Convincing a toddler to get into bed and stay there is often a difficult and challenging task. Kids Health suggests that many toddlers are distracted by all of the fun things they can do and have a hard time transitioning from play to sleep. Toddlers need enough restorative sleep to be healthy and grow properly, and Kids Health recommends establishing a routine that will encourage a toddler to get into bed, stay in bed, and have a quality night's sleep.
Consistent Bedtime Routine
According to Kids Health, the same routine every night at bedtime works to signal to toddlers that bedtime is approaching. A warm bath and a story are common bedtime routines that help a toddler relax and prepare for slumber. Parents must stick to the same routine in order to avoid lengthy battles at bedtime. Decide ahead of time how many stories a toddler will hear and how many drinks she will have before getting into bed. A consistent routine will result in a toddler who knows it is bedtime and gets into bed without a fuss.
Put Your Toddler To Sleep Drowsy But Awake
Allowing a toddler to fall asleep on her own is an important skill that will help her get to sleep on time. The bedtime battle can be further reduced by providing a toddler with a book or stuffed toy to play with in the crib, says Baby Center. Letting a toddler play or read for a few minutes will be something fun to look forward to and will motivate her to get into her bed. When she is ready, a drowsy toddler will fall asleep on her own and will also be able to put herself back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.
Make Your Toddler Comfortable
Reducing the need for a toddler to call for a parent or get out of bed can encourage her to get into bed and stay in bed, says Healthy Children. Meeting a toddler's needs before telling her it is time to get in bed can help motivate her to go to sleep. Providing a glass of water, leaving the light on, or keeping the door open are ways to make a toddler comfortable and more willing to go to bed, recommends Healthy Children.
Provide Comfort
Baby Center suggests lying down with a toddler for a short period of time to reassure her that everything is all right and that a parent is close by if needed. Kids Health recommends returning to a toddler's room when she calls, but keeping the visit short by offering reassurance and quickly leaving to prevent a dependence on a parent being in the room to fall asleep. It is also important to keep the visits boring by not telling stories or being silly, because this will only result in more calls to the bedroom.
