Toddler sleep

[Cathy31]

Hi everyone. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on toddler sleep? My baby (14 months) has been a pretty bad sleeper from the start. She still doesn't reliably sleep through and if she does, will sleep for max. 10.5 hours at night. During the day, she's down to one 30min nap (she was on 2 30min naps from she was about 5 months old). Is this normal? If not, what can I do??? She will always nap for longer at nursery (at least an hour, usually more). Thanks!

Oh I had one of those! I feel your pain. If it's any consolation, she's seven now and loves a lie in! I think 14 months is still quite young when it comes to sleeping through and 10 hours at night is pretty good going. I don't think there's any 'normal' per se. They're all different (my second child was a great sleeper from day one and still is, though likes to be up with the larks). When she does wake at night, is she thirsty/hungry?

Are you doing any activities in the morning or afternoon that would reliably wear her out? Like swimming or soft play? She could be napping longer at nursery because she's worn out from all the goings on.

If you're really concerned, is there a children's centre/Sure Start near you where you could go for advice?

Hi @Eurotrotters. Thank you for replying! It's so good to know your first sleeps well now, and your second is a good sleeper!! I agree the night time sleep with my baby is pretty good. It's just that, since she's only getting 10ish hours at most at night, I think she needs a longer nap, so that she's getting enough sleep over all. I take her swimming weekly, and out for day trips etc, but no matter what we do, and even on the days when she's been in nursery all morning, her nap will only ever be 30 min, unless it happens at nursery. But I think you're probably right that 14 months is still quite young for long naps/ sleeping through. She probably just needs a bit more time to grow out of the short nap.

If she’s sleeping longer at nursery, could it be something about the environment that helps her link sleep cycles? My DD was no good at napping if it was completely quiet, she needed a bit of background noise to feel reassured that people were around, I think it made her feel safe. I tried white noise in her room but that didn’t work, so in the end I used to have her nap on the sofa, and I’d put something on the TV while she slept! Something with lots of dialogue and no action - downtown abbey worked a treat! Maybe try tweaking the conditions a bit? It also helped my DD to have light contrast - lots of light and outdoor time in the morning as soon as possible, then nap time really dark.

Thanks @crazychemist, this is a great suggestion. We do darken the room but are always really quiet - hadn't occurred to me to change this!! Will definitely give Downton abbey a go!