Comparing Parental Sleep Goals For Younger Versus Older Toddlers

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to assess parental sleep goals, comparing younger (12-23.9-month-olds) and older toddlers (24-35.9-month-olds) in consideration of developmental differences. Methods Parents (98.0% mothers) of 401 toddlers (12–35 mos; M=22.49 mos; 49% male) in the US completed an online survey, including an abbreviated Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and a list of 58 desired areas of change (DACs). There were 230 one-year-olds (1yos; M=17.42mos) and 171 two-year-olds (2yos; M=29.30mos), with no difference in parent age between groups (M=34.41 years). Results 25.7% reported a perceived sleep-problem, whereas 94.8% indicated at least one sleep-related DAC. Parents of one- and two-year-olds reported similar rates of DAC for overnight sleep (58% vs. 49%), morning sleep (55% vs. 52%), and naps (70% vs. 64%), p>.05. Parents of 2yos, however, reported bedtime as a DAC at a higher rate (59% vs. 79%), p<.001. Twenty-five percent of specific bedtime DACs (n=8) were endorsed by ≥10% of parents. Parents endorsed falling asleep without an adult (17% of 1yos vs. 22% of 2yos) and falling asleep without nursing (10% vs. 9%) at similar rates, p>.05. Parents of two-year-olds were more likely to endorse: getting through bedtime routine quickly/easily without stalling (10% vs. 30%,), earlier bedtime (10% vs. 24%), falling asleep faster at bedtime (24% vs. 10%), falling asleep without a pacifier (11% vs. 19%), falling asleep faster while alone (8% vs. 16%), and falling asleep without stalling/making requests (3% vs. 18%), p<.05. Conclusion The majority of parents of toddlers endorsed a sleep-related desired area of change, with two-thirds wanting to change something about bedtime and naps, and over half wanting to change something about overnight and morning sleep. Parents of older toddlers (2yos) were more likely to desire changes at bedtime than parents of younger toddlers (1yos), especially related to stalling and discontinuing pacifier use. As toddlers age, bedtime problems are more likely. Health care providers should be aware of developmental changes, such as increased language and assertions of independence, that seem to mostly affect bedtime when addressing sleep issues in toddlers. Support (if any) Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Skillman, NJ, USA.