Sleep Training Tips for Toddlers (Step-by-Step Guide): If your child is very active and consistently refuses to go to sleep at night, don’t panic—you’re not alone! Most parents face this challenge. Young children are so busy exploring, playing, and learning all day that they find the thought of sleep boring. They’re more interested in knowing what Mom and Dad are up to! Furthermore, there are times when children suddenly become afraid of the dark or loneliness. But no need to worry—with a little common sense and proper sleep techniques, you can make it easier to put your child to sleep.
What to Do Before Starting Sleep Training
Before any sleep training, it’s crucial to follow a few simple steps to calm your child’s mind and prepare them for sleep. First, you need to establish a consistent bedtime routine for your child and stick to it patiently.
Create a Regular Bedtime Routine
Young children thrive on discipline and a consistent pattern. If the environment and process are consistent every night, they’ll begin to understand that it’s time to sleep. About an hour before bedtime, turn off all screens (TV, mobile, tablet, etc.), dim the lights, and play soft white noise in your child’s room.
White noise is extremely helpful for children—it calms their mind by drowning out external sounds. If your child is teething or in pain, this sound can soothe them. Additionally, give your child a lovey, a cuddly soft toy that can become a symbol of security and trust. This kind of toy helps your child combat loneliness and makes them feel secure.
Make a “Bedtime Book” for Your Child
Children love to know what’s coming next. You can make a small “Bedtime Book” for your child, depicting their entire day through pictures or illustrations—play, eating, bathing, brushing teeth, and then going to bed.
Read this book together every night before bed. This will help your child recognize the sleep cycle and help them understand that it’s time to sleep.
Learn to leave the room slowly
Many children don’t fall asleep unless their parents are sitting with them. In this case, a technique called “Twinkle Interrupts” can help. When your child has gone to bed and you’re about to say goodnight, suddenly say, “Hey! I need to check something, I’ll be right back.” Then leave for a few seconds and come back.
When you return, praise your child for waiting for you. Gradually repeat this process, increasing the time you spend outside a little each time. After a few nights, you’ll notice your child falling asleep before you return.
The Magic of the “Special Pass”
If your child frequently gets out of bed and comes into your room, or repeatedly demands water, a hug, or a story, try the “Special Pass” technique.
Place two or three small paper tokens or cards near your child’s bed and say, “If you need something from me, like water or another kiss, you can give me one.”
If they have one or two passes left by morning, reward them with a small sticker, a temporary tattoo, or the promise of lunch together.
This method is extremely effective in teaching self-control, especially for toddlers over 2 years old.
Use an “OK-to-Wake” Clock
If your child wakes up very early in the morning and starts playing before sunrise, an “OK-to-Wake” clock can be helpful.
This is a clock that can be set with light cues. For example, when the green light is on, it means it’s time to get up.
If the light is off or a different color, the child knows it’s still time for bed. This helps them gradually learn when to get out of bed and when not to.
Sleep Training Methods for Toddlers
If the above methods still don’t help your child fall asleep, you can try one of two popular sleep training methods.
These methods are specifically designed for children between 8 months and 3 years old.
The “Pick Up, Put Down” Technique
This method helps children gradually get used to falling asleep on their own. It’s also called the “fading method.” In this method, you don’t leave the child completely alone, but gradually reduce their dependence.
- Step 1: Play soft white noise in the child’s room and sit near them.
- Step 2: If the child cries, pick them up and hug them, but as soon as they calm down, immediately put them back to bed.
- Step 3: Remain in the room until the child falls into a deep sleep.
- Step 4: Move your sitting position a little further away each day—sometimes a little further away from the bed, then closer to the door, and then outside the room. In a few days, the child will begin to fall asleep on their own.
As the child gradually begins to sleep better, incorporate “Twinkle Interrupts” into the routine and practice patience several times a day to build their confidence at night.
If the child is older and sleeps in their own bed, make the rule clear: “I will stay in the room until you are in bed.”
If they wake up repeatedly, have a family discussion during the day and re-introduce the “Special Pass” technique. Explain to the child that sleep is important for everyone—mom, dad, pets, and baby—so the next day can be fun and energetic.
If the “Pick Up, Put Down” Technique Doesn’t Work
If this method doesn’t work for your child, don’t panic. Every child is different. Some children respond quickly to this method, while others need more time.
In this case, you can try the “Longer and Longer” technique, also known as the “Ferber Method” or “Cry It Out” method.
The “Longer and Longer” Technique
This method may seem a bit complicated because it involves letting the baby cry for a while so that he or she learns to self-soothe. However, it has proven successful in many families. It’s happened.
- Step 1: If your baby cries after you’ve put them to sleep, let them cry for 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Then open the door, peek in, and say, “I’m right here, love. It’s time to sleep. Good night.” But don’t wait too long, or your baby will start to expect you to be there.
- Step 3: Repeat after 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, and then every 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Do this until your baby falls asleep on their own. If they wake up during the night, repeat the same process.
The first two nights can be difficult—sometimes babies may cry for an hour or more. But by the third or fourth night, things often improve, and the baby falls asleep faster.
If the “Longer and Longer” technique doesn’t work,
If there’s no improvement by the fourth day, consider this: Has your baby recently experienced any new stressors? Are you paying too much attention or talking too much every time you check on them?
Sometimes, too much interaction or affection can increase your child’s resistance.
Also, check if their bedtime is too early or too late.
If you’re putting them to bed early, advance the routine by 15 minutes and observe for two or three days.
If you’re putting them to bed late, advance the routine by 15 minutes.
Usually, you’ll see a difference within a week or two.
What to remember in the end:
- Putting your baby to sleep isn’t a battle—it’s a process of patience, consistency, and love. It’s natural for your child to cry or resist initially. But if you remain calm and stick to your plan, you’ll see significant changes within a few days.
- Every child’s needs are different, so don’t be discouraged by assuming one technique is the ultimate solution. Sometimes, parents have to strike a balance between the two approaches.
- The most important thing is to be patient with your baby and make him feel that you are always there for him—whether in the room or outside. In a few nights, when your little one is sleeping soundly, peace will return to your life.
Conclusion:
Sleep training a toddler is no easy task, but it’s not impossible. The right environment, a consistent routine, a little understanding of psychology, and lots of love—these are the best ways to ensure your baby gets healthy sleep.
