Colin Snow
As children grow, their sleep requirements and sleeping arrangements change. While a bare crib is recommended for newborns, toddlers have different needs. A two-year-old toddler is no longer at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and can safely use thin blankets and small pillows. Some sources recommend introducing a pillow and/or blanket when a child is two years old, ideally when transitioning to a big bed. However, it is important to ensure the bed is free of hazards, such as toys that a child could use to climb out. Additionally, a simple and consistent bedtime routine can help get a toddler snugly into bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe to sleep with a sheet | Not recommended for babies due to the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation |
| Toddlers over the age of 2 can sleep with a thin blanket and a small pillow | |
| Toddlers should transition to a bed when they are 35 inches tall, or when the height of the side rail is less than three-quarters of their height | |
| Crib mattress | Should be lowered to the lowest setting to prevent toddlers from climbing out |
| Crib bumpers | Banned under the federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 |
| Crib toys | Only small stuffed animals are recommended to prevent stacking and climbing out of the crib |
| Crib placement | Should be away from objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords |
| Bedtime routine | Simple and consistent routines are recommended to help toddlers sleep |
| Daytime naps | Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 need about 11-14 hours of sleep, including one or two daytime naps |
| Screen time | Should be avoided as it can disrupt sleep |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep practices for toddlers
Once your baby becomes a toddler, the rules for safe sleep practices change. Toddlers are no longer at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so the guidelines are not as strict. However, there are still important things to consider to ensure your toddler sleeps safely.
Transitioning to a Toddler Bed
It is recommended that toddlers move to a bed when they are tall enough. Ideally, this should be when they are close to three years old. A good indicator is when they are 35 inches tall, or when the height of the side rail is less than three-quarters of their height. Most toddlers make the switch any time between 18 months and 3.5 years.
Creating a Safe Sleeping Space
Whether your toddler is in a crib or a bed, it is important to ensure their sleeping space is safe. Keep the crib or bed away from objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords. Also, watch out for items your toddler might pull into their crib or bed, like picture frames, mobiles, or other hazards.
Pillows, Blankets, and Stuffed Toys
Pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys no longer pose the same risk as they did when your child was a baby. Toddlers can now sleep with a thin blanket and a small pillow. However, make sure the pillow isn't big enough for your toddler to use as a step stool to climb out of their crib. It is still recommended to avoid large stuffed animals or soft toys.
Bedtime Routine
A simple and consistent bedtime routine can help get a sleepy toddler snugly into bed. This could be a warm bath, a bedtime story, or a quick song. It is important to keep interactions brief if your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night. Too much stimulation can make it difficult for them to fall back asleep.
Reducing Distractions
Toddlers are more aware of their surroundings, so distractions like screens (TV or tablets), noise, and toys can disrupt their sleep. Keep their bedroom quiet and free from hazards. You can also install a gate in the doorway to prevent them from wandering around the house.
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Transitioning from a crib to a bed
Transitioning a toddler from a crib to a bed is a complex process and a significant milestone for both the child and the parent. While there is no "right" age to make the switch, there are several factors and guidelines to consider.
Firstly, safety is paramount. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transitioning when children are between 18 months and 3 years old. However, this is a flexible guideline, and every child is unique in their development. Some toddlers may start climbing out of their cribs as early as 18 months, while others may be closer to 3 years old. If a child is regularly climbing out of their crib, it is no longer a safe sleeping environment, and transitioning to a bed may be necessary to prevent injuries from falls.
Another safety consideration is the height of the toddler. Once a child reaches 35 inches in height, it is recommended to transition to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail. This recommendation is based on the height of the side rail being less than three-quarters of the child's height.
Apart from safety, other factors can influence the timing of the transition. Toddlers' growing imaginations and awareness of their surroundings can impact their sleep. A consistent bedtime routine becomes increasingly important to help them wind down and fall asleep. If a toddler is sleeping well and safely in a crib, there is no rush to transition. Some toddlers may continue sleeping in a crib until they are almost 4 years old, especially if they are not showing signs of being ready for a big bed.
When introducing a pillow and blanket, it is generally recommended to wait until the child is at least 2 years old and ideally closer to 3. This is because younger toddlers may not have the impulse control to understand the concept of staying in bed, and pillows and blankets could become step stools for climbing out of the crib.
To make the transition smoother, parents can start by creating a safe sleeping space. Ensure that the crib mattress is at its lowest setting, and remove any toys or objects that the child could use to climb out. Install a gate in the doorway of the room to prevent the child from wandering around the house. Additionally, stick to a consistent bedtime routine and gradually introduce the idea of sleeping in a "big kid" bed to help your toddler adjust to this new milestone.
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Using pillows and blankets
When it comes to using pillows and blankets for toddlers, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to prioritise safety, as toddlers are curious and active, and their beds should be a safe space. Secondly, comfort is key to ensuring your toddler gets a good night's sleep.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safe to introduce a pillow and/or blanket when your child turns two years old. However, some parents and experts suggest waiting until the child is closer to three years old, as this aligns with the transition to a "big bed" and reduces the number of changes introduced at once. This transition usually occurs between 18 months and 3.5 years, but it's recommended to wait until they are closer to three if possible.
When introducing a pillow, ensure it is small and not too big for your toddler to use as a step stool to climb out of their crib or bed. It is also important to ensure that the pillow is not too large or thick for their small necks and bodies. You can introduce a pillow during naptime first, as your child will have melatonin, the natural sleepy hormone, on their side. This will help them adjust to the new item.
For blankets, it is recommended to start with lightweight, breathable options that are not bulky. Thicker comforters and quilts can be introduced when your child is older. Blankets should be thin and light, especially for toddlers who tend to push off covers during the night. In colder months, you can dress your toddler in warmer pyjamas or use a sleep sack to keep them warm without the need for a heavy blanket.
To ensure safety, keep the crib or bed away from objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords. Also, avoid oversized stuffed animals or toys with ribbons or strings, as these can pose a suffocation or strangulation risk. It is important to note that the crib or bed should be bare during the early days, with only a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.
Some parents choose to introduce pillows and blankets earlier, especially if their child shows interest or has older siblings. If your toddler is asking for a pillow or cuddling under blankets while reading or watching TV, it may be a sign that they are ready for this transition.
In summary, while it is generally considered safe to introduce pillows and blankets to toddlers from the age of two, it is important to prioritise safety and comfort, introduce these items gradually, and ensure the bedding is appropriate for their age and stage of development.
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Creating a safe sleep environment
Toddlers are curious and imaginative, and they might start looking for ways to climb out of their cribs. To prevent this, ensure that their crib mattress is set at the lowest possible level. If your toddler can climb out of the crib even with the mattress at the lowest setting, it's time to move them to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail. Most toddlers make this switch between 18 months and 3 years old, but it is recommended to wait until they are as close to age 3 as possible.
Keep the crib or bed away from objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords. Also, watch for items that your toddler might pull into their crib or bed, such as picture frames, mobiles, or other hazards. Avoid crib bumpers, as your child might use them to climb out. Instead, opt for a simple fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.
When it comes to blankets and pillows, it is generally considered safe to introduce them when your child is around two years old and has transitioned to a big bed. Start with lightweight, breathable blankets and small pillows that won't be used as stepping stools to climb out of the crib. Stuffed animals are fine, but keep them small and avoid oversized toys with ribbons or strings that could pose a strangulation risk.
To promote healthy sleep habits, establish a simple and consistent bedtime routine. Limit screen time, as it can disrupt your toddler's sleep. Keep the bedroom quiet and comfortable, and consider dressing your toddler in heavy pajamas during colder months instead of using blankets.
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Establishing a bedtime routine
A two-year-old can sleep with a thin blanket, and maybe a small pillow, but it is important to ensure that the pillow isn't big enough for them to use as a step stool to climb out of their crib. Blankets and pillows were previously considered a risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but toddlers are no longer at risk of SIDS.
Consistency is key
Having bedtime happen in the same way, at the same time every night helps your child establish healthy sleep habits. A consistent bedtime routine can help your child fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Most 2-year-olds go to bed between 7 pm and 8 pm, and a bedtime before 9 pm leads to better toddler sleep.
Create a soothing environment
Keep the lights dim, the noise down, and the screens off. If there are older siblings at home, remind them to be quiet once your toddler starts getting ready for bed. Make sure your child is comfortable before leaving the room.
Offer a transitional object
A small soft blanket or stuffed animal can give your toddler a sense of security. They might even want to make saying goodnight to their lovey a part of the routine.
Establish a bedtime routine chart
A bedtime routine chart can be a great visual tool to help maintain a bedtime routine and reduce stalling. The simple act of following the chart gives your child a sense of control over their routine, while still maintaining your loving boundaries and expectations.
Prepare your child in advance
If there are any changes to the routine, such as a night where you're leaving your toddler with a sitter, it can be helpful to talk to your child about it before the sitter arrives. Toddlers thrive when they know what's coming, and this advance notice will help your toddler be more adaptable when bedtime approaches.
Wind-down time
Start the bedtime routine with a calm activity that helps your child transition from their active daytime to restful nighttime. This could include quiet play, drawing, or listening to soft music.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally considered safe for a 2-year-old to sleep with a sheet. The risk of SIDS decreases after the first year, and most toddlers are no longer at risk after the age of 2.
It is recommended to use a lightweight, breathable sheet that is not too bulky. You can opt for a fitted sheet that can be tucked in securely on all sides.
Yes, instead of a sheet, you can use a sleep sack or a swaddle, which are considered safe alternatives to keep your toddler warm without covering their face and reducing the risk of suffocation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that it is safe to introduce a pillow and/or blanket to a 2-year-old. However, some sleep consultants recommend waiting until the child is 3 years old, as this transition can be overwhelming.
Yes, it is important to ensure that the sheet is tucked in securely to prevent any tripping hazards. Additionally, keep the crib or bed away from objects with ties or strings, such as window blind pulls, curtains, or electrical cords. Also, consider keeping the curtains or blinds closed to block sunlight and lower the crib mattress to prevent climbing.
