Whether your toddler is up at all hours of the night, refuses to sleep in her own bedroom or hates getting ready for bed, you can help eliminate bedtime problems before they become a bad habit. Your mood will play a large part in whether your child is relaxed or riled up during bedtime. Instead of a stressful, forced bedtime, make the routine a chance to relax and unwind with your child.
Quiet Time
Start quiet activities about one hour before bedtime, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Dim the lights, turn off the TV, put on soft music and do relaxing activities with your child, like reading books or taking a warm bath. As you continue the soothing routine, your child will begin to settle down. If the routine is in the exact same order every night, your child will begin to anticipate what activity comes next, and will start to look forward to bedtime as a chance to bond with you.
Consistency
Consistency is key, recommends Baby Center. Don't put your child to bed at 8 p.m. one night and 10 p.m. the next. Show your child exactly what is expected of her at bedtime and keep your expectations the same, night after night. If your child gets up during the night, calmly return her to bed over and over until she falls asleep. Giving up and allowing your child to sleep in bed with you, even just for one night, may make it more difficult to get your child to sleep in her own bed the following night.
Safety Objects
Make your child feel safe in her room by keeping the door open ajar and giving her safety objects. If your child is afraid of the dark, give your child a flashlight and encourage her to investigate if she gets scared. If your child is afraid of monsters in the closet, give her a spray bottle of water, or "monster spray." Your child may want to have her favorite stuffed animals with her in bed, which can help her feel more comfortable sleeping in her room alone. If your child still seems nervous, the Mayo Clinic recommends offering to check on your child every 10 minutes until he falls asleep.
