Your child refuses to sleep in their own bed and always ends up in yours, which disrupts your own sleep. You would like them to return to their own bed. What should you do? Below you will find a step-by-step plan to help you tackle this problem.
Does your child sleep in your bed, but do you feel that’s okay? Then there’s no problem. You may get criticised for it, but just ignore that. You should do what works best for you. If everyone is happy and sleeps well, it’s not an issue.
The safest place for a baby to sleep up to the age of 6 months is in a crib or co-sleeper in your own bedroom.
Step by step
Step 1.
Set up a camping bed in your bedroom for your child to sleep in. That way, you are right next to them when they go to sleep. It can also be helpful to give them your pillow or blanket. Your scent may give them a safe feeling.
Do this a few days in a row and then move on to the next step.
Step 2.
Put your child in their bed in their own bedroom. Put a mattress on the floor and sleep in their room with them.
Do this a few days in a row and then move on to the next step.
Step 3.
You did it! Your child is now sleeping in their own bed in their own room. Check on them only if they wake up at night.
Mirthe, mother of Saar (3.5 years old):
I taught Saar she can sleep in my bed, but lately this has really affected my sleep. The thing is, Saar now refuses to sleep in her own bed. My mother advised me to tackle this problem one step at a time. I discussed this with Saar and she is now ‘sleeping over’ in our bedroom, on a mattress on the floor. I am sleeping a lot better now. Next week I want to try to put her back in her own bed. We agreed I will sleep in her bedroom for a few days to keep her company.
