How to Make a Child Stop Sleeping in the Parents' Bed

Some parents allow their baby to sleep in their bed from the very start. Others begin the habit at an older age when children may begin having nightmares or difficulty sleeping alone. After a certain age, some parents feel that the child should no longer be sleeping in their bed, or they may get to a point where they are not sleeping well, or there is just no more room. Once the habit is developed, though, it can be difficult to transition the child back into his own bed.

Instructions

    • 1

      Explain to the child in an age-appropriate manner why you would like her to sleep in her own bed. She may worry that you don't love her anymore and don't want to be around her. Assure her that this is not true. Explain that you each need your own space, and tell her any other reasons for your decision.

    • 2

      Transition him gradually into his own bed. The transition can be done cold-turkey, but this transition is usually rougher on the child than on the parent.

    • 3

      Start a consistent bedtime routine. Children thrive on consistency. Give her a bath at the same time each night, read a specific number of books together or do another quiet activity together. Do the same thing each night at the same time.

    • 4

      Allow him to help decorate his room. This gives a child pride in his room and can make him more comfortable sleeping in his own room.

    • 5

      Move the child slowly from your bed to her bed. Allow her to use a sleeping bag on the floor, moving her closer to your door each night. Eventually, you will be able to move her into the hall and then into her own room.

    • 6

      Offer rewards for sleeping in his own room. This is especially helpful for children who are reward-motivated. Smaller, immediate rewards work for some children, while others may enjoy working toward a larger reward.

    • 7

      Give plenty of praise. Make the experience as positive as possible for her. Tell her how proud you are of her and what a big girl she has become.

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