If your toddler is flipping, flopping, and kicking the blankets off every night, you’re not alone. Many moms notice their little one moves a lot in their sleep, only to wake up groggy, cranky, or still looking tired. That tossing and turning may seem like just a normal part of sleep, but it can actually be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Let’s break down why toddlers toss and turn at night, how it affects the quality of their sleep, and what you can do to help your child sleep more peacefully, starting with the mattress they sleep on.
What Causes Tossing and Turning?
Toddlers are learning, growing, and exploring at lightning speed, which means their bodies and minds need restful sleep to recharge. But a few common issues can get in the way.
1. Too much stimulation before bedtime
A day full of activity, screens, bright lights, or sugary treats can overstimulate your child’s nervous system. When bedtime rolls around, they may struggle to settle, leading to more restlessness during the night.
2. Discomfort from heat or scratchy fabrics
Toddlers are extra sensitive to temperature and texture. If their bed sleeps hot, or if their sheets feel itchy, they might toss and turn to find a more comfortable spot.
3. Emotional ups and downs
From separation anxiety to nightmares, toddlers are at an age where big feelings can show up at night. These emotional disruptions can cause them to stir more frequently.
4. Food and digestion
Late meals, snacks with hidden sugar, or food sensitivities can impact how easily your child stays asleep. Discomfort in the belly can lead to constant repositioning.
5. An unsupportive or noisy mattress
This one is often overlooked. A mattress that doesn’t offer enough support or that transfers movement can make your child shift positions over and over without getting the deep sleep they need.
Why Deep Sleep Matters
When toddlers toss and turn, they often miss out on deep sleep stages like slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. These stages are essential for:
Physical growth (Deep sleep is when human growth hormone (HGH) is released, which is essential for bone and muscle development in children)
Brain development (REM sleep supports memory and learning)
Emotional regulation (better sleep means fewer meltdowns)
Immune health (deep rest supports the body’s ability to fight illness)
In short, deep sleep helps your toddler grow, focus, learn, and feel better during the day. And the more disrupted their sleep, the harder it is for them to reach those restful stages.
The Right Mattress Can Help
Just like adults, toddlers need a mattress that supports their growing bodies, regulates temperature, and creates a calm, cozy space for sleep. If your child is constantly moving at night or waking up tired, it may be time to look at their sleep setup.
That’s exactly why we created the 5 Little Monkeys 8" Memory Foam Mattress Bundle. It’s specifically designed to support healthy sleep for toddlers and young children, and it solves many of the problems that cause tossing and turning.
Cooling memory foam for temperature control
One of the biggest causes of tossing at night is overheating. Our mattress features a layer of breathable, gel-infused memory foam that pulls heat away from your child’s body. This keeps them cool and comfortable, so they don’t wake up in a sweat or shift around trying to cool down.
Motion-absorbing comfort
Unlike spring mattresses, memory foam absorbs movement. So when your toddler rolls or kicks, the mattress stays still. Less bounce means fewer micro-awakenings and longer stretches of deep sleep.
Support made for little bodies
Our 8-inch design isn’t just a scaled-down adult mattress. It’s engineered to support lighter, growing bodies with the perfect balance of firmness and cushion. It helps align the spine and relieve pressure points, so your child’s body can fully relax.
Soft, breathable organic cotton sheets
Our bundle includes 100% organic cotton sheets that are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. Many parents don’t realize how much bedding can affect sleep, but itchy or hot materials can keep your child tossing even if the mattress is great.
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
Our mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s made without harsh chemicals, flame retardants, or allergens. For families with sensitive kids or a focus on cleaner living, this matters. Your toddler will breathe easier, and you’ll rest easier knowing they’re sleeping safely.
Thoughtfully bundled for convenience
We’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to. The bundle includes the mattress, waterproof mattress protector, and organic sheets, all designed to work perfectly together. It’s one simple package to transform your child’s sleep.
Fewer Wiggles, Better Sleep
When your toddler sleeps better, everything gets better. Bedtime is smoother. Mornings are happier. You might even catch a few extra winks yourself. If you’ve tried all the routines and sleep tricks but your little one is still restless at night, don’t overlook their mattress.
The right sleep surface is the foundation for deep, restful sleep. And our 5 Little Monkeys memory foam mattress bundle was built with your child’s comfort, safety, and health in mind.
Because every child deserves a bed made just for them—and every mom deserves to hear, “I slept so good!” in the morning.
Ready to stop those restless night sleeps for your child?
Explore the 5 Little Monkeys Memory Foam Mattress Bundle and see why so many parents trust us to help their little ones sleep better, longer, and cooler.