How to Encourage Toddlers to Sleep in their Own Bed with These Simple Methods

The Struggle is Real!

It’s late at night and you are awakened by your toddler who insists that there are monsters under their bed. Then there is pleading, stomping of the feet, and crying in the middle of the night. This is an all too familiar situation for many parents with toddlers.

Getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed can be a struggle. Learn how to encourage your toddlers to sleep in their own beds in this post.

Benefits of getting kids to sleep in their own bed

• Help your kids develop independence. Allowing your children to sleep alone gives them a sense of accomplishment–that they can do what big girls/boys can do. And this can extend to other things too like keeping up with their bedtime routine, taking care of their hygiene, etc.
• Better sleep environment. You and your children have different sleeping patterns. Typically, they should be in bed earlier than adults. When they have their own room, they are less likely to be disturbed by adults in the room who may want to stay up later to read or unwind.
• You get your “me time”. Parents need to get their “me time” after spending all day working and/or taking care of the kids. Having alone time before going to bed to do something you want is one way of taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

Tips On How To Get Your Toddler To Sleep In Their Own Bed And Stay There All Night

Your toddler may insist on sleeping in your bed because they need comfort or they have some fears about being alone in their room. Sometimes parents tend to give in to avoid further whining and crying at night. While there may be situations when this would be okay, most of the time this can backfire.

Here are some tips to encourage your toddler to sleep on their bed and stay in there all night:

• Communicate effectively. Use positive language to convince your toddler. Ex: “You’re a big kid now! You get to have your own bed like big kids do.”
• If have just started trying to sleep on their own, try to make the separation more gradual. For the first few nights, maybe you can sit on their bed before they fall asleep. After a few nights, sit on a chair beside their bed. Then you can move on to tucking them to bed and leaving them while they are still awake.
• If they come to your room at night, calmly take them back to their room, reassure them about their fears, and encourage them to sleep.
• Let them have their favorite plush toy in the bed if it brings them comfort.
• Be firm and consistent. Caving in from time to time tells your kid that if they cry loud enough or whine long enough, they can get you do what they want. But if you are firm and consistent, your child will learn that this is something they can’t negotiate.
• Establish a bedtime routine early on.

How to handle toddler bedtime battles

At around age two, your adorable little ones start to assert themselves and try to test their limits about many things including their bedtime.

They may try to insist on staying up late or not changing into their pajamas, refuse to brush their teeth before bedtime, and so on. This behavior is normal but it can be frustrating for parents.

Bedtime battles must be handled well. If you get caught up in a battle with your toddler it may only reinforce negative behaviors instead of correcting them. Plus, both of you will get tired and cranky the next day.

The best way to handle toddler bedtime battles is to nip it in the bud. Here’s what you can do:

• Set up a bedtime routine. A routine helps your toddler know what is coming next and provides them with an opportunity to regroup before going to sleep. It also helps you as a parent to know what needs to be done each night without having to think about it too much.
• Set a time to talk to your child about their day. Sometimes they are just craving attention and want to spend time with you.
• Motivate your child. Catch them when doing something good. If they went to bed without a hitch praise them and thank them for being responsible.

How to Create a Sleep-Positive Environment For Your Child

Bedrooms are a place for relaxation and sleep. But they can also be a source of anxiety for children. Here are some tips to help your child sleep better:

• Make sure your child’s bedroom is comfortable, dark, and quiet.
• Create a bedtime routine that includes reading books, taking a bath, or listening to calming music.
• Let your child have control over their own bedtime rituals and environment by providing them with the tools they need to do so (nightlight, alarm clock, etc).

Toddler Bedroom Decor Must-Haves for Sleeping Success

When it comes to decorating a toddler’s bedroom, it is important to go with a theme that will be age-appropriate and fun. It is also important to think about the future when designing a toddler's bedroom. It can be tempting to just buy all of the cute things - but this can lead to clutter and even safety hazards.

A good way to make sure that you are not overdoing it when decorating a toddler's room is by following these three steps:

• Decide on a theme. Does your child have a favorite character? You can build the theme around it.
• Choose colors and patterns accordingly.
• Pick furniture that will grow with your child

Bedtime Routines That Will Help Your Little Ones Fall Asleep Faster

A good bedtime routine is a great way to help your little ones fall asleep faster. It is not only a great way to wind down for the day, but it also helps them get ready for sleep. There are many different things you can do to create a bedtime routine that works best for your family.

• Taper down on stimulating activities before and after dinner. This includes screen time (TV and gadgets).
• A nighttime bath can help your child wind down and feel comfortable.
• Make them wear comfortable clothes for bed.
• Remind them to brush their teeth and go to the bathroom.
• Listen to calming music or read a book at bedtime.

Conclusion: How To Get Kids To Sleep In Their Own Bed With These Simple Methods

Some children have a hard time sleeping on their own. It is up to us parents to encourage them and reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. Setting up a bedtime routine and being consistent and firm can help kids learn to manage bedtime and gain independence.