How to Get a Two-Year Old to Stop Crying and Sleep Alone

Sleeping issues are one of the major causes of stress in a family with toddlers. If your 2-year-old has a difficult time going to sleep alone without crying, take heart and know that you are not alone. This problem can be resolved.

Instructions

1. Set up a predictable bedtime routine. For example, before each bedtime, give your child a bath and dress him in pajamas. Brush his teeth, and then have a story time.

2. Encourage independence and talk positively about what a "big boy" he is during the bedtime routine. Allow your child some control during this process. Let him pick out his own books for example, or allow him to brush his teeth by himself.

3. Read the books in your child's bed or in a rocking chair in her room. Dim the lights during reading time and turn on a night light. This will help to calm her after a busy day.

4. Bring a CD player into your child's room and play some quiet lullabies. Music has soothing qualities and can help your child fall asleep on his own while giving him something to focus his attention. Rock him or hold him until he is drowsy and almost asleep.

5. Lay your child in her crib or on her bed and sit next to the bed until she falls asleep. This will give her the comfort of knowing that you're still there for her. During this time, do not make any eye contact with your child or talk to her. Just sit quietly, or rub her back to help her fall asleep.

6. Move away from the bed once your child learns to fall asleep with you sitting next to it. For the next week, sit halfway between the child's bed and his door. The week after that, sit in the doorway while he falls asleep. Your child may adjust quickly and it may not take a full week at each location, but give yourself that much time to ensure a smooth transition.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try this while your child is having a difficult time adjusting to a new sibling or a move to a new house. If any stressful circumstances have changed your child's life, give him time to adjust to that before trying to get him to sleep alone.