How to Get the Toddler Out of the Parent's Bed

Learn how to get a toddler to sleep in her own bed.

Regardless of why a toddler is in the parent's bed, all parents reach a point where they are ready for their child to sleep in his own bed at night. This transition can be difficult for both the parent and the child, but in the end everyone will sleep better. Using the Supernanny's Stay in Bed Technique, any parent can have their bed back with success. While there will inevitably be tears, learning to sleep in his own bed is an important step for a maturing child.

Things You'll Need

• Toddler bed

Instructions

1. 

   A bath is a fun way to help a child calm down for bedtime.

   Create a bedtime routine. The goal of the routine is to calm the child and prepare her for bed. Some activities can include a warm bath, books, songs, hugs and kisses.

2. Tell the child goodnight, and leave the room. The child must know that he is expected to stay in bed.

3. When the child gets up the first time, take him back to bed, tell him that it is bedtime, give him a kiss and leave the room.

4. If the child gets up again, use a firmer voice, tell him it is bedtime and give a quick kiss before leaving the room.

5. If the child gets up again, say nothing and put him back in bed. Continue to do this each time the child gets out of bed until he is asleep. Each night the number of times the child gets out of bed will become fewer until the child willingly stays in his own bed the first time.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the child go to the bathroom, have a drink and do anything else necessary to avoid giving him a reason to get up.

• Do not engage in a discussion with the child as to why he is out of bed.

References

• Supernanny: The Stay in Bed Technique