Teaching sleep habits: toddler sleep training

Getting enough sleep is essential for your toddler's healthy development, not to mention your sanity. Here's how to help your child slow down, change gears and head off into the Land of Nod.

Create a routine

Start each night with a relaxing routine: changing into pyjamas, brushing his teeth and washing his face every night will help to establish that these are the things that happen before bedtime. Resist the urge to excite your child with more games.

Be consistent

Stick with the same routine. When bedtime rolls around, he'll know what is expected of him.

Make it comfortable

Let your child take his beloved teddy bear or blanket to bed with him. Allow one drink of water and then turn on a night-light before closing the door. This gives him fewer excuses for climbing out of bed again.

Pause before answering a call

With each time he calls for you, wait a few seconds longer. When you do answer, remind him that it's bedtime. If you go into her room, leave the light off and make it quick.

Be patient

Teaching a toddler good sleep habits doesn't happen overnight. Keep doing the same thing at bedtime and eventually your toddler will learn to go along with the plan.