How to Stop Co-Sleeping With Toddlers

If you're ready to regain the space on your side of the bed, it is time to end the co-sleeping sessions. Consistency is essential to instilling effective sleep patterns for your toddler, as children of that age adapt easily but often resist change. The complete change may take days, weeks or even months until your bed, once again becomes your own.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your child to the store to choose a "big kid" bed and bedding. Share your excitement for the characters or design on the bedding and what a big kid your child is for selecting such bedding. Include your toddler in making the bed using the new bedding. A twin sized bed instead of a toddler bed may be a better for your child because it seems more like yours. Be sure to use a removable guard rail to keep your child from accidentally rolling out of bed.

    • 2

      Select a security item together, such as a blanket, a pillow from your bed, or a stuffed animal to cuddle with. The security item may effectively take the place of the parent until the toddler gets used to sleeping alone.

    • 3

      Create a bedtime routine that never changes. Brushing teeth, changing into pajamas, reading a story, and using a timer on a night light may be effective options. Instruct your child that when the light goes out, it's time to close her eyes and go to sleep. Set the timer to come on in the morning at an appropriate time, notifying your child that she may get up from her bed.

    • 4

      Cuddle with your child for a half-hour during the first week. Hold her hand for a while, then tuck her in. Sit in a chair near her bed, gradually moving it closer to the door each night. Refrain from additional attention once she is tucked in. This process may take a few weeks or months to complete.

    • 5

      Calmly, and without conversation, walk your toddler back to her bed, tuck her in and go back to your bed if she attempts to crawl into bed with you at night. Do not cater to her demands for a drink, a story, or a cuddle time because the demands will add up until you are spending hours trying to get her to go back to sleep.

    • 6

      Allow the child to cry, unless you know she is in pain. If she's trying to get attention, wait it out as long as you can. If you give in to her tantrum, it will continue. Over a period of a few days, the crying should lessen and finally diminish.

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