Logo - The Possums baby and toddler sleep program.Logo - The Possums baby and toddler sleep program.
menu-icon-libraryfull programsmenu-icon-audioaudio program
what is the possums sleep program?building this program from the scienceresearch that shows it workstestimonials from parents
speak to dr pam
login-iconlogin

Welcome back!

Forgot password
sign up
search

Search programs

Possums Toddler Sleep 101 icon

Possums Toddler Sleep 101


  • Introduction to this brief & simple section of the Possums Toddler Sleep Program
  • Key things to know about toddlers' sleep
  • How much sleep does your toddler need?
  • Is it normal for toddlers to wake in the night?
  • Night waking in toddlers - how much is too much?
  • Toddlers' body clock
  • Toddlers' sleep pressure
  • Toddlers need sensory nourishment
  • Toddlers' bedtime
  • Feeds and cuddles help toddlers sleep
  • Key steps to help with toddlers' sleep
  • Have your toddler wake up at the same time each day
  • Problems with toddler day naps
  • Using sleep pressure to help toddler sleep
  • Active evenings help with toddlers' sleep
  • Problems with toddler night-time sleep

Next article

Sign up now
  • Possums Toddler Sleep 101
  • S1: Possums toddler sleep 101 (brief & simple)

Key steps to help with toddlers' sleep

Dr Pamela Douglas4th of Oct 202323rd of May 2024

toddler playing in living room with books

This page is part of a collection of short articles called Brief & simple, which together make up a quick summary of The Possums Sleep Program in plain language. For comprehensive information and support, please go to The essentials section of The Possums Sleep Program, and begin to work your way through the program's online text and videos.

Here's an overview of useful things to try that can help with your toddler's sleep. Research studies into The Possums Sleep Program have shown that these strategies are very helpful for many parents.

  • If your toddler is waking a lot at night, reset your toddler's body clock with a regular get up time.

  • Try gradually making your toddler's bedtime later at night, closer to your own.

  • Day-time naps might only be a few moments long, and that is normal. This helps to increase your toddler's sleep pressure at night.

  • Spend lots of time outside the home during the day doing things you/the carer enjoy, such as walking, meeting with friends or attending parent groups.

Acknowledgements

I'm grateful to Professor Sophie Havighurst, Ros June, and Caroline Ma at Mindful, The University of Melbourne, for their feedback on the articles in the Brief & simple section of The Possums Sleep Program. They helped me keep the language plain and the concepts as accessible as possible. For comprehensive information and support, please go to The essentials section of The Possums Sleep Program, and begin to work your way through the program's online text and videos.

Finished

share this article

Next up in Possums toddler sleep 101 (brief & simple)

Have your toddler wake up at the same time each day

two young children play in the daylight

This page is part of a collection of short articles called Brief & simple, which together make up a quick summary of The Possums Sleep Program in plain language. For comprehensive information and support, please go to The essentials section of The Possums Sleep Program, and begin to work your way through the program's online text and videos.

If your baby has disrupted sleep patterns at night, stick to a regular wake up time. This is how we reset your toddler's body clock.

However, it takes one or two…

Keep reading
logo-possums
decoration

About us

AboutCode of ethicsSpeak to Dr Pam

Programs

Browse sleep programsAudio programsGet advice

Help & Support

FAQsContact us

Legal

Privacy policyTerms & conditions

Get sleep tips and Possums updates straight to your inbox

Receive tips, updates, offers and more from Possums. We respect your privacy, and we'll never spam you. Unsubscribe anytime.

Dr Pam logo

© Dr Pamela Douglas 2025

Visit to learn more about the Possums project