It’s bedtime and your toddler doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo. Your little one is fighting sleep tooth and nail. You have to do something because you know how important sleep is for their growth and development. Maybe it’s time for toddler sleep training.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the different methods of sleep training and give you some tips so that your little one can get the shuteye they need.
Table of contents
- What is toddler sleep training?
- Methods of toddler sleep training
- Tips for sleep training success
- When to call the doctor
What is toddler sleep training?
You may be wondering what exactly toddler sleep training is. It's basically just teaching your little one to fall asleep without your help. That means no nodding off in your bed instead of their own, and no midnight visits.
Does my toddler need sleep training?
When deciding whether your toddler needs sleep training, look at their current bedtime routine. Is it working for you? Is your little one sleeping enough each night? Are they waking you up in the middle of the night, or is it challenging to get them in bed?
If it’s not broken, you don’t have to fix it. However, if your toddler’s routine could use some adjustment, it’s best to address it quickly. Here are some signs that you should consider toddler sleep training:
- Your toddler resists bedtime, dissolving in prolonged crying fits.
- Your toddler wakes up several times a night.
- Your toddler gets up much earlier than the rest of the household.
Of course, the odd bad night is nothing to worry about, but if your little one is doing any of the above for a week or two straight, you’d probably be well-served to sleep train.
What’s the right time for sleep training?
According to experts, the ideal time to sleep train is between four and six months. This is because at that age, babies are old enough to self-soothe but still young enough not to draw the connection between sleeping and getting cuddles from you.
On top of that, of course, they’re not yet walking, and their limited vocabulary makes it harder for them to formulate a convincing argument on why they should sleep in your bed.
But if you missed that window, don’t despair! Sleep training during the toddler years is a bit more challenging, what with all that walking and talking, but it can be done.
How long does sleep training take?
There’s no exact answer as to how long sleep training will take. A lot of factors influence the timing, including your toddler’s personality and temperament, as well as the method of sleep training you choose.
But as a general rule of thumb, if you’re actively sleep training your toddler, they should be sleeping on their own within a month.
Methods of toddler sleep training
There are several different methods of sleep training, ranging from gentle to more abrupt. Let’s take a look.
Pick up, put down
The pick up, put down method is a gentle way to sleep train your toddler. First, put your toddler to bed while they’re drowsy and awake. Then, if they start fussing, pick them up and soothe them.
As soon as they’ve calmed down, put them back in their crib or toddler bed. Repeat this process until they fall asleep.
Bedtime fading
Bedtime fading is another gentle method to consider. With fading, you’ll study your little one’s sleep cues and gradually shift the bedtime routine 15 minutes at a time until it’s perfect for both you and your toddler.
Chair
The objective of the chair method of sleep training is to teach your toddler that they will not be picked up when they cry.
Place a chair next to your little one’s bed and sit with them as they’re going to sleep. Every day, move the chair gradually closer and closer to the door until you’ve left the room.
Ferber
The Ferber method, also known as graduated extinction, is a method of sleep training in which the child goes to bed on their own, but the parent can check on and comfort them periodically until they fall asleep.
The amount of time between check-ins gets a bit longer each day until checking in isn’t needed at all anymore.
Cry it out
The cry it out method of sleep training is considered the most abrupt. Once you know your toddler’s needs are met (not hungry and no soiled diaper), you put your little one down for the evening, shut the door, and resist the urge to go back into the room.
This way, you give your little one the opportunity to learn how to self-soothe.
Tips for sleep training success
Keep your toddler busy by day.
During the daytime hours, make sure your little one gets out in the sun and plays. The more energy expended during the day, the more tired they will be at bedtime.
Plan early afternoon naps.
If your toddler takes a nap too close to their bedtime, it stands to reason that they may not be tired enough when the hour strikes. Make sleep training easier by moving your little one’s nap to earlier in the afternoon.
Create a bedtime routine.
Of course, when you’re sleep training, your child’s bedtime routine is even more important. Give them a bath, read a book, turn down the lights, and put on some soft music — whatever steps will keep them calm and relaxed.
A good bedtime routine will help your little one understand when it’s time to nod off.
Stay consistent.
With sleep training, consistency is key. For instance, if your toddler is getting out of bed at night and coming to your room, just pick them up and put them back in their own bed without talking or reacting.
Your toddler will quickly understand that their efforts to sleep in your bed are fruitless.
Prep the room for sleep.
To get the most out of your efforts in toddler sleep training, it’s important to make sure your toddler’s room is optimized for sleep.
Keep the temperature cool yet comfortable: between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be dark as well — blackout curtains can help.
You’ll also want to ensure your child’s mattress is comfortable. For toddlers who are still in the crib or toddler bed, our Newton Baby Original Crib Mattress is a good choice, as it’s breathable, washable, and features a soft, quilted removable cover.
Don’t forget our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets too, which are super soft.
If your little one sleeps in a twin bed, our Kids’ Twin Mattress is the perfect choice as it’s cool and comfy, thanks to our patented Wovenaire ® technology. Make sure they also have a toddler pillow and their favorite stuffed animal.
Establish sleep boundaries.
Be sure to discuss with your partner and your child what to expect of sleep training so everyone’s on the same page. When telling your toddler, you can keep it pretty simple — just that they’ll sleep in their own bed, and how you’ll say goodnight.
Of course, let your toddler know that you’ll be nearby in case they need you, but that doesn’t mean you’ll come running at every sound. It’s best to let them try to comfort themselves first.
Stay calm.
Although toddler sleep training can be nerve-wracking, you want to stay calm, especially when talking to your child. If they feel that you’re nervous, they will be, too.
Offer incentives.
If your little one needs a push in the right direction, try offering a small incentive for staying in bed all night, like an extra hour at the park or their favorite breakfast treat in the morning.
Be patient.
Turning the corner of sleep training may not happen overnight, but stick with it. With time and consistency, your toddler will soon get the hang of it!
When to call the doctor
If you’re doing all of the right things but your toddler isn’t responding to sleep training after a couple weeks, contact your pediatrician. They can give you some additional ideas and ensure there’s nothing else going on that’s getting in the way of your child’s sleep.
Night, night!
Now that you know several methods of toddler sleep training, it’s time to give it a try. Sleep training is never easy, but with a little patience, your toddler will be nodding off on their own in no time.
With a Newton Baby mattress, you can be sure your toddler will be safe and comfortable while catching their zzzs. Our mattresses use Wovenaire ® technology for maximum breathability and are GREENGUARD-gold certified, hypoallergenic, and completely washable cover to core.
Trust Newton Baby when you want your toddler to sleep soundly all through the night!
