How to teach children to sleep in their own bed: tips.
Getting babies to sleep is a battle. And make them sleep in their own bed? Well, take a deep breath and prepare yourself psychologically! Whether you want to start sleeping peacefully and whether you have a baby who simply refuses to sleep in their own bed, it might be time to take some drastic action.
Start early:
Yes, it can be heartbreaking to put a howling boy or girl in his bed. But, in the long run, that's the best you can do for your baby. So, don't wait for your child to be a little older. The sooner you start, the better (but not too soon, of course).
Working on a schedule and sticking to it is the right choice to make. Once your baby sleeps in his bed, don't let him crawl back to your bed. It doesn't matter how tempting it is for him or for you. Starting early is the best advice on how to get your baby to sleep in their own bed.
Be positive:
Harsh words and scolding don't work when it comes to babies and sleep. Instead, use positive words. "Isn't it amazing that you can sleep in your beautiful bed now that you're such a big boy?" it's better than "you're too old to sleep with mom". Here is an interesting tip on how to get babies to sleep in their own bed.
A good incentive to make your little one want to sleep alone in his bed is to buy him a nice pajamas and new coordinated sheets, which will give him that sense of "exclusivity" that children love and his bed will be a bit of a sort of "castle" where he will become the little king (or queen).
Teach him independence:
If your child can't fall asleep without you around, slowly teach him to go to sleep. If he needs you to be with him to fall asleep, try sitting on his bed instead. Move slowly to a chair and then gradually move away from the room completely. It may take a few days (or weeks) but it will work eventually.
For your child, sleeping alone is a big step. Do not hurry. Take baby steps. It may take weeks, but if you rush it, your attempts are more likely to fail.
Stick to a routine:
No means no, even at 2am! So, if your child wanders into your room and asks to sleep with you, say no. Take him back to his room and help him fall asleep again.
Use incentives:
“So you want me to sleep alone? And for what reason? “Here's what's going through your son's mind! So make all the "sleep in your bed" a big deal. Offer incentives like stickers, small toys, a favorite meal - anything to get him to sleep alone!
To communicate:
Don't expect your child to know it's time for him to move to his bed. Talk to him about it. And don't choose bedtime to negotiate! Let him know what's coming up front. He also needs to prepare! Getting the baby to sleep in their own bed can be done with soft communication.
Know that your baby's fear is real:
For your baby, the bed is a scary, weird place. Yes, it scares him. When he tells you about the monster in his room, listen to him. Don't belittle his fears. Instead, offer distractions like playing his favorite CD, a blanket to protect him at night, or a book.
Pamper him:
Most kids can't wait to go to bed for their daily share of love every day. So, cuddling him, hugging him, filling him with kisses is necessary - do everything possible to make your baby feel loved and protected throughout the day. In this way you will not miss the pampering before bedtime.
Close the door:
It may be tempting to keep your child's room door open in hopes of offering him emotional support, but it's a sure recipe for disaster! Close the door. All the noises, lights and shadows can keep your little one up late.
Get a pet:
If you have a dog or cat, you can encourage them to sleep with your baby. If you don't have a pet, consider getting one. Even a goldfish would do its part! Just give your child some company while he learns to sleep alone.
With these simple tips, you can now encourage your child to take the first step towards independence. He may cry and throw tantrums now, but for years to come, he'll thank you!
Don't worry! Sleeping in his bed won't scare your baby for life. But it could make him a strong and independent person. So, start teaching them today!
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