Once your toddler has learnt the skills of walking and talking, you may find that they are also doing both in their sleep as well as while awake.
If your toddler sleeps in his own bed he may experience sleep walking or talking at some point. It is said that 15% of children experience an episode at least once.
Sleepwalking is generally genetic, though not strictly. So if you or any of your family experience sleepwalking there is a chance your toddler may also.
If you find that your toddler has taken to having a wander around the house it can be very scary and frightening for you as you will worry about his safety.
There are many things that can trigger sleepwalking such as a fever or sleeping in a new and strange environment.
Sleepwalking will most often happen in the first three hours of sleep during the non-REM period of sleep.
If you are anxious about your toddler hurting themselves when sleepwalking, there are some steps you can take to ensure their safety.
Bedtime routine
Ensure their bedtime routine is strict and predictable. Your toddler gets comfort from routine. This may help them to have an interrupted sleep.
Ensure their bedtime routine is strict and predictable. Your toddler gets comfort from routine. This may help them to have an interrupted sleep.
Baby monitor
Keep a baby monitor by your bed or wherever you are so you can hear if your toddler stirs or gets up.
Keep a baby monitor by your bed or wherever you are so you can hear if your toddler stirs or gets up.
Safety proof
Ensure the ground everywhere is clear so your toddler doesn’t trip over anything. Install a gate at the top of the stairs to stop your toddler from being able to go downstairs.
Ensure the ground everywhere is clear so your toddler doesn’t trip over anything. Install a gate at the top of the stairs to stop your toddler from being able to go downstairs.
Make sure all doors and windows are shut tight and don’t underestimate a toddler’s ability to climb.
Try to limit the amount of places your toddler could go if he sleepwalks. Lock all bedroom doors not in use and close off the stairs.
Back to bed
Rather than waking up a sleepwalking child, guide your toddler back to bed gently.
Rather than waking up a sleepwalking child, guide your toddler back to bed gently.
If you wake them up they may get a shock and be scared that they do not remember getting there.
Also do not talk to your child about their sleepwalking or even sleeptalking as they may get scared about going to bed. If your toddler has siblings, do not allow them to mention the incident to your toddler either.
