How to Get a Toddler on a Sleep Schedule
- 1). Begin by picking a bedtime for your child, and be willing to stick to it. Make yourself stay within 10 minutes one way or the other, and do not deviate from this time if at all possible. If you allow the child to go to bed at various times, you are defeating the purpose and when you want them to go to sleep, they are very unlikely to comply.
- 2). Vocalize your intentions to your child. Tell them before you take them to bed that they are going to go "night-night," and then follow a routine of preparation for bed--such as getting a night time bottle or cup; getting them in their pajamas; brushing teeth; picking out a story to read; or anything else that will be a normal nightly routine.
- 3). Perform the actions exactly as described. Make sure you repeat this pattern each bedtime. Children need schedules, and toddlers especially need the sense of security that a bedtime ritual gives them.
- 4). Play soft music to lull your child to sleep. There are hundreds of lullaby discs for children available, or you can put your radio to a classical station. As long as the music is soft and soothing, it is a perfect way to help your child go to sleep once you leave the room.
- 5). Make certain that once you put the child in bed, you do your best not to take them out again. As the child is growing used to their new schedule, you may have to break this rule, but remember, you will need to start over at a certain point in the nighttime ritual each time you pick up the child from his bed--so make sure it is an absolute necessity before you do it. Once your toddler understands his schedule, you are very likely to end up with a happier toddler who will actually go to sleep when you put them to bed.
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