12 Advices by Paediatrician to Keep Toddlers in Bed

What time is it? It’s 3 AM, and your toddler is standing beside your bed… again.

For the fourth time tonight. Does this sound familiar? Parents worldwide share this midnight challenge, and studies show that 40% of toddlers resist bedtime routines.

You’re in the right place if you read this at 2 AM while your toddler refuses to sleep.

And here’s the silver lining: pediatricians have cracked the code with clever, science-backed tips that will turn your bedtime woes into a thing of the past, which helped countless families transform their chaotic, sleepless nights into blissful evenings of uninterrupted ZZZs.

These 12 medical tips will help you reclaim your evenings and help your little one develop healthy sleep habits.

The Importance of Independent Sleep in Toddlers

When toddlers learn to fall asleep independently, they build essential life skills.

Research shows that children who sleep independently at ages 2-3 develop better emotional control and show improved daytime behavior. But the benefits go beyond just better behavior.

Medical research confirms that when toddlers learn to sleep on their own, they:

• Feel more confident and secure
• Handle nighttime wakings better
• Show improved focus during playtime
• Experience fewer tantrums and mood swings

The science is clear: toddlers who learn good sleep habits early carry these benefits into their preschool years and beyond.

Better sleep tonight means better development tomorrow.

Advice for Toddlers to Stay in Bed

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Creating a consistent bedtime routine is one of the most important steps in helping your toddler stay in bed through the night.

A predictable sequence of calming activities before bed helps signal to your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down, making the transition to sleep much smoother.

Pediatricians recommend keeping the routine simple and relaxing, ideally beginning about 30-45 minutes before bedtime.

To Build a Calming Routine

1. Start with a Bath or Quiet Play: A warm bath can be soothing and cue the body to relax. 
2. Brush Teeth and Put on Pajamas: These activities help build structure while gently reinforcing that bedtime is coming up.
3. Read a Bedtime Story: Reading together is a cozy, bonding activity that helps your toddler feel secure. Choose books with a calming theme or soothing rhythm to ease them into sleep mode.
4. Share a Quick, Positive Thought: Saying “Let’s think of something happy we did today” creates a positive ending and sets a calm, happy mood.

2. Set a Specific Bedtime

Setting a specific bedtime is the most effective way to help your toddler develop healthy sleep habits and stay in bed throughout the night. 

Experts recommend choosing a bedtime that allows your toddler to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age, typically 11-14 hours, including naps.

To Establish a Specific Bedtime

1. Pick a Time and Stick to It: Aim to keep bedtime within a 15-minute window each night to create a sense of routine and predictability.
2. Wind Down Beforehand: Start the bedtime routine about 30 minutes before the set bedtime. This can include bathing, brushing your teeth, and signaling your toddler it’s bedtime.
3. Be Consistent on Weekends: It may be tempting to let bedtime slide on weekends, but maintaining the same schedule helps toddlers adapt to the routine more quickly and sleep better overall.

3. Provide a Comfort Item

A comforting object, known as a “transitional object,” can make a big difference in helping your toddler settle down and feel secure in their bed.

These items provide a sense of familiarity and safety, acting as a reassuring presence even when you’re not in the room.

This simple but effective technique can ease the transition to independent sleep, helping your little one drift off with security and confidence.

To Provide a Comfort Item for Your Toddler

1. Let Them Choose: Let your toddler pick out their own comfort item—whether it’s a stuffed animal, blanket, or pillow—so they feel a stronger bond with it.
2. Name the Comfort Item: Give it a special name together. This adds personality and makes it feel like a “friend.”
3. Create a “Goodnight” Routine: Include the comfort item in the bedtime routine, like hugging it or tucking it in. 
4. Introduce a “Guardian Role”: Tell your toddler their comfort item is there to “keep watch” over them as they sleep, helping them feel safe and protected.
5. Personalize It: Add a small touch, like a scent from home or a small ribbon, to make it feel uniquely yours and enhance the comfort.

4. Use a Nightlight

A small, soft nightlight can make a big difference in helping toddlers feel secure in their room.

For some toddlers, the darkness can feel unsettling, and a nightlight provides enough comfort to soothe bedtime fears without disturbing sleep.

Choose a light with a warm, amber glow, as it’s less likely to interfere with melatonin production and promotes a natural sleep rhythm.

Using a Nightlight at Bedtime

1. Let Them Choose: Take your toddler to pick out a soft-glow nightlight. This involvement makes the light “theirs,” adding a sense of ownership and comfort.
2. Make It Part of the Routine: Each night, let your toddler turn on the nightlight as a final step in bedtime, signaling that it’s time to sleep.
3. Position Thoughtfully: Place the nightlight away from their direct line of sight so it softly illuminates the room without distracting them.
4. Give It a Name: Give the nightlight a friendly name, like “Sleepy Star” or “Dream Glow,” so it feels like a comforting bedtime friend.
5. Set a Limit: If your nightlight has a timer, set it to dim or turn off after a certain time. This will help your child gradually adjust to sleeping in the dark.

5. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Screen time before bed can significantly disrupt your toddler’s ability to fall asleep and stay in bed.

The blue light emitted by screens of electronic gadgets suppresses the production of melatonin—the hormone that regulates sleep. This makes it harder for your toddler to settle down and signals their brain to stay alert instead of winding down.

By limiting screen time, you’re fostering better sleep habits and nurturing a calmer, more predictable evening routine that benefits the entire household.

As a bonus, it creates opportunities for family bonding and encourages meaningful connections during bedtime.

Steps to Limit Screen Time Before Bed

1. Set a Screen-Free Hour: Establish a rule to turn off all screens at least one hour before bedtime. Use this time for winding down activities.
2. Create a Screen-Free Zone: Keep screens out of bedrooms to avoid temptation and distractions.
3. Replace Screens with Calm Activities: Offer alternatives like story time, drawing, or gentle stretching to help your toddler relax.
4. Use a Timer: Set a visual timer to signal when screen time ends, making the transition smoother.
5. Lead by Example: Model screen-free behavior by putting your devices away during the bedtime routine.

6. Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment

A sleep-inducing environment is key to helping toddlers settle down and stay in bed throughout the night.

Designing a calm and relaxing sleep environment sets the stage for a successful bedtime routine, helping your toddler feel safe, secure, and ready to drift off into dreamland. 

To ensure a comfortable sleep environment for toddlers, focus on key comfort factors like bedding, mattress, and pillows.

Use breathable, lightweight, and season-appropriate bedding that can be easily adjusted to suit your child’s comfort.

Steps to Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment for Toddlers

1. Set the Right Temperature: You can keep the room cool at around 18–22°C (65–72°F).
2. Use Dim Lighting: Install blackout curtains and a soft, warm nightlight.
3. Minimise Noise: Use white noise machines or a fan to block disruptive sounds.
4. Ensure a Comfortable Bed: Provide a cozy mattress, soft bedding, and a favorite comfort item.
5. Declutter the Room: Remove distracting toys and items to signal that the space is for sleep.

7. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

By setting clear boundaries and consistently reinforcing them, you give your toddler structure and security, helping them develop healthy sleep habits that benefit everyone.

You can begin by explaining the bedtime routine in simple terms they can understand. Such as, “After story time, it’s time to stay in bed until morning.” Use a calm but firm tone to reinforce this expectation.

Over time, they will understand that bedtime rules are non-negotiable and are part of their daily routine.

Steps to Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

1. Explain Bedtime Rules: Clearly tell your toddler, “After story time, you stay in bed until morning.” Use simple and calm language.
2. Use Visual Aids: Create a bedtime chart with pictures to help them understand the routine.
3. Set Specific Rules: Allow exceptions only for emergencies, like needing the bathroom.
4. Stay Consistent: Return them to bed if they get up, without lengthy talks or attention.
5. Reinforce Positively: Praise or reward them when they follow the rules to encourage the behavior.

8. Try Gradual Separation Techniques

If your toddler struggles with separation anxiety at bedtime, gradual separation techniques can help them feel secure while encouraging independent sleep.

The idea is to slowly reduce your physical presence during bedtime over several nights, making the transition more comfortable for your child.

Gradual separation techniques allow toddlers to build confidence in their ability to sleep alone, reducing parental and child stress over time.

Steps to Try Gradual Separation Techniques

1. Start Close: Sit beside your toddler’s bed as they fall asleep, providing comfort with your presence.
2. Move Back Gradually: Each night, shift farther away—from the bed to the door, and eventually out of the room.
3. Offer Reassurance: Calmly reassure your toddler if they feel anxious, but avoid prolonged interaction.
4. Introduce Comfort Items: Give them a favorite blanket or stuffed toy for added security.
5. Be Consistent: Stick to the routine nightly until your toddler adjusts to sleeping independently.

9. Address Nighttime Fears

Nighttime fears are a common challenge for toddlers as their imagination develops, often leading to resistance at bedtime.

Addressing nighttime fears with patience and creativity can help your toddler feel secure, paving the way for peaceful nights and healthy sleep habits.

Steps to Address Nighttime Fears

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Validate their fears and reassure them it’s okay to feel scared.
2. Create a Safe Space: Add a nightlight, comfort item, or soothing decor to secure their room.
3. Use Playful Solutions: Introduce a “monster spray” or magic wand to help them “fight off” fears.
4. Incorporate a Calming Routine: Read uplifting stories or use soothing activities like lullabies or gentle back rubs.
5. Provide Reassurance: If they wake up scared, calmly guide them back to bed and reassure them without prolonged engagement.

10. Offer Praise and Rewards

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging toddlers to stay in bed.

Praising your child for their efforts helps build confidence and reinforces good behavior, making it more likely that they will repeat it.

By offering praise and rewards, you create a positive association with bedtime, making it a rewarding experience for your toddler and encouraging them to develop long-lasting, healthy sleep habits.

Steps to Offer Praise and Rewards

1. Acknowledge Success: Praise your toddler for staying in bed, even for small milestones, with encouraging words like, “Great job staying in bed tonight!”
2. Use a Reward Chart: Create a simple sticker chart to track progress. Award a sticker for every successful night.
3. Choose Small Rewards: Offer meaningful rewards like extra playtime, a favorite story, or choosing breakfast.
4. Be Consistent: Praise and reward consistently to reinforce the behavior.
5. Involve Your Toddler: Let them choose reward options to stay motivated and engaged.

11. Stay Calm and Consistent During Wake-Ups

Toddlers often wake up during the night, seeking comfort, attention, or reassurance. How you handle these wake-ups is crucial in teaching your child to stay in bed.

Remaining calm and consistent sends a clear message that nighttime is for sleeping. 

By staying calm and consistent, you create a predictable routine that helps your toddler feel secure and teaches them that night wakings don’t lead to extended attention, ultimately encouraging better sleep habits.

Steps to Stay Calm and Consistent During Wake-Ups

1. Keep Your Approach Calm: Avoid showing frustration or anger when your toddler wakes up. Respond calmly and gently.
2. Lead Them Back to Bed: Quietly guide your child back to bed without engaging in conversation or play.
3. Reaffirm Bedtime Expectations: Gently remind them it’s time to sleep, using a simple phrase like, “It’s still nighttime, time to stay in bed.”
4. Minimise Attention: Keep interactions brief and neutral to avoid encouraging wake-ups for attention.
5. Repeat as Needed: If they get up again, repeat the process calmly and consistently until they stay in bed.

12. Be Patient and Persistent

Teaching a toddler to stay in bed requires time, patience, and consistency.

Toddlers thrive on routine and repetition, so while the process may feel challenging initially, persistence will yield results. 

With patience and a persistent approach, you can overcome bedtime challenges and help your toddler develop consistent sleep patterns that will benefit them for years.

Steps to Keep Your Toddler in Bed By Being Patient And Persistent

1. Stay Calm: Avoid showing frustration during bedtime battles. Responding calmly reassures your toddler and keeps the routine consistent.
2. Reinforce Routine: Stick to your bedtime routine every night despite setbacks. Predictability builds trust and comfort.
3. Lead Them Back: If your toddler gets out of bed, gently guide them with minimal conversation or fuss to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
4. Acknowledge Progress: Celebrate small wins, like staying in bed a little longer, to encourage continued improvement.
5. Consistency is Key: Repeat these steps every night. Change takes time, but persistence helps solidify the habit.

These pediatrician-recommended strategies can help create a bedtime routine that fosters independence, security, and restful sleep for your toddler and the whole family.

Why Won’t Toddlers Go to Sleep?

Getting toddlers to sleep can feel monumental, leaving many parents wondering, “Why won’t my toddler just stay in bed?” The answer often lies in developmental, emotional, and environmental factors.

Understanding why toddlers resist sleep is the first step toward addressing the issue.

By tailoring your approach to these common challenges, you can make bedtime smoother for you and your little one.

Let’s look at some common reasons why toddlers resist bedtime and how you can address them:

1. Boundless Energy and Curiosity

Toddlers are naturally curious and energetic. Even if they’re clearly tired, they see bedtime as a barrier to their adventures. Their developing independence often drives them to test limits and prolong wakefulness.

Solution: You can encourage active play earlier in the day to help them burn off energy and wind down with calming activities, like reading, before bed.

2. Fear of Missing Out

As toddlers become more aware of their surroundings, they fear missing out. They may think the rest of the household is having fun while they’re in bed.

Solution: Reassure them that bedtime is when everyone winds down. Create a calming environment to reinforce that sleep is safe and necessary.

3. Developmental Milestones

Big changes like learning to walk, talk can disrupt sleep. These milestones excite their minds, making it harder for them to relax at night.

Solution: Stay consistent with routines while being patient. Offer extra comfort if they seem restless due to developmental leaps.

4. Separation Anxiety

Many toddlers fear being away from their parents, which can make bedtime difficult. They may call out, cry, or try to leave their room just to be close to you.

Solution: As we discussed earlier, gradual separation techniques, like staying nearby initially and slowly moving farther away, can help ease this anxiety.

5. Inconsistent Sleep Schedule

Irregular bedtimes or nap schedules can confuse a toddler’s internal clock, making settling into a bedtime routine harder.

Solution: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, to establish predictable cues for their body.

The Right Time for a Transition to a Toddler Bed

Transitioning your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed is a significant milestone, both for them and you as a parent.

But with the right timing and approach, it can be a smooth and exciting milestone in your toddler’s journey toward independence.

But how do you know it’s the right time?

No need to stress, parents! Watch for these key signs and follow these handy tips to ensure the transition is as seamless and enjoyable as possible:

Signs Your Toddler Is Ready For Transition

• Climbing Out of the Crib: If your toddler has started climbing out of their crib, it’s a clear safety signal that they’re ready for a bigger, more accessible sleeping arrangement.
• Potty Training Progress: A toddler bed provides easier access if the child is starting to potty train and might need to get up during the night.
• Outgrowing the Crib: When your toddler seems cramped or uncomfortable in their crib, it may be time to upgrade to a bed that fits their growing body.
• Expressing Independence: If they desire to “be like a big kid” or participate in the change process, introducing a toddler bed is a great opportunity.

Ideal Age for Transition

Most toddlers make the switch between 18 months and 3 years.

However, every child develops at their own pace—focus on their readiness cues rather than just the calendar to determine the perfect timing.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations, you’re officially a bedtime superhero! Sure, there might be a few detours—like your toddler’s fifteenth request for water or their sudden declaration of becoming nocturnal—but stick with it.

Every story read, every calm redirection, and every tiny high-five for staying in bed add to victory.

Think of it as a team sport: you’re the coach, and your toddler is learning the rules. With patience and consistency, you’ll turn those “one more hug” moments into peaceful zzz’s.

As the giggles quiet and the lights dim, know that you’re creating more than just a restful night—you’re fostering a sense of security and love that lingers long after the dreams fade.

With your guidance, bedtime becomes a task and a cherished ritual. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Break The Co-Sleeping Habit?

Start by creating a comforting bedtime routine and a cozy sleep environment in your toddler’s bed.

Gradually transition by staying near them as they fall asleep, then slowly reduce your presence.

Consistency, reassurance, and patience are key to helping your toddler adjust to sleeping independently.

How Can I Handle Nighttime Fears?

Address nighttime fears by reassuring your toddler with calm words and introducing comforting items like a favorite stuffed toy or a nightlight.

A consistent bedtime routine and playful strategies, like a “monster spray,” can also ease their anxiety. Encourage open conversations to help them feel safe and understood.

Can Skipping Naps Help Toddlers Sleep Better At Night?

No, skipping naps can backfire. Overtired toddlers often become restless and struggle to settle at bedtime.

A well-timed nap ensures they aren’t overly tired, helping them relax and fall asleep more easily at night.

Maintaining an age-appropriate nap schedule supports better overall sleep patterns.

How Long Does It Take To Establish a Bedtime Routine?

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine typically takes 2-4 weeks. The key is to remain patient and consistent, repeating the same steps every night.

Each child is different, so adapting to their needs while sticking to the routine helps them adjust and form healthy sleep habits over time.

What Are Some Good Bedtime Books For Toddlers?

Popular bedtime books for toddlers include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, and Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.

These calming stories foster relaxation and make bedtime routines more enjoyable.