How to Get a Toddler to Settle Down for Bed at Night

Keep anything stimulating out of your toddler's room.

Getting enough sleep is essential for a growing toddler, and a sleepy toddler will be a cranky one. Eighteen-month-olds need about 13 to 14 hours of sleep per day, with naps counting toward this total time. It’s important to put your toddler to sleep around the same time each night because if she stays awake later than usual, her adrenalin can kick in and make it even harder to get to sleep. Following the same routines each night lets her know what to expect and signals to her body that sleep time is coming.

Things You'll Need

• Pajamas
• Milk
• Sippy cup
• Snack
• Lamp
• CD players
• CDs of calming music
• Books

Instructions

1. Give her exercise between one and two hours before bed. Toddlers sleep more soundly when they’ve had an active day. Take her to the park after dinner or kick around a ball in the backyard. When you’re inside, play her favorite dance music and dance around the living room together. End exercise at least one hour before bedtime, since she won’t be able to sleep immediately after being active.

2. Get her dressed in her pajamas one hour before bed. Make sure her pajamas fit her correctly and don’t pinch her skin, since this will make her irritable.

3. Sit her down at the table or let her curl up on the couch. Heat some milk in the microwave or on the stove and pour it into a sippy cup. Give her the milk and a piece of toast spread with peanut butter or a few crackers. A bland bedtime snack will help her feel sleepy and keep her from waking up hungry in the middle of the night.

4. Take her into her bedroom. Turn off the overhead light and turn on a small lamp. Close the door and her curtains so there’s no bright light coming into the room. Turn on a CD player with a CD of lullabies or nature sounds like rippling water or rainforest sounds.

5. Get her into her bed. Let her adjust all her blankets, pillows and stuffed animals until she’s satisfied. Help her lie down and get comfortable.

6. Sit on the edge of her bed or stand over her crib and read one of her favorite books. Position the book so she can see the pages while she’s lying down. Read with a quiet, calm voice. Read a second book if she’s not falling asleep yet.

References

• "Parenting"; Toddler Sleep Solutions; Susan Brody
• Disney Family; Bedtime for Toddlers; Laura Markham