There are a number of things you can do to calm your toddler down if they cry at night.Wait a few minutes before going into your toddler's room to comfort them if they start crying.By being firm and telling your toddler it's time to go to bed, they will eventually understand and fall asleep.If you create a consistent nighttime routine, your toddler will be falling asleep without crying in no time.
Step 1: Make sure the toddler doesn't cry because of a physical factor.
It will be harder to put your toddler to bed if they are hungry, thirsty, or teething.If your toddler is teething, give them something to chew on and check that they have eaten a good meal.The toddler can suck on a cold teething ring to relieve their pain.Many parents give their toddler a snack before bed that is sugar-free to help them sleep.Whether or not your toddler is tired is another factor to consider.If this is the case, make sure they get the right amount of sleep.
Step 2: Put your toddler to sleep by being consistent and firm.
It is time for bed if your toddler cries or calls you.It can be tempting, but don't give in to their cries or requests for more cuddles.By continuously reminding your toddler that it's time for them to sleep, you'll both be sleeping peacefully.You can care for your toddler by saying, "We already had your bath, put on your pajamas, and read a story."If you say, "Okay, one more book" or "okay, 10 more minutes of cuddling" then your child has essentially won the battle and gotten what they wanted.
Step 3: Wait 10 minutes before they come back to the room.
If your toddler starts to cry, try to wait it out a bit, instead of rushing back into the room.It's best to let them cry for a while so they don't associate crying with you returning to the room, if you're listening to their cry and think something might be wrong.Waiting 10 minutes will help your toddler learn to comfort themselves.Make sure your baby is safe in their crib with a baby monitor.If your toddler cries in the middle of the night, you should wait several minutes.
Step 4: Pick the toddler up from their bed.
If you pick up or cuddle your toddler when they cry, they will get your attention.Help them lay back down and say goodnight instead of taking them out of their bed.It's tempting to comfort your toddler when they wake up in the middle of the night, but it won't help them sleep better.Help them lay down and give them a comforting item, such as a pacifier or teddy bear.Say, "It's time to sleep."If you want to make a calming noise, pat your toddler on the back.
Step 5: Take care of the toddler and leave the room.
Your toddler needs to go to sleep now, so tell them it is time for bed.Make sure they have everything they need, and then leave the room.Try to do this quickly so that you don't spend a lot of time with your toddler.If your toddler seems anxious, tell them you will check on them every 10 or 15 minutes until they fall asleep.Check to see if they have any blankets, stuffed animals, or other items that they need before they leave the room.
Step 6: When the child falls asleep, repeat the process.
Wait another 10 minutes before you go back into the bedroom if your toddler starts crying again after you leave the room.If they haven't stopped crying, calmly reassured them again, and tucked them back into bed without picking them up.It may take some time, but don't give up, as each time will help your toddler understand what they should be doing.You can get very tired of the process, but stay with it.It will make it easier for your child to go to bed.
Step 7: If you are frustrated, stay calm.
Even if you follow all the steps, your toddler will sometimes cry and refuse to go to sleep.If you get upset or angry, your child will start picking up on it.If you have a calm, matter-of-fact attitude, your child will be more likely to stay calm.If you feel overwhelmed or frustrated while trying to get your toddler to sleep, take a few deep breaths.
Step 8: It's a good idea to stick to a nightly routine.
If your toddler knows what to expect, they will be able to accept that it is time to go to sleep.Try to create a routine that lasts at least 30 minutes before bed and stick to it every night.The routine could be that your toddler will take a bath, put on their pajamas, read a story with you, and then get tucked in for bed.You can lower the light levels in the house or push them in a stroller to get them to sleep.
Step 9: They should not be allowed to do stimulating activities an hour before bed.
It's best if toddlers don't watch TV or play before they go to bed.This will make it harder for them to calm down.Play and read before bed to calm you down.They should avoid other forms of screen time, such as playing on the computer, since they shouldn't watch TV.Games that require running around, lots of movement, or using loud voices should not be played an hour before bed.
Step 10: At night time, give your toddler a few choices.
Your toddler will feel more in control if you let them have a little power at night.Give your toddler a choice of which story to read at night or which snack to eat in the evening.They can choose which stuffed animal gets to sleep in their bed.
Step 11: If necessary, adjust the timing of your toddler's nap.
Aim to have your toddler sleep for about an hour and a half in the afternoon if you have been having a hard time getting them to sleep.Your toddler will be exhausted and cranky at night if you don't give them enough rest.Ensure that your toddler is awake by 3 pm so that they're not tired when it's time for bed.
Step 12: It's a good idea to give your toddler lots of exercise during the day.
Usually, toddlers run and play enough during the day to be tired by night, but occasionally, you may run into a problem with a lack of fatigue, not an excess of it.Make sure your toddler is moving a lot during the day and that they get to play outside for a little while so they can relax and wind down at night.30 minutes of outdoor play each day is a goal.As long as their mind is active and they are using their imaginations, your toddler shouldn't need to be running around constantly.
Step 13: They should have a comforting sleeping atmosphere in their room.
Soft blankets, stuffed animals, and a night light are needed.They will feel safer and more content falling asleep if the room and bed is warm and inviting.Consider using an air humidifier or playing soft music for your toddler to fall asleep.Try to keep the toddler's room mostly dark with the exception of a night light.To make sure the room is not too hot or cold, regulate the temperature and use a fan.