Transitioning a child to sleeping in her own room at night is a different experience for every parent. For more independent children, sleeping in their own bed or crib is a natural part of life. For others, tantrums and tears can take place, causing some parents to throw up their hands or even to wonder if they are being bad parents. Guiding your child to sleep in her own bed takes patience, but can be achieved with time.
Step 1
Engage in active playtime at some point during the day. From dancing to walking to playing a game, these activities can help your child feel more tired and sleep more soundly at night, according to the Center for Children, Youth and Women's Health Service.
Step 2
Establish a nightly routine that allows your child to relax and know what to expect as a regular bedtime. Routine is vital for a child--perhaps each night you read a story together, take a bath or listen to soft music together. Then, make sure your child goes to bed at or around the same time each night, according to KidsHealth.org. Although she may ask to stay up later, be firm in your bedtime enforcement.
Step 3
Make sure your child has the things she needs to feel comforted and comfortable in her bed. For example, some children may awaken because they feel hot or cold during the night, according to KidsHealth.org. Ensure there are no nearby sights or sounds that could be disturbing or disruptive as your child drifts off to sleep.
Step 4
Comfort your child if she awakes at night and tries to get in bed with you, but refrain from letting her sleep in your bed. Because routine is important, exceptions can become an expectation for your child. Instead, take her back to her bedroom and comfort her to the point where she is almost asleep. However, be sure to leave the room before your child is completely asleep. This will teach her the skill of falling asleep knowing a parent is not there.
Step 5
Praise your child when she sleeps well throughout the night. Reinforce that this is a positive behavior and that she is making a step toward being a "big girl." Conversely, show your child that refraining from sleeping or making noise in her room at night has consequences. For every time she performs a negative behavior, tell her she will have to go to bed 15 minutes earlier the next night.
Tips and Warnings
- Your toddler needs 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night, according to KidsHealth.org. This can be a combination of napping during the day and sleeping at night. If your child has a difficult time falling or staying asleep at night, consider reducing his nap time as a way to improve sleeping at night.
