Getting a toddler to sleep well can feel hard. Many parents ask how to get toddler to sleep in own bed. This guide helps you do just that. It talks about setting up a good routine and handling common toddler sleep problems like when a toddler won’t stay in bed or toddler night waking. It also covers moving toddler to a bed from a crib.
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The Big Move: From Crib to Bed
Moving a child from a crib to a ‘big kid bed’ is a big step. It happens around age 2 or 3. It’s often called toddler transition crib to bed. This move is important for sleep. It helps them feel more grown up. It also makes their room safer if they try to climb out of the crib.
H4 Choosing the Right Time
Look for signs your child is ready.
* They try to climb out of the crib. This is a safety signal.
* They ask for a big bed like yours.
* They are potty training. It’s easier for them to get to the potty.
* A new baby is coming. Make the move early, not right before the baby arrives.
Don’t rush the move. Wait until your child is ready. If they are going through other big changes, wait. Examples are starting a new school or dealing with big family events. Pick a calm time.
H4 Setting Up the New Sleep Space
Make the room safe first. Put guards on windows. Bolt furniture to the wall. Remove small things they could choke on. Put a soft rug by the bed.
Choose a good bed. A toddler bed is low to the ground. A twin bed is also fine. Use a bed rail. This stops them from falling out. Make the bed feel nice and cozy. Use soft sheets and a blanket.
Building a Strong Bedtime Routine
A good toddler bedtime routine is very important. It tells their body and mind it’s time to sleep. A consistent bedtime helps them feel safe and know what comes next. This is key for toddler sleep training.
H4 What a Good Routine Looks Like
Keep it simple. Do the same things every night. The routine should last about 20-30 minutes. Here is an idea:
- Bath time
- Put on pajamas
- Brush teeth
- Read a story or two
- Sing quiet songs or talk quietly
- Give hugs and kisses
- Tuck them in bed
H4 Making the Routine Work
Start the routine at the same time each night. Even on weekends. This consistent bedtime helps set their body clock. Let your child help with some parts. They can pick out pajamas or a book. This gives them some control. Keep the room dim and quiet during the routine. Turn off screens like TVs or tablets long before bedtime. These can make it harder to fall asleep.
Gentle Toddler Sleep Training
Getting a toddler to sleep in their own bed often needs some form of toddler sleep training. This means teaching them how to fall asleep by themselves. It takes patience.
H4 Different Ways to Train
There are many methods. Some are very gentle. Some let the child cry a bit. Choose what feels right for you and your child.
Method 1: The Stay-Near Method
* You sit in a chair near the bed.
* Your child goes into bed.
* You stay until they fall asleep.
* Each night, move the chair a bit closer to the door.
* Keep moving it until you are out of the room.
This method is slow. It is gentle. It helps children who need you close.
Method 2: The Check-In Method (Ferber Method)
* Put your child in bed awake.
* Leave the room.
* If they cry, wait a short time (like 5 minutes).
* Go in quickly. Say “I love you. Time for sleep.” Do not pick them up.
* Leave again.
* Wait longer next time (like 10 minutes).
* Keep making the wait times longer.
This method helps them learn to calm themselves. It can be hard to hear them cry. But it works for many families.
Method 3: The Chair Method Variation
* Similar to Stay-Near.
* Sit by the bed until they fall asleep.
* The next night, move the chair just outside the room.
* Stay there until they sleep.
* Slowly move further away from the door each night.
This is also gentle. It is faster than the classic Stay-Near method.
H4 Key Steps for Any Method
Be ready for it to take time. It won’t happen in one night.
- Be consistent. Do the chosen method the same way every night. This is the most important part.
- Stay calm. Your child feels your stress.
- Offer comfort before you leave. A hug, a kiss, tucking in a comfort item for toddler sleep.
- Have faith in your child. They can learn to sleep alone.
H5 Handling Crying
Crying is normal. It is how they show they are not happy with the change. It does not mean they are hurt or feel left alone if you check on them. Follow your chosen method’s rules for checks. Trust the process.
Common Toddler Sleep Problems
Even with a good routine, problems can pop up. Toddler sleep problems are common. Don’s feel bad if you face them.
H4 The Dreaded Sleep Regression Toddler
What is a sleep regression toddler? It’s a time when a child who used to sleep well starts having trouble. They might fight bedtime. They might wake up a lot at night. They might wake too early.
Sleep regressions happen for many reasons:
* Big steps in learning (like walking, talking). Their brains are busy!
* Changes in routine (travel, illness).
* Feeling more separate from you (separation anxiety).
* Teething.
* Not enough daytime sleep.
H5 How to Handle a Sleep Regression
Go back to your routine basics.
* Stick to the consistent bedtime.
* Do the full routine every night.
* Offer extra comfort during the day.
* Try to make sure naps are still happening. Overtired kids sleep worse at night.
* If they wake at night, use a check-in method. Don’t go back to old habits like letting them sleep in your bed (unless you want to).
* Be patient. Regressions usually last a few weeks.
H4 When Toddler Won’t Stay in Bed
This is very common after moving toddler to a bed. They have freedom now! They can get out.
H5 Why They Get Out
- They aren’t sleepy yet.
- They want more attention.
- They feel worried or scared.
- They want to play.
H5 What to Do
The Super Nanny Method (Gentle but Firm)
* Walk them back to bed right away.
* Say very little. “Time for bed.” or “Back in bed.”
* Put them gently back in.
* Leave the room.
* Do this every single time they get out.
* It might take many times the first few nights. Be ready for that.
* Be calm and boring. Don’t yell. Don’t talk a lot. Don’t give toys or books.
Using a Gate:
* Put a baby gate at the door.
* This keeps them safe in their room.
* They can’t wander the house.
* You still do the Super Nanny method to get them back in bed behind the gate.
Rewards:
* Some parents use sticker charts.
* If they stay in bed all night, they get a sticker.
* After a few stickers, they get a small prize.
* Focus on staying in bed, not just sleeping.
H4 Dealing with Toddler Night Waking
Toddlers waking up at night is hard on everyone. It is part of toddler sleep problems.
H5 Why They Wake
- They woke fully between sleep cycles. They don’t know how to go back to sleep alone.
- Hunger or thirst (less likely in toddlers unless they didn’t eat well).
- Bad dreams or night terrors.
- Need to use the potty.
- Feeling cold or hot.
- Illness or teething.
H5 How to Handle Night Wakings
- Rule out physical needs first (potty, feeling sick, cold/hot).
- If they are scared, a quick check-in might be needed. Reassure them you are near.
- If it seems like they just woke up and can’t fall back asleep, use a check-in method like the one for bedtime.
- Keep night visits short and quiet. Use dim light. Don’t turn on the main light.
- Don’t play or talk a lot. Keep your voice soft and boring.
- Avoid giving milk or snacks at night. This can create a habit.
- A comfort item for toddler sleep can help them self-soothe.
Important Tools for Success
Some things can really help make sleep training easier.
H4 The Comfort Item for Toddler Sleep
A soft blanket, a stuffed animal, or a small toy can be a big help. This comfort item for toddler sleep gives them something safe to hold. It helps them feel less alone.
- Let them choose their item.
- Keep it only for sleep times. This makes it special.
- Make sure it is safe (no small parts that can fall off).
H4 Blackout Curtains
Darkness is key for sleep. Even a little light can make it hard to fall asleep or cause early waking. Blackout curtains block out all light from outside.
H4 White Noise Machine
Quiet can be too quiet. Strange noises outside or inside the house can wake a child. A white noise machine makes a steady, soft sound. This blocks out other noises. It also creates a calming sound that signals sleep time. Choose a machine with a constant sound, not one that turns off after a while.
H4 A Safe and Calm Room
Make the bedroom a place for sleep and quiet time. Avoid using it for timeout or noisy play. It should feel safe and relaxing. The temperature should be cool and comfortable.
Making Consistency Your Superpower
We keep saying consistency. Why? Because it works!
H4 Why Consistency Matters
Toddlers learn from repeated actions. When you do the same thing every night, they learn what to expect. This makes them feel secure. It helps their bodies learn when it’s time to be awake and when it’s time to sleep.
- Consistent bedtime and wake time (even on weekends).
- Consistent bedtime routine.
- Consistent way of handling night wakings.
- Consistent way of putting them back in bed if they get out.
Mixing things up sends mixed signals. One night you let them sleep with you. The next night you don’t. This is confusing. It makes the process take longer.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
Toddler sleep training can be hard. What if things are not getting better?
H4 Think About Health Issues
Sometimes, toddler sleep problems are caused by health issues.
* Sleep apnea (trouble breathing during sleep). Look for loud snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep.
* Restless legs syndrome (itchy or uncomfortable feeling in legs at night).
* Allergies or colds that make breathing hard.
* Reflux (stomach contents coming back up).
If you worry about a health issue, talk to your doctor. They can check your child.
H4 Look at Daytime Sleep
Naps are still important for toddlers.
* Too much daytime sleep can make it hard to fall asleep at night.
* Too little daytime sleep (overtiredness) can also cause night sleep problems.
* Look at when naps happen and how long they are.
* Make sure the last nap ends well before bedtime (like 3-4 hours before).
H4 Get Expert Help
If you have tried many things and sleep is still a big problem, think about getting help. A child sleep consultant can look at your child’s whole sleep picture. They can make a plan just for you. They can help with toddler sleep problems that seem stuck.
Example Bedtime Routines
Here are a few examples of what a routine could look like.
Example Routine 1 (Short & Sweet)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Bath | Warm water helps relax |
| 7:15 PM | Pajamas & Teeth | Quick change and brush |
| 7:20 PM | Story Time | 1-2 short books |
| 7:25 PM | Hugs & Bed | Quick goodnight, tuck in comfort item |
| 7:30 PM | Lights Out | Leave room quietly |
Example Routine 2 (More Relaxed)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:45 PM | Tidy Toys | Signal winding down |
| 6:55 PM | Pajamas | Get cozy |
| 7:00 PM | Quiet Play / Talk | Puzzles, drawing, talking about the day |
| 7:15 PM | Bath & Teeth | Relaxing wash and brush |
| 7:30 PM | Books & Songs | A few stories, soft songs |
| 7:45 PM | Hugs, Drinks, Bed | Last sip of water, comfort item, tuck in |
| 7:50 PM | Lights Out | Leave room quietly |
Choose a time that works for your family. Most toddlers need about 11-14 hours of sleep total in a 24-hour period (including naps). So if they wake at 7 AM, they need to be asleep by 8 PM. Work backwards from their ideal sleep time.
Positive Talk About Sleep
Talk about sleep in a good way during the day.
* “Soon it will be bedtime. You get to sleep in your cozy bed!”
* “Your teddy is excited to sleep with you tonight.”
* “Sleeping helps your body grow big and strong.”
Avoid saying things like “You HAVE to go to bed” or “If you don’t sleep…”. Make bedtime sound like a nice, safe thing.
Celebrating Small Wins
Getting a toddler to sleep alone is a process. There will be good nights and bad nights. Celebrate the good nights!
* “You stayed in bed all night! Great job!”
* “You went right to sleep after our story! Wonderful!”
Positive feedback helps your child feel good about the changes. It makes them want to try harder.
Patience is Key
This journey takes time and lots of patience. There will be setbacks. There will be tears (yours and theirs!). That is okay. Every family is different. Every child is different. Find what works for you. Stay consistent. Trust that your child can learn this skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
H4 How long does toddler sleep training take?
It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Consistency makes it faster. Expect ups and downs. Stick with your plan for at least 2-3 weeks before deciding if it is working.
H4 Is a comfort item for toddler sleep really needed?
Not always needed, but it can help a lot. It gives comfort when you are not there. If your child likes having one, let them use it.
H4 My toddler won’t stay in bed. What is the fastest way to fix it?
The Super Nanny method (walking them back calmly every time) is often fastest. But it takes a lot of effort at first. Be prepared to do it many times. Consistency is key.
H4 How do I handle toddler night waking without letting them into my bed?
Go in quickly. Make sure they are safe and okay. Remind them it’s sleep time. Use a check-in method. Avoid turning on lights or having long talks. Keep it boring.
H4 What if there is a sleep regression toddler happening now? Should I wait to start training?
It can be harder to start during a regression. If you can wait a couple of weeks for it to pass, that might be best. But if sleep is very bad, sometimes starting a consistent plan is exactly what is needed to get through the regression.
H4 When should we move toddler to a bed from a crib?
Around age 2 or 3 is common. Look for signs they are trying to climb out. Or if you need the crib for a new baby. Don’t move too early unless needed for safety.
H4 What is a consistent bedtime?
It means putting your child to bed at the same time every night. Within about 15-30 minutes is good enough. This helps their body clock know when to get sleepy.
H4 How do I deal with toddler sleep problems like fear of the dark?
Leave a dim night light on. Make sure a comfort item is with them. Check in quickly if they call out. Talk about being brave during the day. Avoid scary stories or shows.
Moving your toddler to their own bed is a milestone. It needs planning and patience. By setting up a strong toddler bedtime routine, handling issues like sleep regression toddler or when toddler won’t stay in bed with calm consistency, and using helpful tools, you can help your child (and you!) get better sleep. You are teaching them a skill they will use their whole life. Good luck!