Snuggling in bed with your toddler is wonderful, but only occasionally. Parents may not sleep as well with their toddler in bed with them and maintaining intimacy with your partner is difficult with a child inhibiting your space. Whether your toddler has recently begun sleeping in bed with you or she has always done so doesn't change the fact that it will take some work to get her to return to her own bed. Persistence, creativity and understanding are helpful in achieving this goal.
Step 1
Identify the reason your toddler wants to sleep in your bed. If it seems to be for comfort then try a new, soft blanket or other cuddle-worthy item like a teddy bear. Your child may feel secure in his own bedroom when cuddling with this item while drifting off to sleep.
Step 2
Incorporate a discussion about staying in bed before putting your toddler to sleep. Tell her where the night light is and leave the door open and tell her you wont be far away. Reassuring her that you are not far and she is safe may help alleviate her need to sleep in bed with you.
Step 3
Maintain a bedtime and a bedtime routine. Change can be hard on a toddler and this can lead to distress before bed. The less stress your child feels when getting ready for sleep the easier it will be for him to stay in his own bed.
Step 4
Offer a reward to your toddler for each night she stays in her own bed. This may be something like allowing her to have an extra bedtime snack the next night or a larger reward after several successful nights in her own bed.
Step 5
Try not to give in to your toddler crying for you from his bed. This will pass but if you keep checking on him he will learn that his tactics are getting him what he wants. Instead, check back on him after two to five minutes. Increase the time in between each visit until he eventually goes to sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- Return your child to her bed if she comes into your room in the middle of the night. This is a tiring thing to do but it is vital for training her to sleep alone.
