How to put a 2-year-old to sleep?

The 2-year age period is when children's sleep patterns often shift. The most common challenge at this age is that children (now usually down to one nap during the day) struggle to transition to nighttime sleep. The most effective approach is a short, calm routine every evening in the same order. For example: bath, pajamas, a story in dim light, then "now it's bedtime" and sitting quietly beside him. 2-year-olds test boundaries, so sticking to the routine and following through every night with calm confidence matters. Keeping screens (phones, tablets, TV) off at least 1 hour before bedtime also helps nighttime sleep come easier. If sleep resistance is strong and lasts longer than 2 weeks, it's worth checking with your pediatrician whether there's an underlying cause.