Parents dream of a long, uninterrupted night of sleep---it's an even bigger dream if you've got a newborn on your hands. But you don't have to wait until your child goes off to college to get a good night's rest. You can train your infant or toddler get to sleep and stay asleep for the night using the method that works best for your child.
Sleep is very important for children. Without enough, they'll be too drowsy during the day for play, exercise and even to pay attention to schoolwork. Establishing good sleep habits early will benefit your child throughout his entire life, but you've got to find the right sleep training method that works for you and your child--and stick with your plan.
Step 1
Make a bedtime routine. This is one of the most important aspects to getting your baby to go to sleep and sleep through the night. Allow time for relaxation rather than stimulating play. Maybe give your child a warm bath, then snuggle up for some reading or cuddle time.
Step 2
Don't wait for children to fall asleep before putting them to bed. You want your baby or young child to learn that you fall asleep in bed---and if you wake up there, you fall back asleep. You don't have to wait to put your child to bed until he's already asleep. Instead, get your baby nice and relaxed and sleepy, then let him fall asleep in bed.
Step 3
Stay strong at bedtime. No matter how much your little one may plead, cry and wail until you come pick him up and comfort him, running into the room each time he whimpers isn't going to help him learn to sleep. If your toddler comes out of the bedroom and finds you, it's important to be straightforward in dealing with the child. Pick him up, carry him back to his room, put him back in bed and walk out---don't indulge in conversation or cuddling as a reward for him getting out of bed.
Step 4
Be consistent and keep at it. Although it's difficult not to give in to your crying, pitiful child---and you may have to put your child back to bed time after time after time---don't give up. Stick with your plan and know that your training will pay off in better behavior and a better night's sleep from your child.
Step 5
Consider the "cry it out" method. Sometimes called the Ferber method, this sleep training method teaches your baby how to self-soothe and fall asleep on his own. Starting around four-months old, a healthy baby should learn to calm himself down and fall asleep even when he's upset. The Ferber method allows parents to comfort a child with only pats on the back at certain time intervals, but doesn't allow picking up or feeding the child. The time between those comfort moments is gradually stretched out, teaching baby how to soothe himself and eliminating the need for the parents' intervention.
Step 6
Weigh the risks of co-sleeping. Although parents may find that sharing a bed with their baby offers comfort, more sleep and family bonding, it's not generally considered safe. Even if some parents may find that their babies sleep better and longer when sharing the family bed, the Nemours Foundation says there's a greater risk that the baby may be suffocated or strangled, and hundreds of deaths have been reported from co-sleeping.
Tips and Warnings
- There's no particular rule or guaranteed way to get your child to sleep, but keep trying until you find a solution that helps your child sleep through the night. Try treating your child for sleeping through the night---offer a sticker or small toy as a reward and incentive.
- Talk to your doctor if you suspect there may be an illness or medical reason why your child isn't sleeping through the night.
Things You'll Need
- Books
- Soothing music
- Timer or watch
