Whether your toddler is afraid of the dark, doesn't like to sleep in his own room, or simply would rather be up having fun, getting your toddler to fall asleep can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. Instead of throwing in the towel and letting your child stay up all night until he crashes or allowing him to sleep in your bed, implement a regular bedtime routine and stick to your word. When your toddler realizes you mean business, he will settle down and begin to enjoy the structure of a new bedtime routine.
Step 1
Create a calming bedtime ritual starting about one hour before your child's bedtime. Give your child a calming bath, read soft stories and rub her back to help calm her down and get her ready for bed. Speak in soothing tones and dim the lights in the home, if possible.
Step 2
Sit down beside your child's bed if he is too scared to sleep alone, suggests the "Supernanny" website. Do not, however, lie down next to your child or on the floor. Sit, without talking to your child or engaging him, until he falls asleep. Each night, move farther and farther away from the bed until you are standing by the door to say goodnight.
Step 3
Calmly pick your child up and return her to bed. The first time your child gets up from bed, give her a kiss and a hug before returning her to bed. If your child continues to get up from bed, calmly and gently return her, but do not say anything or engage with her.
Step 4
The Mayo Clinic suggests you give your child special bedtime objects for comfort. Provide your child with items that make him feel safe in his room, like a night light, a favorite teddy bear or a special blanket. If your child is afraid of the dark, give him a small flashlight to investigate any scary shadows in the darkened room.
Step 5
Cut back on naps during the day. Your child may have difficulty going to sleep at a specific time if she is not yet tired. If your child takes one or more long naps throughout the day, cut back on nap times so she will get tired earlier in the evening.
Tips and Warnings
- Leave the bedroom door open a crack to make your child feel more safe.
- Consult a doctor if your child is having frequent nightmares or insomnia.
Things You'll Need
- Night light
- Teddy bear
- Blanket
- Flashlight
