Kindersteps

Toddler Sleep Training: Tips and Methods That Actually Work!

03 Nov
If your toddler is keeping you up at night, you're probably feeling pretty exhausted. But don't worry there are some things you can do to help your little one and yourself get a better night's sleep. In this article, we'll give you some tips and advice on how to sleep-train your toddler.
Sleep training is important because it helps ensure that your child gets the rest they need to grow and develop properly. As parents, we all want what's best for our children, we want them to be happy and healthy, and part of that is making sure they get enough sleep. 

If you're like most parents, you probably haven't slept through the night in months. And if you have a toddler, you know that sleep can be elusive to get a toddler to sleep through the night.  But there are ways to help your little one and you get some much-needed rest with a little patience and some sleep training, it is possible. 

Here are a few tips to help you get started;

1. Start by establishing a bedtime routine - a 
good bedtime routine will help your toddler know when it is time to start winding down for the night.
2. Put your toddler to bed at the same time every night - this will help their body get into a regular sleep rhythm.
3. Make sure their bedroom is dark and quiet - it not only makes them relaxed but will help them fall asleep more easily.
4. Gently pat their back - if your toddler wakes up in the night, resist the urge to pick them up and rock them back to sleep. Instead, try gently patting their back or offering a few reassuring words. 5. Be patient - sleep training can be frustrating, but it's important to stick with it. Remember that this is a learned behavior, and eventually, your child will get the hang of it.
6. Trial and error method - last but not least is to put them to bed drowsy, but awake. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the right balance, but putting your child to bed while they're still awake will help them learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

With a little patience and consistency, you should be able to successfully sleep-train your toddler. If you follow these tips, you should see some progress in no time and you'll all be getting some much-needed rest.

When to sleep train your toddler

There is no one answer to the question of when to start sleep training your toddler. Some experts recommend starting as early as four months old, while others say it's best to wait until your child is six months old or even older. Ultimately, the decision of when to start sleep training is up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you're not sure where to start, it might be helpful to speak with your child's pediatrician for guidance.

Different sleep training methods

When you are sleep training your toddler, there are a few different methods that you can use. Some parents prefer to let their children cry it out, while others prefer to use a more gradual method. Whichever method you choose, it is important to be consistent with it. 

Here are a few different sleep training methods that you can use;

1. Cry it out - with this method, you will put your child to bed and leave the room, if your child cries, you will not go in to comfort them. This method can be challenging for some parents to do, but it is often the most effective.
2. Gradual withdrawal - with this method, you will stay in the room with your child until they fall asleep. Each night, you will slowly move further away from the bed until you are eventually out of the room. This method is more gradual and can be less difficult for parents to do.
3. Check-ins - with this method, you will check on your child periodically throughout the night. This can be every 10 minutes or so at first, and then you can gradually increase the intervals between check-ins. This method can help ease a child's anxiety.

Try not to let yourself get too stressed out about the process. It's important to remain calm and positive throughout the process, as your toddler will likely pick up on your emotions. Sleep training your toddler can be daunting, but with these tips, you can make it through. Remember to be patient and consistent. It will take some time for your toddler to adjust to a new sleep schedule, but if you stay throughout the course, they will get there eventually. 

If you're unsure about sleep training, or if you've tried it before without success, there are plenty of resources available to help you. More available options are books, websites, and even classes you can take for free. The most important thing is to keep trying until you find something that works for you and your toddler.

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