• Knowledgebase: Parenting Questions

    Questions about the managment of common parenting problems such as discipline.

    2. HOW CAN I GET MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO SLEEP IN HER OWN BED? - Top

    It is best to start early (before 2 years if possible) teaching your baby to put him/herself to sleep. Try feeding your baby and then laying her down in the crib while still awake, gently patting her and helping her to put herself to sleep. When a baby wakes up at night, keep the lights low, talk softly, and be very "matter of fact", emphasizing that this is NOT play time.

    For the older toddler or preschooler that is not sleeping in her bed, I would talk to her during the day time about what the plan is; to sleep in her own bed at night, and how proud of her you will be. Talk to other adults in front of her and tell them how excited and proud you are that she is going to do this as a "big girl".

    Some people have had luck with an "umbilical cord"- tying a loop around both ends of a long piece of yarn. Demonstrate to the child that if she tugs one end, you can tug back- you are touching each other. Then show her that even from your room you can still be touching in this way. That may give her the confidence that you are still connected. HOWEVER: One would have to make absolutely certain that there is NO risk of tangling and choking with the string! - Updated: May 18, 2001

    [e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]-   [Search our Knowledgebase] -  [Question Not Answered?]    


    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP