Tips for Parents to Get Their Toddler to Sleep in Their Own Bed

The decision to have your child sleep in a separate bed is a personal one. Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, says there is nothing unnatural about having a baby, toddler or child sharing the parents̵7; bed. Sharing a family bed can be safe for even newborns, as long as you are careful. However, once you have decided to have your toddler sleep in her bed, there are tips to help you achieve your goal.

  1. Schedule

    • According to University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), a toddler between eighteen months to three years old needs one to two naps a day and up to 11 hours of sleep at night. Getting your toddler to sleep requires that you determine a schedule and stick with it. Toddlers need a consistent routine in order to establish good sleeping patterns.

    Gradual Start

    • Start having your toddler sleep in his bed for naps to get used to it if he has never slept in it before. UMHS suggests that you may even use a sleeping pallet in your bedroom to start getting your toddler used to sleeping alone.

    Before Bed

    • Use the half hour prior to bed time to give your toddler a warm bath, read her a story and make sure her pajamas and room temperature are comfortable. Making your child relaxed and secure is important to a good night sleep. UMHS says to be aware that being overly tired makes sleeping less likely. They recommend dimming lights to help prepare your child for sleep. Avoid caffeine, sugar and exciting play and television at least two hours before bed.

    Bed

    • It may be helpful to sit with a child for a few minutes before leaving him alone in the bed. With a younger toddler, you may have to lie down with her until she falls asleep for the first few nights. If your toddler is older and has slept in his own bed but will not stay in it, UMHS says you need to explain what you expect and be firm. Allow your toddler to take a special, soft baby-safe toy or blanket to bed with him. Do not allow other toys or distractions in the bed.

    Waking

    • If your toddler goes to bed but gets up in the night, it's important to understand why. Try talking to your child. Greene suggests you can use dolls or toys to have your child respond to different night concerns. Often the issue is nightmares or fears. Providing your child with a flashlight, soothing music, a sound machine or demonstrating a room monitor so she knows you can hear her may help calm her.

      If your toddler still gets out of bed, Sears recommends allowing him to come into your room quietly and sleep on a pallet. This allows your toddler to feel safe but not disturb you until he is able to sleep all night in his own room. Greene suggests that other issues such as not getting enough attention in the day may cause your child to seek you at night and that making sure those needs are met is important, especially if there is a new baby in your room.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Prepare Your Toddler to Share a Room With Baby
      While the switch from sleeping solo to bunking with the new baby may be tough for your toddler at first, many older siblings end up really enjoying room-sharing with younger ones. In fact, when your toddler and baby share a room, there’s a
    • Common Toddler Sleep Problems and What to Do About Them
      You were prepared for sleepless nights during babyhood. You didn’t expect more of the same when your baby entered toddlerhood, though. It’s exhausting enough to deal with the constant wrangling and pleading when your toddler balks at bedt
    • Why Is Your Toddler Waking Up Too Early and What Should You Do About It?
      Rise and shine! Your toddler used to be a champion sleeper, staying in bed until at least 7 a.m. every morning like clockwork. But now suddenly she’s up before the sun rises, throwing the whole house out of whack and making for a very grumpy li