Understanding Toddler Nighttime Wake-Ups

It’s one of the more frustrating parenting moments: your toddler, who once slept soundly through the night, suddenly begins waking up frequently. The wake-ups seem to come out of nowhere—and just when you thought you were in a good rhythm. You’re left asking, What happened? and more importantly, How do we get back on track?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many toddlers go through periods of sleep regression, and more often than not, there’s a common culprit: naps.

What’s Really Behind Those Nighttime Wake-Ups?
When toddlers start waking multiple times a night after previously sleeping well, it can feel like a mystery. But in most cases, it’s less about mystery and more about timing—especially around naps.

Many toddlers are still napping daily between 18 months and 3 years old, which is completely normal. But if that nap is too long, too late in the day, or both, it can disrupt their natural sleep drive at bedtime. What you end up with is a toddler who isn’t tired enough to settle at night—or who wakes multiple times, confused and overtired.

This can easily turn into a cycle: your toddler naps too late, doesn’t sleep well at night, and then needs an earlier or longer nap the next day to recover… and the pattern continues.

So, What Can You Do?
Thankfully, this type of sleep setback can often be corrected with a few key changes:
1. Adjust the Nap Schedule
Aim to have your toddler awake from their nap by 2:00 p.m. at the latest. Most toddlers need at least 5–6 hours of awake time between their nap and bedtime. If your little one sleeps too late in the afternoon, it can interfere with their natural bedtime rhythm and lead to those frustrating night wakings.

2. Cap Nap Length If Needed
If your toddler is napping for two or more hours and then struggling at night, consider gradually shortening the nap to 90 minutes or even an hour. Yes, this can feel counterintuitive—but often, less daytime sleep equals better nighttime sleep.

3. Hold Firm to Boundaries—Especially at Night
This can be the hardest part. Parents often notice that toddlers sleep well at daycare or for a nanny, but struggle at night with mom or dad. That’s not a coincidence. Toddlers are smart and know where the boundaries are a little softer. If they sense they can get more stories, another sip of water, or some middle-of-the-night snuggles by calling out, they’re likely to keep doing it.
It’s so important to lovingly but clearly maintain nighttime boundaries. Reassure your toddler that they are safe and that it’s time for sleep—but avoid lengthy interactions during night wakings. This helps avoid reinforcing the idea that waking up leads to attention or playtime.

4. Don’t Rush the Move to a Toddler Bed
It’s tempting to think that transitioning to a toddler bed will solve your child’s sleep struggles—especially if they seem to dislike the crib. But making this switch during a period of sleep disruption often makes things worse.

Why? Because a toddler who is struggling to sleep now has freedom. They can get out of bed, explore their room, or find their way to your bedside. Unless your child is climbing out of the crib and creating a safety concern, it’s often best to wait until sleep is stable before making the switch to a big kid bed.

The Bottom Line
If your once-great sleeper has suddenly turned into a middle-of-the-night visitor, you’re not doing anything wrong—and you’re certainly not alone. Often, all it takes is a few thoughtful adjustments and some consistent boundaries to get back on track.
Remember: toddlers thrive on structure and consistency. With a bit of patience (and maybe a few earlier nap wake-ups), your little one will be back to restful nights before long.