How to Stop Toddler Bedtime Battles
As a toddler sleep consultant, I’ve seen many parents struggle with their toddler’s bedtime battles. Whether it’s stalling, crying, tantrums, or downright refusal to go to bed, it can become a very frustrating time for everyone in the family.
With patience, consistency, and the right strategies, bedtime can become a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both you and your toddler.
How to help when your toddler fights bedtime?
1. Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment
Keep your toddler’s room dark, cool, quiet, and free from distractions. A comfort item, like a stuffed animal, can also be helpful.
2. Avoid Overtiredness
An overtired toddler has a harder time settling down, is more prone to tantrums, and has shorter sleep times. Make sure your child goes to bed 11-12 hours before their morning wake-up time.
3. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A 30-minute calming bedtime routine will help your toddler relax and prepare for sleep. Make sure the same steps are followed every night.
4. Follow a Consistent & Predictable Daily Routine
During the day, ensure your toddler has high-energy playtime, independent play, and one-on-one time with a parent. Keep the environment dim, calm, and screen-free at least one hour before bedtime.
5. Rule Reminders & Encourage Independence
Use a bedtime routine chart and allow your child to complete tasks on their own where appropriate. (Download a free bedtime routine chart here).
6. Warnings
Give your toddler a 5-minute warning, followed by a 2-minute warning to let them finish what they’re doing and ease the transition to bedtime.
7. Use Fun & Give Choices
Make the transition to bedtime fun and give your child choices where appropriate. For example, ask if they want to walk backward or skip into their bedroom or let them pick which two bedtime stories you’ll read.
8. Try to Pre-Empt Your Toddler’s Stalling Tactics
Address common stalling tactics (i.e. going potty, getting a drink of water, finding a stuffed animal, etc.) before starting the bedtime routine.
9. Offer Incentives
Praise your child for good bedtime behaviour and consider giving a reward after a full night of following the bedtime rules.
10. Consequences
Give your child one warning followed by a consequence if they break a bedtime rule.
If you’ve followed these tips and your toddler is still struggling with bedtime, schedule a complimentary call to learn how I can help you achieve peaceful bedtimes and restful nights.