Toddlers need more sleep than they think they do. Many toddlers fight their sleep and prefer to stay awake as much as possible, even when their parents can tell how sleepy they really are. Getting your toddler to stay in bed is essential to getting enough rest for his body. Once your toddler has been moved out of a crib, this task becomes harder since it is easier for your toddler to get out of his bed. A good transition from crib to toddler bed will lay the foundation for keeping your child in his own bed.
Step 1
Allow your toddler to help pick out his new bed. If this is not possible, at least allow your child to help pick out his new bedding. Let your child help you make his toddler bed with his new bedding.
Step 2
Offer small rewards for staying in bed all night. Rewards such as a trip to the park, a new coloring book or even stickers will give your toddler a goal to work toward. Place the rewards in a small container and allow your child to pick one the morning after he has stayed in bed the entire night.
Step 3
Reassure your child that you are just down the hall if he needs you, but that big boys and girls stay in their own bed. Some toddlers are afraid of imaginary things in their room and need reassurance that mom and dad will be there if they are needed. A night-light may also help calm nighttime fears.
Step 4
Anticipate your child's main reasons for getting out of bed. Instruct your toddler to go potty (if potty trained) before bedtime, offer her a small drink of water and give extra hugs and kisses.
Step 5
Install bed rails for your toddler's safety. If your child is afraid of falling out of bed, rails may help eliminate this fear.
Step 6
Make sure that your toddler gets an adequate amount of exercise and limit his television time. A toddler with pent up energy at the end of the day will make bedtime more difficult for both of you.
Tips and Warnings
- Be consistent in working with your child. Parenting.com advises that consistency is crucial in sleep training. If you give in once, he will try to get you to give in repeatedly.
