How to Get a Two Year Old to Fall Asleep on His Own

When kids don't sleep, you don't sleep.

Everyone runs into sleeping problems now and again, including 2-year-olds. Unfortunately, they don't have the tools to solve those problems themselves, and that's where parents come in. Having a toddler who can't sleep can be one of the most frustrating things about parenting. In addition, not getting the right amount of sleep can interfere with your child's growth and development. At the very least, it will leave him cranky and irritable the next morning -- and as difficult to manage then as he was the night before.

Instructions

1. Make an appointment with your child's doctor. Have him or her do a medical work-up to make sure that your 2-year-old does not have chronic insomnia or, if she does, that it is being medically addressed.

2. Address your child's diet. Eliminate refined sugar as much as possible, and certainly before bedtime.

3. Establish a bedtime ritual -- a relaxing one that will not overexcite your child. Start by brushing his teeth, reading bedtime stories and singing lullabies at the same time every night. Turn the bedroom lights off or get a small nightlight -- do not leave the room brightly lit.

4. Leave the room after the stories, lullabies, and cuddles are done -- do not re-enter the room that night (unless there is an emergency), even if your child screams and cries. Walk him back to bed if he tries to get into your bedroom or crawl into your bed. Repeat these steps as often as needed until your 2-year-old falls asleep by himself.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the room is not too warm or cold for sleeping. Provide a blanket or comforter of appropriate thickness for the season.

• Let the child sleep with his preferred stuffed animals for emotional comfort.

• Play soft music or use a sound machine if the child still has trouble sleeping.

• If these steps and tips fail to bring about the desired results, consult a child psychologist. Your 2-year-old may have emotional issues that are preventing him from getting quality sleep.

• Do not let your child back into your bed, or continually stay with her until she falls asleep. Doing this for even one night can break the habit of falling asleep by herself. It also motivates the child to continue bad behavior (such as throwing a temper tantrum) that bring mommy and daddy back to the room.

References

• Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems: New, Revised, and Expanded Edition; Richard Ferber; 2006