What To Do When Your Toddler Keeps Getting Out of Bed

But what seems like hours later, you are still putting him to bed, just to have him reemerge from his room again and again like a jack-in-the-box.

So, what can you do when your toddler keeps getting out of bed? There’s the sound of silence echoing in your peaceful, potential future if only you could get him to stay in bed and fall magically, blissfully asleep. 

There can be a number of reasons why or when your toddler keeps getting out of bed. It’s helpful to understand some of the potential causes so that you can eliminate or have a breakthrough. As you read further, you’ll come to understand some of the reasons why toddlers find it difficult to stay in bed. Even if they’re incredibly tired from a long, imaginative and productive day.

Common Reason 1: A Genuine Need for Attention

In this case, your toddler might need to use the bathroom, or be thirsty, or even have had a nightmare. This reason can be totally genuine and it will be up to you to rectify the problem, depending on what it is. 

Too much talking with your toddler might make it difficult for them to get to sleep again, however.

Common Reason 2: Separation Anxiety 

Some children miss their parents when they leave, and this isn’t just the case during bedtime. It can also occur if you leave them with a friend or relative, or at kindergarten, as examples. 

It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you believe the problem is causing distress or unwarranted duress to your toddler. As parents, we know that our child’s mental and physical health is always the priority here. 

Common Reason 3: A Change in Routine 

A change in routine can sometimes occur from events that have broken up the usual flow for the day. Or things were different due to an illness, or perhaps because you stayed away for a vacation and the general routine was changed for a time. Even small changes, including too much excitement, can have an impact on your child’s sleeping schedule. 

Remember too, some people are co-parenting, so the change in the child’s environment might be a factor for your toddler, too.

So how do you stop your toddler climbing out of bed?

Tip 1: Explain Your Expectations

Explaining in simple language for your toddler is key. Tell your toddler exactly what you expect. You can simply say, “After we do x, y, z, it’s bedtime.” In this way, your toddler understands what the expectations really are. 

It’s important to explain to them, calmly and openly, even stating what time bedtime is. Be simple and concise in your approach. “When we’ve finished painting, we’ll have a bath and go to bed.” 

Tip 2: Follow a Bath Time & Story Routine

This technique has been utilized for centuries. A bedtime routine can be a great method on how to stop toddler climbing out of bed. Different cultures and different countries have been known to use this successful approach. 

One of the ideas I used which worked seamlessly for my toddler included a story routine and the sprinkling of what I called ‘magic fairy dust.’ I used my fingers to mimic the invisible dust being sprinkled all over my toddler and said it would help him sleep. He loved the idea and would ask me to do it each night as he closed his eyes. It became a fun and imaginative part of our routine!

After a long day, a bath and story can be a great way to ensure a sense of calm in your little one. Sure, your toddler might expend a whole lot of energy in the tub, playing and splashing around, but that’s going to help him to relax, too. And water, especially warm water, is a great way to induce calmness and help your little human to wind down. 

The other part of getting ready for bedtime is the routine reassurance. “We’ll have a bath and then we’ll read a story together.”

Tip 3: Consistency is Key

When trying ideas on how to stop toddler climbing out of bed, make sure you are consistent with your behavior. Be calm and do the same routine so that your toddler gets used to similar preparation steps each night. 

This can work really well, even if you’re at a relative’s or friend’s house, or at the very least, be similar. You could even pack familiar toys or plushies, and pack that much-loved story book so that familiarity is part of their evening routine.

Use the same wording, too. If your toddler happens to get out of bed, you can simply say, “It’s time for sleep now.” These keywords will help to eliminate any confusion. They allow your toddler to see that a conversation outside of the bedtime topic is not on the ‘cards.’

Tip 4: The All-Important Checklist 

Making sure your toddler is set up well for the evening is part of being a really organized and savvy parent. In fact, you can truly ensure that their space is ready by doing tasks that will save time later. 

You could put a small glass of water on their bedside table and turn on their night lamp. Pre-heat or pre-cool the room so that the temperature is suitable for sleep. And make sure toys are packed away, so as not to be a distraction. 

Tip 5: Praise is Key 

Make a big fuss when your toddler is doing the right thing. When your toddler keeps getting out of bed, you can use simple words to get them back in as we discussed earlier. 

But it’s also super important to let them know when they’re doing the right thing, too. Make sure to praise them when they hop into bed, or put on their pajamas, or even make moves toward bedtime before you even ask them. “Great job putting on your pajamas!”

Putting it All Together: What to Do When Your
Toddler Keeps Getting Out of Bed

It might take a little bit of practice on your part, but putting all the tips together will help you to garner success over time. Rome definitely wasn’t built in a day, and getting your toddler to bed (and keeping them there) won’t necessarily be easy each night. 

It’s important to note each success you have, and to pat yourself on the back when you have a win, as this will help you with your own confidence overall. Celebrating small wins is a key strategy for nurturing yourself as a parent as you navigate toddler challenges, such as bedtime troubles, potty training a stubborn toddler or dealing with biting in daycare.

When your toddler keeps getting out of bed, stay positive and go step by step. They’ll get into a routine before you know it. And then everyone can have a peaceful night’s sleep.