Karl Kummerle

The sleeping habits of very young children are easily disrupted and once they get into a bad habit it can be very hard to change. Bear in mind that at about one year,your child starts to learn that he/she can exert a bit of  control over you. Most toddlers won’t settle if they think that playing up will get them more of your attention, so you have to make it clear that you mean it when you say bedtime.

1) Make sure his/her room is comfortable, not too hot or cold, and has nothing in it to frighten him/her.

2) Decide on a suitable bedtime and stick to it. Children need a regular routine.

3) Make sure he/she is not hungry or thirsty.

4) Follow a set calming down routine: tea, bath, story and lights out.

5) Leave the room. If he/she cries, return after a short time (four/five minutes) but do not get him/her out of bed or give him/her any reason to think that the fun of the day is carrying on. Soothe the child and then leave again.

6) If he/she cries each time you leave, wait for longer and longer before going back to soothe him! her every time.

7) If he/she doesn’t like the dark, leave a nightlight on.

Be firm and stick by your resolve. It may take several very fraught evenings before he/she settles rapidly — but most parents find this works in the end.