How can we get her to want go to sleep calmly?

Question

Our daughter is 18 months old, and she fights sleep so hard. We walk with her until she falls to sleep. But its getting more difficult because she is growing. We want to be able to get her to sleep without all this drama. And also, without making her cry. Our question is.... HOW?:)

Answer 1

I don't know what all you have tried, but if she is in a toddler bed now, you could sit down and rub her back until she falls asleep. That would be better than walking her because at 18 months she must be getting pretty heavy to do this. I am not saying this is the BEST way to handle this, but would she fall asleep watching t.v.? Or listening to music? When my mother used to watch my son...years ago (he is 16 now), she confessed to giving him 1/2 a tsp. of dimetapp to get him to sleep!! He obviously survived my mother...lol. Good luck and I hope ya'll find a way.

Answer 2

It takes some work and determination but here is my suggestion --- have a bed time routine. I do this for both of my kids and it works great. Make everynight the same. This is what I do.

1. eat dinner
2. take a bath
3. play time
4. brush teeth
5. read a story together
6. go to sleep

In doing all these things each night in the SAME ORDER, your daughter will soon realize what is coming next and she will except it to be bed time eventually. You have to train them to understand that bed time is not something to get upset about everyone sleeps ---- Even Mommy and Daddy. I personally found that bedtime routines are extrememly important as are daytime routines. Kids need structure. Good Luck! I hope this has helped.

Answer 3

well walking is good , but if she is the one walking. Do not put her in the stroller.She is not wearing her self down that way. She needs stimulation and schedule. I know schedules on life can be hard to keep up but having her on a routine will help allot as long as you do it most of the time she will understand and even look forward to sleep time. Every day it should be early afternoon naps, and a good 5 to 7 hours before bed. Do not wait till bed time to start playing or anything wind down an hour or so before bed.

Answer 4

It is OK for her to cry. She will cry more at the beginning & that is the hard part. Then she will get used to the schedule of things & give up. Also keep her diet in mind. Of course cut out sugars in the afternoon & never let her have caffeine.
Maybe if you play outside after dinner or take walks, it will help her to be more sleepy. It works for me.

Answer 5

You can't. What you can do is make sure she has a consistant bedtime. Put her to bed. She WILL cry -a lot. Go in her room every few minutes and telk to her, just a sentence, don't pick her up though. Eventually she'll go to sleep. It will take a while, but eventually she'll go to sleep on her own.
She may rearrange her bedding and pillows, so allow her to do that. It's her way of taking control of her situation.