Night waking from 6 months -3 years

What is night waking?

Waking up many times through the night (recurrent night waking) is very common in infants and toddlers. But it can be very distressing for parents. Sleep is made up of cycles which last about an hour in this age group. A sleep cycle is made up of both light and deep sleep. It is normal for children to wake at night when a sleep cycle comes to an end. Many children can easily resettle themselves back to sleep. Other children will call out needing their parents to help them resettle.

What are sleep associations?

Sleep associations are habits that develop in an attempt to soothe children to sleep. Some examples are needing to feed a child for sleep or techniques such as patting, rocking or holding the child until they fall asleep in the parent’s arms. Specific attachment to one parent, usually the mother, can also be a sleep association. Sleep associations are not a problem for all children, but those who don’t settle easily and wake frequently at night are more likely to become dependent on these sleep associations.

Ways to promote better sleep routines

Try to keep a consistent and predictable routine each evening so your child learns what to expect and when. Children feel safe when they know what to predict
High energy play in the hour or two before bedtime can make it harder for your child to fall asleep. Instead, try to have some quiet time before your child is put to bed
Feeding your child immediately before bedtime can become a sleep association. Instead, try to feed them at least half an hour before bed
If dummies have become a sleep association, attempt to give them up. Letting your child hold a doll or small blanket for a short while after stopping the dummy can be helpful.
Techniques such as patting or rocking your child to sleep are fine before the age of 5-6 months. Older than this and they can also become sleep associations – cut down on their use if this is the case.
Try to put your child into the cot awake at bedtime and try to teach them to settle themselves to sleep.
Try to leave the room and go back for brief but regular checking until they are asleep. Try to limit the amount of verbal contact this way they know you are there but won't get over stimulated If leaving the room is too distressing, sit quietly on a chair until they fall asleep. You can gradually move out of the room in time.
Be consistent in your behaviour, children learn quickly what is expected if they are able to predict what is going to happen 100% of the time. Decide on a technique that resonates with you. It is important to set your own limits. Each family is different.
Try to share the bedtime routine with your partner. But try to stick to the same routine
If you are having trouble, contact your doctor for extra help.

Ages to Consider

6-18Months: Children from 6 months on become much more aware of their environment and are also going through what is known as a peak attachment period (when they don't want to be away from Mum and Dad and are increasingly weary of strangers). This can sometimes result in them not wanting to leaving you to go to bed or when being upset and unable to sleep when they are left with a baby sitter. This is normal and they won't always be this dependant on you.

2 - 3 years: Children in the age are starting to develope a vivid imagination this can result in dreams which can sometimes cause them to wake up and look for reasurence. Let them know they are safe with mimumum fuss and verbal contact.

Follow-up

Once your child has learnt to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, be wary of times of change. Coughs and colds or holidays away can be enough to upset the child’s routine and may lead to a recurrence of night waking. Be aware of this, and try to be consistent during those times of change. If holidays away cause disruption, to return to the sleep routine once home again.

Key points to remember

Night waking happens when children cannot settle themselves back to sleep when they wake up in the night.
Children and parents can get exhausted if it continues.
Sleep associations can encourage night waking. These sleep associations should be reduced or stopped if they seem to be causing the problem.
Good routines, consistency, and reassurance can help resolve the night waking.

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