Sharing a baby's sleep with parents certainly has its benefits, especially during breastfeeding. However, sooner or later the moment of "relocation" of the baby to his own bed comes. How to teach him to fall asleep in his bed?
Instructions
Step 1
The optimal age for learning to sleep in your bed is from 2, 5 to 3 years. This is explained by the fact that at the age of about two years, children often have nightmares, and it is better for them to survive this period next to their mother. In addition, by the age of three, the baby becomes quite independent and is able to understand what they want from him.
Step 2
Observe the child and determine the degree of his physical and psychological readiness to fall asleep separately. If the baby rarely wakes up at night, is healthy and emotionally stable, he is most likely ready. You should not teach a child to fall asleep in his bed when serious changes are taking place in his life - he begins to attend kindergarten, learns to potty, wean from breastfeeding.
Step 3
Talk to your child and explain that it is time for him to fall asleep separately. If he is independent enough, the motive “you are already big” may well work. Visit a family with a toddler of the same age, but sleeping separately. Perhaps your child will be inspired by someone else's experience.
Step 4
Place your baby in a crib close to yours. At first, this is necessary so that the baby does not worry about a sudden change. While falling asleep, stroke him on the back and head, read fairy tales, etc. Let him feel your love and closeness. In addition, it is very important that your little one knows for sure that you are around and will come up if he becomes scared.
Step 5
Think of some magic ritual for falling asleep. It can include a "spell" for good dreams, a song. Buy him a stuffed animal and tell him that she will guard him in his sleep. Toddlers with very vivid imaginations are often intimidated by familiar objects that change greatly in the dark. If this happens, calm down the child, turn on the light and show that there is nothing wrong.
Step 6
Be firm and don't let your baby return to your bed. In extreme cases, let him fall asleep next to you, and then put him in his bed. If your child is really ready to fall asleep on his own, he will quickly get used to the new conditions and even see some advantage in independence. If he's not ready, postpone crib training for a few months.
