
Has your little one started to experience nighttime fears? Have they become afraid of the dark, or monsters in their bedroom? Do they wake up in the middle of the night, crying and terrified? Whilst it’s distressing for both you and your toddler, it’s common for young children to experience anxiety and fears at nighttime.
In this blog post, we will explore why toddlers experience nighttime fears and provide some strategies to help support and comfort them during these challenging moments.
First, let’s look at why toddlers have night fears. Night fears are a normal part of a child’s development, and they often start to emerge around the age of two or three. Several factors contribute to these nighttime anxieties:
While it may be distressing to witness your toddler experiencing night fears, there are several ways you can provide comfort and support:
When your child experiences fear at nighttime or wakes up from a nightmare, it’s essential to acknowledge their fear and let them know that their emotions are valid. Offer reassurance and let them express their feelings. You might like to read Less questions, more naming: How to support your toddler’s development.
Replace: ‘You’re safe in your room, there’s no such thing as monsters’
With: ‘I can see you’re scared of the dark. I’m here for you. Do you need a cuddle?’
Ensure your child’s sleep environment is calm, comfortable, and free from any stimulating or scary elements. Use a night light, a favourite stuffed animal, or comforting music to create a soothing atmosphere.
Top sleep tip: Replace blue nightlights that can suppress the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) with red night lights. Blue night lights can signal wakefulness to the brain, and lead to poor sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness.
A predictable bedtime routine helps toddlers feel secure and know what to expect. Some children need calming activities like reading a book, cuddling, or singing lullabies to help them wind down before sleep, while others need movement, giggles, and high energy games.
Connection tip: Find what kind of bedtime routine works best for your unique child, and do it consistently. The key here is to spend some special time with them connecting and filling their cup for a more contented, regulated sleep.
Talk to your child about their fears during the daytime when they feel more secure. Listen attentively, empathise with their concerns, and offer age-appropriate explanations to help alleviate their worries.
Play can be a powerful tool for toddlers to express and communicate their fears of nighttime. Here are some good ways to incorporate play to help toddlers express and cope with their fears:
Be mindful of the media and stories your child is exposed to, as they can contribute to their fears. Choose age-appropriate books, TV shows, and movies that promote positive and non-threatening content.
Screens and sleep tip: Some children are highly sensitive to the stimulating images and blue light emitted from devices, so you might find it beneficial to stop screen time 1-2 hours before bedtime.
Introduce simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualisation exercises during the daytime. Practise these techniques together so your child can use them independently when they feel scared at night.
See our list of 9 relaxation techniques for toddlers to promote calm and wellbeing
Nighttime fears are a normal part of a toddler’s development and often diminish over time. By understanding the reasons behind these fears and providing the right gentle support, parents can help their little ones navigate through these nighttime anxieties. Remember, patience, empathy, and a comforting presence go a long way in helping toddlers overcome their night fears and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.