How to Help Your Toddler Sleep in Their Own Bed: 8 Mom-Tested Tips for Peaceful Nights
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Hey there, Mama! 🌙
Can I tell you a secret? My kids are older now, but I still vividly remember those bedtime battles like they were yesterday. Picture this: two toddlers clinging to me like koalas, begging to sleep in my bed, and me silently wondering if I’d ever have a full night’s rest again. Sound familiar?
If you’re juggling multiple little ones, you know that getting even one toddler to stay in their bed can feel like a Herculean task. Add another into the mix, and it’s chaos at bedtime! I’d like to say I handled it gracefully every night, but let’s be real—there were tears (sometimes mine), bribes, and the occasional desperate attempt to just make it through until morning.
But here’s the good news: with time, patience, and a few tried-and-true strategies, we made it through. Now, my kids sleep soundly in their own beds, and I can finally reclaim my evenings (and my sanity). If you’re in the thick of this struggle, know that you’re not alone—and I’m here to share some tips that worked wonders for me and other mom friends.
Let’s dive into seven strategies to help your toddler sleep in their own bed—and maybe even give you some peaceful nights back. Because, Mama, you deserve it!
1. Build a Bedtime Routine They’ll Love
Toddlers thrive on predictability. A consistent bedtime routine creates a sense of security and helps them wind down. Think of it as your secret weapon to signal that it’s time to sleep. The key is to keep things calm and consistent, so they know exactly what to expect every night.
Here’s a sample bedtime routine to get you started:
- 6:30 PM – Dinner Time
Dinner is your chance to get those little tummies nice and full before bed so they aren’t delaying bedtime for a snack. 😉 - 7:00 PM – Bath Time
Toddlers are experts at turning mealtime into an art project so head straight from the dinner table to the tub. This not only washes off the day’s adventures (and spaghetti sauce) but also helps signal the transition to a calmer evening. Bonus: Use a lavender-scented soap or bubble bath for an extra soothing vibe. You can even play soft music or nature sounds in the background to help set the tone. Don’t forget to make bath time fun but low-key. A couple of floating toys or a bath book is perfect. - 7:15 PM – Pajamas and Teeth Brushing
After bath time, help your toddler get into comfy pajamas. Keep the lighting soft in their room to maintain the calm mood. Then, brush those little teeth—because no bedtime routine is complete without it! (If your toddler is reluctant, let them “brush” a stuffed animal’s teeth first or choose their own fun toothbrush.) - 7:30 PM – Storytime Snuggles
Settle down with a favorite book—or two! Let your toddler pick the story to give them a sense of independence. Storytime not only helps them unwind but also strengthens your bond as you snuggle up together. - 8:00 PM – Bedtime Hugs, Kisses, and Lights Out
After storytime, it’s time for the grand finale: hugs, kisses, and a final tuck-in. Create a sweet bedtime phrase like, “Goodnight, sleep tight, see you in the morning light!” Then, turn on a nightlight if needed, and let the calming atmosphere work its magic.
✨ Mom Tip: I know it can seem like an entire production at first but try to stick to the same order every night. Predictability is key to helping toddlers feel secure, and soon they’ll start leading the routine themselves!
This structured routine helps set the stage for bedtime, but the best part? It creates precious, calming moments to connect with your toddler at the end of the day.
My older children still keep a similar routine, they just read their own books before bed now 🙂
2. Make Their Bed Feel Super Special
Transform your toddler’s bed into a place they want to be! Let them help pick out sheets with their favorite characters, choose a snuggly blanket, or add a special stuffed animal they adore. These little touches make their bed feel uniquely theirs.
If your child feels nervous about the dark, consider adding a gentle nightlight. There are so many adorable options, from star projectors to soft-glow animals.
✨ Mom Tip: Glow-in-the-dark stickers can be a fun addition to the ceiling or headboard. Let your toddler help decorate! We also like these projector sound machines. My older kids still use theirs. I’ve even accidently fallen asleep next to them using them 🙃
3. Create Clear Zones for Play and Sleep
One of the best ways to help your toddler associate their bed with rest is by separating where they sleep from where they play. When their room is calm and distraction-free, it becomes much easier for them to wind down and focus on sleeping.
In our home, we kept our kids’ bedrooms as serene as possible. The only “toys” allowed were books and stuffed animals. Everything else—blocks, puzzles, action figures, and noisy toys—was moved to a designated playroom or a separate play area in the house.
If you don’t have a playroom, that’s okay! You can set up a cozy play corner in the living room or another part of your home. The idea is to keep their bedroom a peaceful, sleep-focused space.
✨ Mom Tip: Before bedtime rolls around, spend a couple of minutes tidying up the bedroom to keep it clutter-free. A calm environment promotes calm sleep!
By creating a clear boundary between playtime and bedtime spaces, you’re helping your toddler understand that their room is a place for rest—and not for play adventures. This small change can make a big difference in creating a restful bedtime routine.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate your toddler’s progress with praise and rewards. Whether it’s a big hug in the morning or a sticker chart with a small treat at the end of the week, positive reinforcement can be incredibly motivating.
Start small—acknowledge even partial victories, like spending the first part of the night in their own bed. Progress is progress!
✨ Mom Tip: Choose rewards that don’t involve extra screen time to keep the sleep vibes strong. A trip to the park or pancakes for breakfast are great options.
5. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Speaking of screen time, one of the easiest ways to help your toddler wind down is to limit screens close to bedtime. The blue light from tablets, TVs, and phones can interfere with their natural sleep cycle and make it harder for their little brains to shift into “rest mode.”
In our home, we follow a no-screens-after-dinner rule. This not only helps the kids relax, but it also creates a more peaceful evening atmosphere for everyone.
✨ Mom Tip: If your toddler is used to screen time before bed, try replacing it with a calming activity, like coloring, playing with puzzles, or reading a favorite story together. You might be surprised at how quickly they adjust!
By keeping screens off during the evening, you’re helping your child’s body and mind prepare for a restful night’s sleep—and making bedtime that much smoother.
6. Add Morning Motivation
Sometimes, a little incentive goes a long way. Let your toddler know there’s something fun waiting for them in the morning if they sleep in their own bed all night.
This could be as simple as a “surprise” (a small sticker or toy), extra snuggles, or a special breakfast treat.
✨ Mom Tip: Keep it consistent—toddlers love knowing there’s a fun morning routine waiting for them, like making pancakes or doing a silly dance together.
7. Stay Calm During Night Wakings
When your toddler wakes up in the middle of the night, calmly and gently guide them back to their bed. Keep interactions short and soothing to avoid fully waking them up.
Repeat this process every time they leave their bed—it may take a few nights, but persistence pays off.
✨ Mom Tip: Reassure them with phrases like, “You’re safe, and I’m right here if you need me.” This provides comfort without creating a habit of co-sleeping.
8. Give Them Time
Remember, Mama, this is a big transition for your toddler. They’ve spent most of their little life sleeping close to you, so moving to their own bed might take some time.
Some nights will be easier than others, but every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. Be patient, and trust that they’ll get there.
✨ Mom Tip: Snap a picture or write down those milestones, like the first full night in their own bed. You’ll treasure these moments later!
Final Thoughts
I get it—bedtime battles are no joke. I’ve been there, walking my toddlers back to their beds for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if I’d ever reclaim my evenings. It’s hard work, and some nights might leave you feeling like it’s impossible. But let me reassure you: with patience, consistency, and love, this stage will pass.
When I look back now, with my kids sleeping soundly in their own rooms, I can smile about those nights. It wasn’t easy, especially juggling multiple little ones at once, but the effort was worth it. The key for me was remembering that each child is different. Some nights were better than others, and that’s okay. Celebrate those small wins—whether it’s staying in their bed for part of the night or making it until morning. Progress is progress!
Give yourself grace as you navigate this transition. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but by setting boundaries, creating a comforting bedtime routine, and sticking to your plan, you’ll see those sleepless nights turn into restful ones. And let’s be real—there’s nothing like finally having your evenings back to relax or catch up on your favorite show.
So hang in there, Mama. You’re doing amazing, even on the hard nights. And remember, those snuggly, clingy moments won’t last forever. One day, you’ll look back on this phase and realize it was just a small (though challenging!) chapter in your motherhood journey.
Have you tried any of these tips? Or maybe you have some tricks of your own? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear them! And don’t forget to pin this post for later, so it’s handy whenever you need a little bedtime inspiration. You’ve got this! 💕
