Toddler Sleep Issues:
Getting Out Of Bed

One of the top toddler sleep issues is when a toddler gets out of bed when he should be going to sleep. Perhaps you have just come downstairs and are just thinking - great, time to..... whatever it may be, only to hear his little footsteps across the floor or a little shout, "Mummy, Daddy...". If you don't go to him, then he's getting out of bed and coming to you!

Firstly try not use a "sleeping tent" (a netting that goes over the cot), lock the bedroom door or use any harness to try to combat any toddler sleep issues. It could be dangerous and disturbing for your child - if your toddler sees his bed as somewhere he is forced to be and is imprisoned then the connection he will make with bedtime will be a negative one. You need to help your child build a contented picture of being in bed.

If you have toddler sleep issues, to help your toddler have his sleep and to help you have time in the evenings try these tips to help your toddler stay in his bed.

Taking your toddler back to to bed

Follow your toddler bedtime routine and tell your toddler that he needs to stay in bed because it's time for sleep and rest. After you have put him to bed and if he gets out of bed you need to take him back to bed. As soon as he gets out of bed go into his room, take his hand gently and lead him back to bed and say "Goodnight, you need to stay in bed now". Give him a cuddle and a kiss.

If your toddler gets out of bed again, take him back to bed again saying something like "Goodnight, it's sleep time" without a kiss or a cuddle.

If your toddler gets out again, then gently take his hand and take him back to bed. You don't need to say anything this time - your toddler already knows it's time to sleep.

No chat, no crossness or banter - say calm and gentle. And if he gets out of bed again take him back gently and without saying more. Keep taking him back and eventually your toddler will get tired and bored. Even if he cries keep repeating it.

He will learn that at bedtime he needs to stay in bed. It's a clear boundary which has been gently and calmly made consistently by you and your partner.

If you like you can let him know that he can have a reward for staying in bed. Perhaps a sticker for each night and when he gets 3 stickers he can have a present. Some parents do not like to use the reward system but sometimes it works well and can make learning more exciting.

Be patient and be prepared to put some time aside to tackle this toddler sleep issue. Keep taking your toddler back to bed over a few nights of returning him to bed. Do not give in to your toddler or give in to your frustration - stay calm and stay in control. Keep your voice level and friendly.

Involve your partner too so that the returning to bed is a simple rule in the family. Be sure to agree what you are going to say so that you are both tackling the problem in the same way and so that your toddler has one clear message.

If your toddler gets up in the middle of the night and wants to cuddle in your bed, then you need to decide what you want the rule to be. Some parents love their toddlers coming in their bed at night and some don't. If you are the latter, then again, you will need to return your toddler to his bed in the same way and keep doing it. After a few weary nights for you and your toddler, he will soon be staying in his bed.

Keep consistent, keep calm and take it easy over the days when you are doing this. Remember to congratulate and praise your child in the morning (even if it took ages and was hard work!) and have fun with him during the day.