how do i get my toddler to go to sleep at night?

Question

he is 22 months old, and will only sleep in with me now

he is the youngest of 5, have never had a problem like this with the rest of them

Answer 1

A common problem, but easily solved.

It is all a matter of control and discipline. Your child, I am certain is well loved, has developed a habit (everyone has done this!) of being in your bed at night. Either he makes his own way there or you carry him. Eventually being in your bed becomes the norm.

You being tired at night say to yourself, "whatever" because you are tired let it go. Big mistake! but you are not alone.

It will take a few days to break the habit, but it is well worth it.

Here are your new rules do not let them lapse!
Rule 1. If he climbs into your bed, take him straight back to his, explain that he has to sleep in his own bed from now on.

Rule 2. If he climbs into your bed, take him straight back to his, explain that he has to sleep in his own bed from now on.!!!

Rule 3. Close your ears to crying.

Rule 4. No cheating keep your ears switched off.

Rule 5. After a week you have it sorted, but don't allow it to lapse back.

Anyone who tells you there is another way is kidding you!

good luck write to me in a weeks time and tell me it works. It has worked for every time.

Answer 2

I would love to know what you do already because it might be the key to gradually changing things. If you are resisting staying with him and have demands from the others then he will react and want to do what they do! which might be the problem! He may be very bright and has cottoned on to life after bedtime! It might be good to establish a solid routing, bath, story, milk, bed and then start from there, let him lead and have the bedtime fairy magically leave a treat for the boy who stays in bed quietly! If he is too young for this then just keep on! wait outside the room, as he gets out of bed, no eye contact, just put him back, you might have to give up an evening or two. If its a case of sitting with him, no eye contact, move to the end of the bed gradually, then out the door, leave the door, let him see you are there, its a tough one, but it will pass, and sleep will come, I am sure!

Answer 3

First off, shame on you for allowing a child this old in your bed. Next, take something you typically wear and wrap it around his pillow. It needs to smell and feel like you. No matter how many times he gets up put him back in his bed. A spanking after the second warning works. Then after that any night time cold medicine dosage approriate for his age will help. After a few nights he'll stay in his bed but you must NEVER allow him back in your bed.

I'm a parent of 3 and had this problem with my middle child. The hardest part is getting and keeping them asleep. Also, try a radio, tv, noisemaker, (fan), to drown out any noise that may wake the child.

Good rest to you..tnman

Answer 4

Tim T is spot on, first answer, I actually admit I watched Super nany last week, and she did everything as Tim T suggested, just added routine, A book before bed, and some night light soccer balls that were on the wall (doesn't have to be soccerballs), the mother had to tell the child that when the lights are on, that means its time to sleep in his bed.

They also helped the boy choose his own bedding, covers, pillow cases etc, this made him want to go to his bed at night.

Hope that helps

Answer 5

I used to keep my kids as busy as possible during the day i.e trips to the park, mother and toddler groups and keep any naps during the day to a minimum. I know the experts say that you should keep putting a child back into its own bed but i have to say that i went with the flow and would have them with me just cos i wanted a good nights sleep. Eventually, they all ended up in their own beds. It is hard at the time but it does get better.

Answer 6

You play with your toddler all day long and make him or her tired.
Always, always, put you're toddler to bed at the same time everynight and don't let him or her get up unless sick.

This will teach the child and get him or her into a routine and this works. I raised two boys this way and it may be hard at first but it will work.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I have a 25mth old and i always make sure there is quiet time before bed. She goes to bed at 7pm so at 6 we do bath time and them pj's and them cuddle before going to bed. It's really hard to get them out of being in your room but just the little one in the cot and let them scream. They will soon wear themselves out and fall asleep. If you have to go up there a few time to settle them back down then so be it but DON'T MAKE EYE CONTACT. Just lay little one down and walk out again. HAs the baby got a fav toy? Put that in cot too or maybe a jumper of yours so still feels close to you.

Answer 8

once you start taking them in with you...it's hard ( almost impossible ) to stop........

I have two Grand Kids.......the four year old STILL sleeps with her parents...and will sleep no where else....

the 22 month old...has never slept anywhere but in her crib.....

very gently...but very sternly....put him in his bed ( a crib if he comes out of the room )...say goodnight...and close the door...he will fuss, cry and maybe scream ...you can let him for about 10 minutes ( it will be harder for YOU to stand this, than him..... )

then, if he's still crying.....go back in but DO NOT take him out.....
kiss him, calm him......read him a story....and then, say goodnight again......and leave the room......

keep it up, you may have a few nights of work...but it will be better in the long run.....

Imagine him STILL sleeping with you when he's 4 or 5 ...and THEN trying to get him to sleep in a bed.......

be vigilant......loving, but vigilant...

good luck

Answer 9

Checkout this link:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5919_toddler-sleep.html

It's sometimes difficult to break a child's bedroom routine, so try a combination of the suggestions listed, I would concentrate on the following 2:
Warm milk before bed, this may help them sleep.
Sit near your child in their room until they go off, this way they will have the closeness, and should make it easier to break away from them completely at bedtime.

Answer 10

Tier him out in the day. Don't let him take late afternoon naps. Take him to the park to let him play like no tomarrow or run him around allot and then fix him a good meal and he should sleep well.