Once your toddler is out of a cot, gentle sleep training techniques definitely work best.
If you use cry it out or controlled crying, your toddler will be constantly getting out of bed, screaming at the door etc!
However if you consistently use our gentle sleep techniques, you will gradually teach your toddler to sleep independently and settle easily...without the screaming toddler tantrums!
Often toddler sleep battles result from separation anxiety, so being really tough on your toddler makes matters worse. if all the toddler wants is a bit more time with you or some extra reassurance, then these techniques are especially relevant.
These techniques are suitable for toddlers who have never been great sleepers and for those who have had a turn for the worse in otherwise good sleep habits.
Make sure that the following basics are covered before you start using the sleep training techniques.
Gently Encourage your Toddler to Sleep
'Pop-outs' technique
This technique is ideal for kids who are making great progress with their sleep, or ones who are usually good sleepers and are just going through a bit of a phase of needing extra reassurance.
The idea is to sit a while with them, as they are getting ready to fall asleep, then you 'pop-out' of the room for a VERY short time, just 30 seconds max.
Then return and continue to sit as they fall asleep. As you gradually increase the time you are out of the room, you are giving your toddler an opportunity to fall asleep independently....while knowing you aren't far away.
Each time you 'pop-out', say something simple like 'Mum has to pop out for a drink of water, I'll be back in a sec'. Pop out quickly then return.
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You may want to gradually increase the time you pop out for, until you are giving your toddler several minutes of opportunity to fall asleep by themself.
Other good lines for popping out:
-
I just need to check on the baby, I'll be back in a sec
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Mum needs to go to the loo, I'll be back in a minute
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I'll just turn the washing on and I'll be back to sit with you
You get the idea - quick and believable! You may need to also say something like 'Please stay in bed while I pop out. If you get out, I may not be able to keep sitting with you'. Then provide lots of positive reinforcement for staying in bed eg 'Thanks for staying in bed while I popped out, what a good boy you are for settling down like that'.