitting nearby with minimal interaction.
6. What if my child poops during the night or while protesting?
Teaching your child to fall asleep in the crib does not mean ignoring their needs.
If your child has a dirty diaper, calmly change them:
“Hey buddy, it looks like you need a diaper change. Let’s get you clean.”
Keep your tone steady and interaction minimal, then return them to the crib.
The same applies if your child is sick — of course, go to them and care for them. Setting boundaries around sleep doesn’t mean withholding comfort. Quite the opposite — it’s a way of protecting their sleep and teaching them they’re safe and capable of resting on their own.
7. What should I do during nap time?
Nap time is still sleep time — so ideally, follow the same plan. Your nap routine can be simpler (no need for pajamas), but once your toddler is in the crib, stick to the same approach.
If they’re struggling to fall asleep, try for up to one hour. If they’re still awake, end the nap and continue with your day. But remember: early bedtime is essential on no-nap days. Don’t be afraid of a 5:00 pm bedtime! (We promise we’re not crazy — it really works.)
An early bedtime helps your toddler fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and even sleep later the next morning.
8. 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!
We know how frustrating sleep can feel during toddlerhood. It’s easy to believe your child just doesn’t like to sleep — or doesn’t need much — or hates their room. But sleep is a biological need, and toddlers often need more of it than we realize.
You’re not alone if setting healthy sleep routines feels hard. It is hard — and completely normal to struggle.
But don’t give up. If you’re ready to set some clear boundaries and ride out a few tough nights, we promise: peaceful evenings are possible.
We’re rooting for you. Always.
