How to Keep Your Toddler’s Sleep on Track as Summer Approaches
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, many families find themselves spending more time outdoors and staying up later - and while that can be wonderful for making memories, it can also wreak havoc on your toddler’s sleep.
If you’re starting to notice bedtime battles, early wakeups, or more nighttime disruptions, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explore how to keep your toddler’s sleep on track during spring and summer, even with all the seasonal changes in daylight, schedules, and routines.
Why Summer Disrupts Toddler Sleep
Before we get to the solutions, let’s look at what’s working against your child’s sleep this time of year:
Longer daylight hours confused their internal clock.
Evening outdoor play leads to overstimulation.
Changes in daycare, school, or vacation schedules create inconsistency.
Travel and sleepovers interrupt familiar routines.
The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can keep your toddler’s sleep consistent and predictable - even when summer fun is in full swing.
Stick to a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Even if bedtime shifts a little later during the summer, keep your wind-down routine predictable. Toddlers thrive on consistency, and their bodies rely on familiar cues to know that it’s time to sleep.
Try to do:
Bath
Pajamas
Books
Bedtime song
Lights out
The timing may adjust slightly, but the order and the calm tone should stay the same.
2. Use Blackout Curtains to Block the Light
One of the biggest sleep challenges in the spring and summer is the late sunset. Toddlers often resist sleep when it’s still light out, so creating a dark sleep environment is key.
Blackout curtains are one of the best investments for summer sleep. They help trigger melatonin production, which supports falling and staying asleep.
Bonus: They can also help reduce those too-early morning wakeups caused by the sun peeking in.
3. Calm the Chaos After Evening Play
Evening walks, playground time, or backyard fun are great - but if your toddler is wild 30 minutes before bed, it’s time to shift the energy.
After coming inside:
Dim the lights
Offer a warm washcloth to clean up
Play soft music or read a quiet book
This creates a transition zone from high-energy play to low-energy rest. You can even call it “calm time” to make it part of your summer routine.
4. Anchor the Day with Predictable Wake-Up and Nap Times.
Summer often throws schedules out the window, but toddlers need structure to sleep well. Try to keep:
Wake-up time within the same 30-45 minute range each day.
Naps consistent in timing and length (if your child still naps)
Bedtime predictable, even if it’s slightly later than during the school year
This consistency helps regulate your child’s circadian rhythm, which is essential for falling asleep smoothly and staying asleep all night.
5. Prepare for Travel and Time Changes
If you’re traveling this summer, plan ahead for sleep. Bring your toddler’s familiar sleep items - like a favorite blanket, white noise machine, or sleep sack - and try to mimic their routine even in a new setting.
For time changes:
Shift bedtime in 15-minute increments over a few days before you leave.
Once you arrive, jump into the new local schedule right away.
Need help Getting Sleep Back on Track?
If you’re already seeing signs of sleep struggles - like bedtime battles, skipped naps, or early rising - summer might be the culprit.
At Provision Sleep & Doula Services, I specialize in helping families create simple, loving sleep routines that work - even during seasonal transitions.
Book a free discovery call today to see how I can support your family’s sleep this summer!
