7 Tips and Tricks for Getting Your Toddler to Sleep in Their Own Bed
Here are 7 tips and tricks to get your toddler sleeping in their own bed all night!
1. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it
One of the best ways to get your child to sleep in their own bed is to establish a bedtime routine and stick to it.
A good bedtime routine could include reading a book, bathing, or brushing teeth and hair.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that can be done consistently each evening.
Doing the same thing each night will help your child know that it’s time to sleep and make it easier for them to drift off. This is a perfect sleep association.
That’s the plan anyway!
2. Explain the importance of sleep and why your child should try to get enough every night
Sleep is very important for children. It’s how they recharge and get ready for the next day. That’s why they need to try to get enough sleep every night.
I know it’s not going to be an easy task, but explaining the importance of sleep to your toddler is a good tip to get them to buy into the idea of sleep.
Repeat the importance each night so it sinks in over a period of time.
3. Set reasonable expectations – don’t expect them to switch overnight
Setting reasonable expectations is key to getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed.
Letting your toddler know what you expect is a key part of this process and is another tip that you will have to repeat over time to embed the thought in your toddler’s mind.
Don’t expect them to be able to make the switch overnight – it will likely take a few weeks (or even months) for them to get used to the new sleeping arrangement.
Be patient and keep offering positive reinforcement when they do make progress.
Eventually, they’ll get there!
4. Make their new bed comfortable and inviting
Making your toddler’s bed comfortable and inviting is crucial in getting them to sleep in their own bed.
One way to do this is by using a soft, comfortable mattress protector and sheets. Additionally, you can add a few soft pillows and blankets to make the bed cozy and inviting. Read this guide by The American Academy of Pediatrics before placing anything into your child’s bed before they reach the age of 1.
Another way to make the bed more comfortable is using a white noise machine. This will help soothe your child and block out any outside noise that may disturb them. You can also try using a nightlight to provide a calming presence in the room.
5. Reward them for following your rules and sleeping in their own bed
You can reward your toddler for doing well by following the rules and sleeping in their own bed. This will encourage them to continue behaving in the way you want and make it more likely that they will sleep through the night in their own bed. Some good rewards for your child include praise, stickers, or a small toy.
I am always wary about rewarding my kids too much because I don’t want them to think they will get a reward each time they do something good. You should have a set number of nights before a reward is given. For example, reward your toddler for sleeping in their own bed for the entire week.
6. Use a white noise machine or star projector to help them relax
Some kids find it hard to sleep in their own beds. One way to help them relax and fall asleep is by using a white noise machine or a star projector (I used one of these for my toddler and eventually got one for myself too!)
These devices create a calming sound and visual effect that can help your child fall asleep faster.
Experiment with different sounds and find what works best for your child. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to get your child sleeping in their own bed in no time!
7. Don’t give up if there are setbacks – be patient and keep reinforcing the rules
It can be tough to get your toddler to sleep in their own bed. They may cry or throw a tantrum, but it’s important to remain calm and consistent.
If your child doesn’t want to sleep in their own bed straight away, don’t get mad. Stay calm and keep reinforcing the rules.
It might take a little time, but eventually, they will learn to sleep in their own bed.
Be patient, and don’t give up.
In fact, when raising toddlers, patience is one of the key skills you will need to get through it!
Why does my toddler suddenly hate his bed?
Some toddlers might start to hate their bed.
There are many reasons why this could happen. Maybe they’re scared of the dark or don’t like how the sheets feel. There are ways to help them get used to their bed again and start sleeping in it like before.
First, try to find out why they’re scared or don’t like their bed. If it’s dark, get a nightlight and put it in their room. If it’s the sheets, let them pick out new ones.
Once you know what the problem is, you can start to fix it.
Next, try to make their bed a more comfortable place for them. Add some of their favorite stuffed animals or blankets (Following the advice from the AAP). Make it a cozy place that they want to sleep in.
Finally, put them to bed at the same time every night and have a set bedtime routine. This will help them know that it’s time to sleep, and they’ll be more likely to stay in their bed all night.
Conclusion
We have the perfect solutions if you’re looking for ways to get your child to sleep in their own bed.
By following the 7 strategies on this page, you can help your little one transition from sleeping in your bed to sleeping in their own space. It may take a bit of time and patience, but with a little effort, you can get them on the path to independence – and a good night’s sleep!
