Advice Needed for Toddler That Won't Stay in His Toddler Bed at Night

Sounds like you just have to reestablish the wanted behavior for both you and your child. Think of your responsibility to yourself and your husband first in this situation. Empower yourself knowing that the only way things will work out in your busy home is if you have order and routine. Take the time that is needed to put your child to bed in his own bed. If and when he awakes refuse him entry to yours. Maybe showing him how daddy stays in his bed all night might help. Daddy must take part too, saying Sonny's bed is for sonny etc. Approach it for what it is: learning good sleep habits 101. He will love to learn. Don't force concern and cheerfulness at night show him the real you, the sleepy, annoyed you. His bed will look better that way. A favorite toy in the bed might help. If it is just plain easier for you at this time to let him sleep with you, and your husband can accept that snuggle up and have one big happy family. It doesn't last all that long.

I moved my daughter to a twin sized bed at 2 1/2 yrs old. I 1st started with saying if you sleep in your bed, you can pick out a big girl comforter. I also told her that she could pick out a night light. She was at times still waking up. This is when I realized that the radio I thought was helping her sleep was actually waking her up. lol When I turned off the radio, covered her up, and put on her night light. She would go fast asleep. :o)

When my daughter was about that age, she would do the same thing, but instead of letting her stay in our bed the whole night, I would give her a snuggle, then send her back, on her own, to her bed. I think she was just naturally waking up and instead of drifting right back off on her own, she needed a little reassurance. She'd crawl into the bed, snuggle in my arms, and after a few minutes I'd kiss her and tell her it was time to sleep in her own bed. I never made a big deal out of it, in fact during the day I would tell her how sweet it was to wake up with a cuddle from my best girl. Then we'd talk about how great it was to have your own bed and things. Just some pep talks to remind her what a privilege it was to have your own "big girl" space.

I saw this issue on Supernanny and she recommended putting a sleeping bag on the floor near your bed and if your toddler gets up in the middle of the night they will lay there. After a while they will realize that the bed is much more comfortable and stay in bed the whole night. If you are awake when he comes to your room you should continue to put him back in his bed and not give in. Eventually he will learn. Be tough now so you dont end up with a school age child who wont sleep in his room. Good luck!

I just gave the same advice to Elizabeth A. Please read my response to her.
Hope it will help.
C. :)

Hi R.: I use to take him back to his bed every time. Now he does not go to my bed because he understand that no matter how sleepy I feel, I will take him back to his bed again

My 2 yr old was climbing out of his crib, so I got him a toddler bed. He shares a room with his 3 yr brother as well. I had to put one of those door knob things on their door, on the inside. I know it may sound cruel, but i didnt want them getting out of the house or wandering around the house in the middle of night. They pitched a fit at first, but now there is no problem...