What to do When Your Toddler Won't Stay Asleep ?

  By Attipas Australia's founder and mum-of-three, Caroline Africh  

UNDERSTANDING TODDLER SLEEP PATTERNS

As a parent, you may have experienced the frustration of trying to get your toddler to stay asleep through the night. Understanding your toddler's sleep patterns is the first step in addressing this common challenge.

The Science of Toddler Sleep

Toddlers typically need around 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. However, their sleep patterns can be different from those of adults. Toddlers often experience lighter sleep and more frequent awakenings during the night, which can contribute to difficulties in staying asleep.

Common Sleeping Challenges in Toddlers

There are several common reasons why your toddler won't stay asleep through the night. These may include separation anxiety, fear of the dark, discomfort from teething or illness, or simply a disruption in their sleep routine.

Impact of Inadequate Sleep on Toddlers

Inadequate sleep can have a significant impact on toddlers. It can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and behavioral issues. Additionally, insufficient sleep can affect their physical development and overall well-being.

CREATING A SOOTHING BEDTIME ROUTINE

Establishing a soothing consistent bedtime routine is essential for helping your toddler stay asleep through the night. 

Start the Bedtime Routine Earlier

You can start by moving it just thirty minutes earlier. Have a routine: brush their teeth, wash their face, and play with them. Then read them a story and cuddle. After this, most kids can't help but get sleepy.

Importance of Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines. Try to establish a consistent schedule for bedtime and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.

Relaxing Activities Before Bed

Incorporate calming activities into your toddler's bedtime routine, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle yoga stretches. These activities can help signal to your toddler that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

While some recommend tiring your baby out, an overtired toddler may find it hard to sleep. The deal is that they quietly play with toys in their room for a certain period. Eventually, they'll wind down and fall asleep.

It is easier for a toddler to fall asleep when it's calm and comfortable than to suddenly fall asleep after a busy day. Try turning on white noise to help them relax and sleep. Some children sleep so much better with it.

Setting the Right Environment for Sleep

Create a sleep-conducive environment by keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Keep screens out of the room. Make sure they are comfortable. Dress them lightly and turn the heat down. Sometimes the room may be too hot to stay asleep in.

If the child can't sleep without the lights on, consider using a nightlight if your toddler is afraid of the dark, and ensure that their bedding is comfortable and soothing.

ADDRESSING NIGHTTIME FEARS AND ANXIETY

Nighttime fears and anxiety can contribute to your toddler's inability to stay asleep through the night.

Common Toddler Nighttime Fears

Toddlers may experience fears of monsters, ghosts, or being alone. These fears can cause them to wake up during the night and have difficulty going back to sleep.

Strategies to Ease Nighttime Anxiety

Offer reassurance and comfort to your toddler when they express fears or anxiety. Consider using a transitional object, such as a favourite stuffed animal or blanket, to provide them with a sense of security.

Encouraging Independence at Bedtime

Encouraging your toddler to feel more independent at bedtime can help reduce nighttime fears. This can be done by gradually transitioning from staying with them until they fall asleep to allowing them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

MANAGING NIGHT WAKINGS

Nighttime fears and anxiety can cont.It's common for toddlers to experience night wakings, but there are strategies to help manage this issue.

Identifying the Reasons for Night Wakings  

Pay attention to the reasons why your toddler is waking up during the night. It could be due to hunger, discomfort, a wet diaper, or simply a habit of needing reassurance.

Gentle Techniques for Soothing Night Wakings

When your toddler wakes up during the night, use gentle techniques to soothe them back to sleep. This may include offering a drink of water, comforting them with a gentle touch, or quietly reassuring them that it's time to go back to sleep.

Encouraging Self-Soothing Skills

Encouraging your toddler to develop self-soothing skills can help them learn to fall back asleep independently. This may involve teaching them to use a comfort object or practicing relaxation techniques.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR BETTER TODDLER SLEEP

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, other factors can impact your toddler's sleep.

Nutrition and Its Impact on Sleep

Ensure that your toddler's meals and snacks are balanced and timed appropriately to support good sleep. Avoid giving them sugary or caffeinated foods and drinks close to bedtime.

The Role of Physical Activity

Encourage regular physical activity during the day, as it can help your toddler expend energy and promote better sleep at night.

Understanding Developmental Milestones and Sleep Changes

Encouraging your toddler to feel more independent at bedtime can help reduce nighttime fears. This can be done by gradually transitioning from staying with them until they fall asleep to allowing them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their ownKeep in mind that your toddler's sleep patterns may change as they reach different developmental milestones. Be patient and adaptable as their sleep needs evolve.

By understanding your toddler's sleep patterns and implementing these strategies, you can help your little one have sweet dreams and enjoy peaceful nights. Remember, every child is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for your toddler. With patience and consistency, you can support your toddler in developing healthy sleep habits for a lifetime of restful nights.

Are you struggling to get shoes on your baby?

The whole idea behind Attipas baby shoes is that less is more. Goodbye to heavy shoes and socks, and hello to lightweight, practical, flexible shoe-socks that let babies 'feel' the ground.

Attipas slip on like a sock, saving you time as you rush your toddler out the front door. That’s why our founder, Caroline Africh, originally brought Attipas to Australia and our entire range can easily replace all the other shoes and socks in your baby's cupboard. 

As Seen at the Oscars!

Attipas baby shoes made it to the Oscars! Founder Caroline Africh and her team were flown to Hollywood where they handed out Attipas baby shoes to celebrities including Zoe Saldana, who is a huge fan.

Caroline also made an appearance on the Today Show where she talks to David Campbell and Sonia Kruger about getting close and personal with Ryan Gosling!

While other brands may sell 'first shoes' for babies, Attipas are the only baby shoes that successfully mimic barefoot walking.  And the evidence is clear.

Attipas baby shoes come in six sizes and can be worn from 6 months to 4 years. They start from $39.95 and are sold on the Attipas Australia website.

Attipas baby shoes come in over 50 colours in an identical design that slips on like a sock but supports like a shoe. Bestsellers include Attipas Sneaker: cute, sneaker-style shoes that look like traditional Converse; Attipas Rainbow: unisex, bright and bold stripes that match any outfit; Attipas Attibebe: soft pastel tones, a favourite for girls; and Attipas Marine: cute nautical themed pre-walkers, a favourite for boys.

Our founder, Caroline Africh, discovered Attipas baby shoes on a holiday in Japan and knew she needed to bring them to Australia. As a mum of a then 1 year old, Caroline had unique insight into exactly what a toddler should be wearing on their feet while learning to walk. An avid fan of the barefoot movement, Caroline says: “As a new mother, I was very conscious about selecting the right first shoes for my baby.”

“The biggest mistake parents make when choosing first baby shoes is that they think they need to be structured,” Caroline says. “The reality is that science really speaks for itself. Being barefoot helps baby develop brain function and the barefoot movement has been massive for decades. When choosing suitable pre-walking shoes for babies, parents need to select something that mimics the concept of walking barefoot.” 

Long before Caroline founded Attipas Australia, she had two very successful careers—first as an auditor, and then secondly as a project manager.

Caroline began her career as an IT auditor in the early 2000's, working for PwC Sydney as a graduate. Not feeling as though she 'fit in', it was then she realised her aspirations to become an entrepreneur — which she would later fulfil by bringing Attipas shoes to Australia.

At age 25, Caroline packed her bags and moved to London, and just like that, she worked her way up the chain to become a Project Manager in an investment bank. Over the next five years, she managed several large-scale IT implementations however still felt like something was 'missing' from her work life.

In her early 30s, Caroline had a baby and moved back to Sydney. After nearly a decade working in corporate, Caroline wanted to start her own business and become an entrepreneur. As a new mum conscious about baby foot health, Caroline discovered Attipas shoes in Japan and knew it was her inner calling to bring Attipas to Australia. We are proud to say: she succeeded. As seen on the Today Show, at the Oscars and on Shark Tank, over 500k pairs have been sold since Attipas arrived in 2012.

Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australian parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.

“Caroline's 'less-is-more' approach to toddler foot health has been adopted by hundreds of thousands of Australia parents, who use Attipas on their babies every single day.”

What our customers are saying about us...

“We bought these for our then 11 month old and they are the perfect baby shoe! They protect little toes, are easy to walk in even for an early walker, and the sock-style means she can't pull them off. She's one now and loves them so much that she sometimes brings them to you to put them on for her, even inside! Very glad we bought the next size up as well.” — Victoria

All Attipas Products are tailor-made for environmentally conscious families.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet. That’s why our products are non-toxic and contain no formaldehyde or BPA.  They are also vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. We also keep packaging to a minimum and use cardboard over plastics where possible.

Anyone can have allergies. If your baby or toddler has any discomfort or a rash develops, discontinue use and consult your doctor.