How to help toddlers with nighttime separation anxiety?

It is common for toddlers to go through phases of waking up and calling specifically for one parent. Many parents find success by allowing the other parent to handle these middle-of-the-night wake-ups, which can help break the cycle. Other strategies include adjusting the bedtime routine to include more physical activity or calm storytelling, ensuring a sufficient window of time between dinner and sleep, and talking to your child during the day about sleep expectations. Above all, remember that this is likely a developmental phase that will pass with time and consistency.