Dos and Don'ts of Toddler Sleep

Need some simple bedtime strategies? Here's a list of what to do — and what not to do — with your toddler when night falls.

How many times have you wished your toddler came with operating instructions — especially when it comes to getting him to sleep? Short of that handy how-to guide, here's a quick list of dos and don'ts about healthy sleep habits to help you navigate (and negotiate) your toddler's bedtime and help ensure a good night's sleep for everyone. 

DO help him get there.
 Nothing ensures a peaceful night like an active day. Give your child plenty of opportunity to exercise his mind and body and you'll have one happy — and pooped — camper come bedtime. Even rainy days don't have to mean sleepless nights: Color, paint, stack blocks, play dress-up, build pillow forts, play charades, anything to keep your little go-getter going and getting. 

DO keep it simple. 
There's no great mystery to the bestbedtime routine.  It's all about the three Bs: bath, books, and bed. Go ahead and experiment with the right mix of bedtime activities for your child, but resist tinkering with the basic formula too much. The more parts you add — a song, an extra story, or a pillow fluff — the less shut-eye he gets.

DO keep it consistent. 
They hide it well, but toddlers crave routine. So if bedtime is 7:30, aim to hit the mark within 15 minutes either way every day. He'll probably try his best to buck the system, but ignore his pleas for "five more minutes" and plow on through to lights-out. Believe it or not, his resistance will weaken. 

DO offer some support.
 Whether your toddler's struggling with fear of the dark or separation anxiety, nighttime can be a scary time. Having something comforting like a night-light or a lovey can help ease his anxiety. Lots of hugs and kisses don't hurt either.

DON'T offer sugary snacks or drinks near bedtime. 
Not only will a sugar-fueled second wind rev up your toddler, the bathroom factor comes into play when he's had too much juice to drink. It's amazing how super-diligent a newly potty-trained toddler is about avoiding accidents when it's bedtime ("You have to pee again?!"). Opt for a small glass of milk, instead, and/or a plain biscuit, cracker, or rice cake. Other good sleepy-time snacks include a carb-protein combo — crackers and cheese, yogurt and cereal, cereal and milk, milk and cookies (oatmeal is a good choice). 

DON'T watch a video. 
The action, the story, the colors, the music — all are geared to engage your kid at the exact moment you want him to disengage from his busy world. The occasional age-appropriate video is fine — just make sure showtime is hours before bedtime. 

DON'T choose complicated or scary books. 
As with videos, reading stories that call for solving mysteries, completing puzzles, or outwitting giants are best reserved for daylight. To bring on the z's, try simple books with comforting, predictable plots or those that ideally end with a cuddly lamb or ducky drifting happily off to sleep.

DON'T get into a battle of wills. 
Ordering your toddler to go to sleep right now! is never going to work. If he insists he's not sleepy, tell him that's fine but it's still time for bed, and he can sing to himself or play quietly with a "friend" or two until he falls asleep. The "permission to play" card is a great surprise bonus. 

DON'T associate the bed with time-outs. 
Putting him in his bed or crib when he's broken a rule will only guarantee he'll do his best to avoid it at all times — particularly bedtime. Stick with a time-out chair or step for discipline infractions, and keep the bed a happy, safe place he won't want to resist at night.