Toddler sleep movement

[amaranth]

How much movement is normal for a toddler when they're asleep?

DS is 20 months and on the nights he is in bed with us I lay awake most of the night because he moves almost non stop, literally. I can rarely tell when he is actually asleep because he is so restless he seems awake. He kicks, fidgets, strokes his own face and stomach. If he's able, he strokes my face and chest. I honestly don't know how he gets any true rest.

I know people joke about toddlers wiggling while sleeping. Is this what they mean, or is DS abnormal? I was reading it could be an iron deficiency and I'm wondering if he needs blood work.

[VillainV]

C moves all over his crib while he sleeps. He flips from back to front to side, spins around, flops his arms over. Sometimes he babbles in his sleep. I think it's all normal.

[ny96]

J does complete 360s, rolls to one side of the bed and then the other, and is constantly taking the pacifier out and putting it back in.

[closertofine]

Dd was and is a mover and a shaker. She moves constantly in all directions. I think she'll have bed rails forever. Ds jerks a lot and readjusts his legs, but stays in the same direction and spot in his crib (he's almost 3).

[bananapancakes]

One evening my mom was in town babysitting for us and she said she just watched the monitor all evening as she was so fascinated by him. She said he didn't stay in one position for more than 5 minutes and was constantly flip flopping around. I vote normal but obviously we don't know your kid. Maybe bring it up at your next appointment.

[missbella]

DS is 20 months as well. He slept with me most of the night last night and DH wasn't with us and I kept waking up and having to move him back to the middle of the bed because he kept crawling, scooting toward the edge. If I get up to pee, when I come back he has totally taken my spot. He does it in his crib too.

[amaranth]

Okay glad to know you guys aren't seeing major red flags. I'll just ask the doctor next time we're in and skip a special appointment.

[oliviapope]

I think you are fine to bring it up at the next appointment. There are sleep disorders in children (and adults) that involve frequent movement (rhythmic movement disorder/PLMD). Maybe take a short video to share with your pediatrician.

However, movement in sleep is incredibly common, and definitely normal. It is usually resolved by 5. Letting your pedi know exactly what it looks like will help them determine if it could be affecting quality of sleep.