Toddler Sleep

Toddler & Preschool Sleep (Ages 1-5)

Toddlers and preschoolers are notorious for sleep struggles — bedtime battles, night wakings, early rising, and endless requests for "one more thing."

Here's how to solve the most common toddler sleep problems.

Bedtime Battles

• The Never-Ending Bedtime — A concrete plan for bedtime resistance
• The Bedtime Pass — My favorite technique for kids who keep coming out of their room
• The Excuse Me Drill — A gentle approach for anxious kids

Night Wakings in Toddlers

• Why Does My Toddler Wake Up at Night? — Common causes and solutions
• Sleep Associations Explained — The root cause of most night wakings
• Camping Out Sleep Training — A gradual method that works well for toddlers

Transitioning Out of Co-Sleeping

• Want to Stop Co-Sleeping? Here's How — Step-by-step guide for any age

Early Morning Waking

• Early Morning Awakenings: What to Do — Why toddlers wake at 5am and how to shift it later

Sleep Regressions

• Sleep Regressions: FAQ and Tips — What's real and what to do about them

Napping

• Does Napping After Age 2 Spoil Sleep? — When to drop the nap

Get More Help

My book It's Never Too Late to Sleep Train covers toddler and preschool sleep in depth — including the specific techniques that work for this age.

Or get started with my free Sleep Training Jumpstart:

Originally published November 2025. Last reviewed/updated by Dr. Craig Canapari, MD in November 2025