How to Keep a Toddler Secure in Bed

Keeping your toddler secure in a big bed requires a gradual training process.

Toddlers eventually outgrow their cribs and need to graduate to bigger beds. Toddler beds don't have the four sides of security to keep your child in bed, so it will take some training to get your child used to the idea of staying in bed until morning. The first issue when using a toddler bed is to make sure the child is safe. It may take a few weeks or even months until both you and your toddler get a full night's sleep, but with patience and persistence, your toddler will become accustomed to this new sleep arrangement.

Things You'll Need

• Toddler bed with rails
• Comfort items
• Sleep training alarm clock

Instructions

1. Purchase a toddler bed that has safety rails on both sides to prevent your toddler from rolling out of bed. If your crib converts to a toddler bed, make sure the rails are installed correctly.

2. Explain to your child that even though he has the ability to get up from his bed at night, he is supposed to stay in his bed until morning. You might try explaining that this is what big kids do and explain to him why he needs to get a good night's rest.

3. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that will signal to your toddler that it is time to wind down and get to sleep. You might start with bathtime and then allow him to choose two or three books as bedtime stories.

4. Furnish your child with a few comfort items that will make him feel safe in his new bed. These might include a security blanket and his favorite stuffed animal.

5. Put your toddler back in his bed calmly and quietly if he comes out of the room; each time, explain that this is the time to go to sleep. Consistency is important to establishing this new routine, so don't let your frustrations convince you to let him sleep in your bed.

6. Purchase a sleep-training device, such as a sleep trainer alarm clock or timed blackout curtains, to teach your child when he is supposed to be sleeping and when it is okay to get out of bed. Parents can set the alarm clock or curtains, which then provide a visual or auditory indication of when it is time to sleep and when it is time to get up.

Tips & Warnings

• A nightlight might help children feel safe in the room because it illuminates the room well enough for him to see everything around him.

• Although they can be purchased with safety rails as well, bunk beds are not safe for toddlers who aren't used to staying in bed.

References

• Super Nanny: The Big Transition from Crib to Bed
• Pregnancy and Baby: How to Keep Your Toddler in Bed
• Baby Fun Shop: Sleep Trainer Clocks