10 Tricks On How To Get Child To Sleep In Own Bed
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Getting kids to sleep is a battle. And getting them to sleep in their very own bed? Well, that is a whole different ball game altogether!
Whether you co-sleep or have a kid who just refuses to sleep in his bed, it may be time to take drastic steps.
How To Get Kids To Sleep In Their Own Bed
Here are some easy tips to encourage on how to get child to sleep in own bed :
1. Start Early:
Yes, it can be heartbreaking to put a howling baby or toddler in his bed. But, in the long run, it is the best you can do for your baby. So, don’t wait till your kid is a ‘little older’. The sooner you start, the better it will be. Work on a schedule and stick to it. Once your kid is sleeping in his own bed, don’t let him crawl back to ‘your bed’. No matter how tempting it is. Starting early is the best tip on how to get child to sleep in own bed.
[ Read: How Much Sleep Do Kids Need ]
2. Use Positive Words:
Harsh words and reprimands do not work when it comes to kids and sleep. Use positive words instead. ‘Isn’t it amazing that you get to sleep in your beautiful bed now that you are such a big boy’ is better than ‘you are too old to sleep with mama’. Here is an interesting suggestion on how to get kids to sleep in their own bed.
[ Read: Home Remedies To Curb Bed Wetting In Children ]
3. Teach Independence:
If your kid cannot fall asleep without you around, slowly teach him to put himself to sleep. If he needs you to lie with him to fall asleep, try sitting on his bed instead. Slowly move to a chair and then gradually remove yourself from the room completely. It may take a few days (or weeks) but it will work in the end.
3. Take It Easy:
For your child, sleeping on his own is a big step. Don’t rush it. Take baby steps. It may take weeks, but if you rush it, your endeavors are more likely to fail.
4. Stick To A Routine:
No means no, even at 2 in the morning! So, if your kid wanders into your room and demands to sleep with you, say no. Walk him back to his room and help him fall asleep again.
5. Use Incentives:
‘So you want me to sleep alone? What’s in it for me?’ That’s what is going through your kid’s mind! So make the whole ‘sleep in your bed’ a big deal. Offer incentives like stickers, small toys, a favorite meal – anything to tempt him into sleeping alone!
[ Read: Sleepwalking In Kids ]
6. Communicate:
Don’t expect your kid just to know it is time for him to make the transition to his bed. Talk about it. And don’t pick bedtime to negotiate! Let him know what’s coming in advance. He too needs to prepare for it! Getting child to sleep in own bed can be done by soft communication.
7. Know That Your Child’s Fear Are Real:
For your child, the bed is a scary, strange place. Yes, it scares him. When he tells you about the monster in his room, hear him out. Don’t belittle his fears. Instead offer distractions like playing his favorite CD, a blanket to protect him at night, or a book.
8. Shower Him With Love:
Most kids look forward to bedtime for their daily quota of love each day. So, cuddle him, hug him, shower him with kisses – do all that you can to make your child feel loved and protected all through the day. This way he won’t miss the cuddles at bedtime.
9. Close The Door:
It may be tempting to keep the door to your kid’s room open, in the hope of offering him emotional support, but it is a sure shot recipe for disaster! Close the door. All the noise, lights and shadows can keep your little one awake till late.
10. Get A Pet:
If you have a pet dog or cat, you can encourage them to sleep with your child. If you don’t have a pet, consider getting one. Even a goldfish would do! Just provide your kid some company as he learns to sleep on his own.
[ Read: Sleep Disorders In Children ]
With these simple tips, you can now encourage your child to take his first step towards independence. He may cry and throw a tantrum now, but in the years to come, he’ll thank you!
Don’t worry! Sleeping in his bed will not scar your child for life. But it may make him a strong, independent person. So, get the ball rolling today!
How did you get your child to sleep alone? Share your tips with us.
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