5 Tips How To Get Toddler To Sleep in Own Bed
- Created:
6. 9. 2022 - Updated:
15. 2. 2024 -
If you’re a parent wondering how to get toddler to sleep in own bed after co-sleeping, this article is for you.
Whether you’re low on bed space or just want some private time alone with your partner again, transitioning your child to their own bed may seem like a daunting task – but with the right tips and tricks, it’s anything but!
If you and your family are ready for this next big step, keep reading on for the top 5 tips on how to get toddler to sleep in own bed after co-sleeping.
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How do I get my toddler to sleep in his own bed after co-sleeping?
Chances are you’re familiar with the notion that children are creatures of habit. So when it comes to breaking the habit of your little one cuddling into you every night while you co-sleep, prepare for some changes ahead.
But just because there may be some challenges ahead doesn’t mean you should be intimidated. With a bit of expert guidance, you’ll be able to transition your precious little bub into his own bed in no time. Here’s how:
1. Make Sure the Time Is Right
The last thing you want to do is transition your toddler to his own bed amid other big changes. If he’s teething, has a new little brother or sister or has just got back from vacation – it’s probably best to hold off for a couple of weeks.
Lots of big changes at once can be overwhelming for your little one, leaving everyone stressed out. By choosing a time when life is calm and relatively relaxed, you’ll have a much better chance of succeeding than when things are chaotic.
2. Start With Naps
Instead of wondering how to get a toddler to sleep in their own bed after co-sleeping for both naps and nighttime all during the same period of time, it can be a good idea to start with naps to get them used to sleep in a new space.
Once your toddler is comfortable with naps in their own bed, try including nighttime sleep too. Take things slow and remember – there’s no rush!
3. Establish a Bedtime Routine
If you don’t already have a bedtime routine locked in place, now’s the time to start. Make sure you avoid any electronics for at least 2 hours before bed and keep things calm, relaxed, and quiet.
While every family is different, you could try reading a couple of books, taking a nice warm bath and having some snuggle time as part of your bedtime routine. Doing the same thing every night will tell your child it’s time for bed and will encourage them to fall asleep.
4. Let Them Know What’s Happening
This is, understandably, quite a big change for your child. Let them know what’s happening and reassure them that they’ll do great sleeping in their own bed. Help them feel confident about the transition and let them know you’ll always be there in the next room.
5. Make Sure They’re Comfortable
Sleep is the last thing on your toddler’s mind if they’re feeling too hot or too cold. So make sure the room is set at a nice temperature and that they have weather-appropriate clothing on to help them drift off peacefully and comfortably.
How do I get my toddler to go to bed on his own?
You’re probably used to putting your toddler to bed around a certain time each night depending on their schedule. But if you’re now wondering how to get a toddler to sleep in their own bed, it can be tricky knowing where to start.
While it may not happen overnight, gradually your toddler will begin happily going to bed on their own when they start feeling tired. Whether you’re wondering how to get 5 year-old to sleep in own bed or how to get 2-year-old to sleep in own bed, the below tips and tricks will help.
Sleep Associations
After you’ve got a solid bedtime routine locked in place, your toddler will begin associating this routine with sleep. Other nighttime activities such as brushing teeth and changing into pajamas are also strong sleep associations that will help your toddler want to go to bed on their own.
It may also be worth giving your child a stuffed animal or special blanket they can sleep with each night to help them feel safe and secure. It’s normal to want to be cuddled up at night, and having a soft, cozy blanket or plush teddy bear by their side will make for another sleep association that won’t make them fearful when it comes to getting some rest.
Keep Things Positive
If you want your toddler to put themselves to bed, the last thing you want is for them to be fearful of their room or bed. That’s why it’s so important never to use bedtime as a punishment when disciplining your child. They will quickly associate bedtime with something bad and won’t ever want to go to bed.
💡TIP: How To Punish a Child
Keep bedtime positive. Sing a peaceful lullaby or read them a bedtime story. Getting your little one into a calm and relaxed state before bed is key to helping them go to bed on their own. The last thing you want is a highly energetic toddler that’s expected to fall asleep straight away after they’ve been buzzing around the house.
Prepare for Some Hiccups Along the Way
While some children may start putting themselves to bed on their own with no problems whatsoever, it’s best to keep an open mind and prepare for some difficult nights ahead.
If you’re guilty of Googling “how to get 3 year-old to sleep in own bed all night”, you may be wondering if your toddler will ever go to bed on their own without creeping their way back into your room during the night. It’s normal for these types of things to happen – so please don’t feel like you’ve failed.
Remember to keep an open mind and that this transition is only temporary. Better sleep is just around the corner!
💡TIP: Monitor your baby’s sleep so you know what to expect and have an overview.
When should a toddler sleep in their own bed?
There really isn’t a right time for toddlers to sleep in their own bed. There is, however, a right time for your child and family. While most toddlers transition to a toddler bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old, it’s completely up to you and your family when you make the transition.
If you and your partner are ready for some time alone again at night, there’s no need to feel guilty. Wanting to sleep in our own, adult bed when your child is ready is nothing to feel bad about. If your little one isn’t a great sleeper, you may even find that they sleep much better on their own!
So if you’re feeling stressed and scouring the internet for the “perfect” age to transition your toddler from a co-sleeping situation to his own bed, know that it varies depending on the child in question. No one knows your child like you do!
How to get toddler to sleep in own bed?
If you’ve been struggling with how to get a 1 year-old to sleep in their own bed, we hope this article has provided you with some help. Getting a toddler to sleep in their own bed after co-sleeping can be tricky, but with the right mindset and methods, you’ll be able to accomplish this in no time.
Final Tip: Annie Baby Monitor – Your Watchful Companion in the Nursery
Watching over your little one when they start sleeping on their own is important.
You can easily do that by placing a monitor in their nursery. With Annie’s real-time video and audio monitoring, as well as cry and motion detection, you can always stay connected with your child, which will give you peace of mind and give you peace of mind
Looking for a top-notch baby monitor? Look no further than Annie Baby Monitor. It’s the perfect solution for keeping tabs on your little one. Check it out now.
