How to Get Your Kids to Stay in Bed

You cheer when your baby learns to walk, and you celebrate when he's old enough for a big-boy bed. But put the two together, and you have a child who can walk right out of his bed and into yours -- sometimes several times a night. It's not just toddlers who test their boundaries and your patience, either -- older children may get out of bed multiple times to get water, go for bathroom breaks and to ask you a question or two -- or ten. Put your kids to bed and help them stay there by establishing clear rules and a regular bedtime routine.

Things You'll Need

  • Stuffed animal or other comfort item
  • Night light
  • Floor bedding for parent

Instructions

    • 1

      Be consistent. Getting your child to stay in bed starts with an established bedtime routine. Put your child to bed at the same time every night, with as little deviation as possible.

    • 2

      Wind down. It tough for adults to go from stimulation to sleep, and it's even tougher for children. Spend some time quietly reading, or give your child a warm bath -- or both. This will help her prepare for sleep by making her sleepier. Remember to do this consistently every night.

    • 3

      Prepare in advance. If your child always gets up for a glass of water, put the water by his nightstand in advance. If he needs to sleep with his bear but spends too much time looking for him every night, find teddy before bedtime and tuck him under the covers.

    • 4

      Walk your child back. When she gets out of bed in the middle of the night, force yourself to get up and walk her back to bed. Be gentle but firm. Don't let her sleep with you in your bed, as it may motivate her to try again the next time she wakes up.

    • 5

      Keep it short. Once you walk your child back to bed, give him a quick kiss and then go back to your bed. Do not engage in a conversation -- some kids talk as a stall tactic -- or let him get a glass of water. Take him straight back to bed.

    • 6

      Do what works. If your child responds well to rewards, use a sticker chart to track how many times she stays in bed all night long, and then give her a treat. Start with one very small treat per night, such as a small toy, and work up to a larger treat at the end of the week, such as a larger toy or a play event. If she is afraid of being alone, try buying her a new stuffed animal, or a nightlight, or both.

    • 7

      Close the door, or put up a baby gate. An open door is an invitation for some children to exit the bed and the room. Although these barriers are more psychological than physical, they are not recommended if your child has a great fear of being trapped in a closed space. Never lock your child in her room.

    • 8

      Lavish your child with praise the next morning if he stayed in bed all night. Children want to know they are doing well, and a nice dose of positive reinforcement will go a long way towards making him motivated to stay in bed the next night.

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