Getting a Toddler to Sleep in Their Bed

     Many toddlers have a really hard time staying in their bedroom and sleeping in their own beds. Some are afraid to be in their bed by themselves while others just want more time with mommy and daddy. Either way it is something that they will have to grow out of and there are some techniques to help them do so.

     The first thing that you will have to do is understand why they want to sleep with you. Ask them why they want to sleep in your bed and not their own. If they don't give an answer try to watch for anything that triggers them wanting to sleep with you.

     Many times giving your toddler a blanket or a bear to sleep with will go a long way to making them feel better. They will get just as much security from an inanimate object as they will from you once they associate it with safety.

     Having a consistent bed time will go a long way in helping your child to fall asleep. They will associate that time with sleeping and will be less likely to stay awake and to roam around the house.

     Encourage them to stay in their bed by offering rewards. Start out with small rewards like a sticker or a piece of candy for each night that they stay in bed. You can supplement these smaller rewards with a toy or something larger for an entire week of sleeping in their own bed. Rewards go far when trying to teach a toddler just about anything and it will work much better than discipline.

     Gradually wean them off of their need to be with you for every second of the night. If they are laying in bed screaming and crying only go to see them every couple minutes. If they keep it up add more time between all of your intervals. Eventually they are going to give up and go to sleep.

     Don't give them attention when they crawl in to bed with you. Often toddlers are looking for attention from their parents and by talking to them or yelling at them you are giving it up. Toddlers thrive on attention good or bad. It is best to stay completely silent and to simply carry them back to their bed and leave. Do this as often as you have to. Eventually they are going to go to sleep.

     Adding boundaries to a bed can help with teaching a toddler to stay there. Put up a set of rails or bars on the outside of the bed. Make sure that there is still enough space for them to get up if they need to (they aren't prisoners) but set the rails up to cover the majority of the bed. This will help them realize that they aren't free to roam.

Once your child learns to sleep on their own they will be better off and so will you. Try out some of these tips and get ready to have more peace and quiet during your night.