Image: Shutterstock
It’s nice to have your little child jump into your bed at night so you all can sleep together as one happy family. This is great until you realize that it’s been going on for too long now, and you’re not particularly fond of getting elbowed in the face.
Parents have constantly complained about how challenging it is to get their kids to sleep in their own beds. Either the little one flat out refuses to sleep in their own crib or will end up crawling into your bed in the middle of the night. Whatever be the case, you’re probably fed up with your child’s sleeping habits. Although understandable, it is important to wean your child off this night-time dependency. Here are a few things you can do that can help:
- Start Slow, One Step At A Time
Image: Shutterstock
It is important to slowly transition your little one into sleeping in their own bed. Having slept in your bed all their life, it can be challenging for them as well. You could begin by sleeping in your child’s room for a while until the little one has fallen asleep. Or, you can tell your child that it is okay to spend some time with you before going to sleep in their bed. It’s important to take it slow.
- Do Up Your Child’s Room
Image: Shutterstock
In most cases, children are afraid to sleep in their own rooms simply because they are scared. Some children are afraid of the dark, while others are scared of noises at night. Kids can have nightmares simply because their imaginations can run wild. To help with this, you can turn their rooms into a more calming environment. If the walls are a darker color, opt for one that is a lighter shade. You can give your child a night lamp that is dim enough to be used at night. Few children enjoy white noise, as it mimics the soothing sounds of a womb. You can play this for your child in the initial days of the transition.
- Talk To Your Child
Image: Shutterstock
The importance of sleeping alone in their bed has to be effectively communicated to the child. Tell your child that they will have to be independent at some point in their lives, and that begins now. Set clear expectations without discounting your child’s fears. If your child communicates that fear is what’s stopping them from sleeping alone, telling them not to be scared isn’t the best way to go. Instead, tell them that you understand their fears. Tell them how you, too, had to brave your fears and sleep in your own bed when you turned older.
- Try Good Nighttime Routines
Image: Shutterstock
A healthy night-time routine may help your child fall asleep quickly. You could set up a warm bath for your little one right before going to bed. Grab a book, and read a bedtime story to your child. This can calm your child a little and help them unwind. Make sure your child is getting enough exercise throughout the day. This isn’t just good for health; it is good for your child’s sleep as well. Don’t give your child a heavy dinner. Instead, opt for well-balanced meals that are light on the stomach.
- Consistency Is Key
Image: Shutterstock
Once you’ve made up your mind that it’s time for your child to leave your bed and start sleeping in their own bed, you need to stick to that decision. There may be instances where your child will fuss and ask to sleep in your bed “just this once”. It’s hard to tell your child “no”, but it is important. Communicating a consistent message will ensure that your child eventually follows it.
We love our little munchkins, and as much as it hurts us to kick them out of our rooms, this is something we all eventually have to do. Help your child slowly make this transition like we mentioned above — do not yell and expect your child to adapt to this new routine overnight. Did you succeed in getting your children to sleep in their beds? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
