How can I keep my 20 month old son in his bed at bedtime???

Question

He usually goes to bed between 10 and 11:30 pm, because he just isnt tired (hes hyper active) but it gets annoying to have to scream at him after he has come out of his for the eightth time, I dont like him to go to bed crying.
Any ideas???
Should I cut out naps???

Answer 1

LOTS AND LOTS OF DUCT TAPE. J/k. Try sending him to bed a lot earlier. No sweets past 1pm, no meals past 6pm. Make sure all his needs are met, especially emotional ones. My daughter is afraid of the dark, so maybe make sure there is some soft lighting. Stay in with your son for a few nights so that he feels secure. Or even try tucking him into bed with you. That always works for me. After a while, put him in your bed but leave the room while he goes to sleep. Then move him to his own room when he's real secure with what you've been doing. I wish you the best of luck. I know it's hard, but be patient and loving and it will work out!

Answer 2

First of all, your son is testing you. You need to lay down a schedule for him and please follow through with it. Your son needs structure.
1 - Dinner
2- Bathtime ( camomile and lavender baby wash is great)
3 - Read him a bedtime story
4 - Kiss him and tuck him in and tell him it is now bedtime
5 - Play some calming music in the room with a nightlight.
6 - Don't give in to him!!!!! If you do, then he wins.

This is my schedule with my 3 kids and bedtime is at 8pm every night. He will eventually tell you what comes next.

I really hope this helps and I completely understand how frustrating this is but if you don't lay down some rules, he will walk all over you. They look to you for control.

Answer 3

Most likely to young to cut out nap time, maybe some scheadule adjusting though. Patience is key. Eventually he will not get upp at all and you can relax. I suggest sticking to a set time though Every time he gets up do not conversate with him, that is what he wants and he gets to stay up a few minutes longer. Just quitely take him back to his bed, lie him down, give him a kiss and walk away. Repeat as many times as necessary do not give in. If you give in one time he remembers and knows you will give in again. You may also want to try and get him to like his sleeping area. Take him to redo his area. Nothing much but maybe a new nighlight of his choice a blanket or bear. This will get him excited to be in his bed. If there is a fear of something like the dark leave the hall light on or a small lamp until he falls asleep. This is not easy I know but within a few weeks of this he will be great at falling asleep.

Answer 4

Okay, so do any of you who have answered actually have kids? Okay, that's mean. But folks without kids shouldn't give advice.

Look, give him a reasonable bedtime and STICK TO IT. 7:30 or 8:00 pm should be perfect for his age, and will help cut down on the hyperactivity.

Create a bedtime ritual - kids thrive on structure. For example, wash up, brush teeth, pajamas on, one book read to him, and in the bed.

When he gets out of bed, don't scream at him. In fact, don't even talk to him. Simply pick him up, and put him back in bed. You may do this twenty times the first two nights, but eventually the message will be clear and he'll stop getting out of bed when he (1) doesn't get the interaction he's looking for and (2) gets tired of not getting anywhere with you. At this age, the crying isn't for his benefit (as in an infant, who has absolutely no other method by which to communicate), but for your benefit.

Something that worked with my girls at that age was to put on classical music and tell them that they didn't have to "sleep" but that their eyeballs needed a rest, to just close their eyes and listen to the music. Five minutes later, they're snoring.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

i did this, it was a pain in the butt but it worked, I put him in at 8pm and read to him and had low lighting. I spoke softly, just to get him calm. After he was a bit calm, about 15 minutes, I said good night and left the room. I put a chair outside the door and whenever he would walk out of the room, I didn't say a word and just took him gently by the hand and put him back in bed. Be persistant and no matter what don't give up. there is a book called "1 2 3 magic". it helps.

Answer 6

You might shorten naps, give him a warm bath before bedtime, or put a baby gate up so he can't get out of his room. We had to do this with our youngest because she was getting up during the night and watching videos in the living room at 3:00 am. Since she couldn't reach the light and couldn't get over the gate she got bored and stayed in her bed...or fell asleep on the floor with her stuffed animals. (She was a little over 2 years old.)

Answer 7

Good on you for having the same routine EVERY night! that's what they need anyways! My son ironically is going through this right now too. So I feel for you,trust me! Stick it out and stick with the routine you are doing great. The only thing I would change is once I put my son down in his crib I do not pick him back up so he knows I am not playing and I am serious about "night night" once again good luck and don't worry it is a Phase! (or so I hope!)

Answer 8

Definitely cut out naps.That way you kind of have more control while you're awake and not while your trying to get to sleep(Or something else, if you know what I mean.) But seriously, If you want to get him to go to sleep at night you must somehow keep him awake longer during the day. If you can do it, he won't even know what is happening. Wouldn't you rather have him cranky in the middle of the day than at night time? Try it, I think you will be happier or more peaceful at night.

Answer 9

Stop screaming at your baby. I have an 18 month old and I have yet to NEED to scream at him. Maybe you are lazy and find screaming more suitable to getting off your *** and putting him back into bed and continously telling him NO in a calm and assertive voice when he gets out.

Answer 10

He needs his naps...

What is needed is more sterness on your part. In your own words, you "I dont like him to go to bed crying".

Kids will try and test parents, and it's important to stand firm and make sure it's your way or the highway. There is no other way.

Lock the door to the room. Buy one of those matresses that keep the kid on the matress. But don't give in t his tantrums, or it's only going to get worse.