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Getting your toddler to sleep through the night is the holy grail of parenting, right? And, getting an infant to sleep well seems to be the greatest of new parent worries.
Wondering How to Get Your Child to Sleep Through the Night?
I’m sorry to disappoint… but I definitely do not have all the answers to your sleepless nights (see this article on our toddler sleep issues).
Because, well… every infant, toddler, and child is unique. And, your situation and circumstances are different from mine. But, there’s still value in learning from one another! Maybe your situation is different from mine, but maybe it’s similar to another mama’s. Plus, when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, we’ll try just about anything, amIright?!
So, I’ve gathered up some of my best blogging mom friends who each have first-hand experience with getting kids to sleep through the night — newborns, toddlers, and big kids, too! And, good news… they’re excited to share what worked for them. Let’s see what they have to say about how to get your child to sleep through the night…
How to Get Your Child to Sleep Through the Night — From the Mouths of Moms!
First, a quick disclaimer: This advice on how to get your child to sleep through the night should never take the place of safe sleep guidelines and guidance from your child’s pediatrician. See the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines, AAP HealthyChildren.org Sleep Guidelines, and the CDC Safe Sleep for Babies for more information.
Psst… hit PLAY on this video to see the top sleep tips now.
1. Set a Bedtime
“If my boys go to bed at the same time every night, they sleep better.” Malia of Playdough to Plato
2. Recognize Signs of Tiredness
“Good sleep habits start young. Don’t leave babies to cry, but instead set the stage for good sleep. Watch carefully for sleep cues and wind a tired baby down immediately.” Allison of Learn Play Imagine
3. Follow a Consistent Bedtime Routine
“A proper wind-down routine (bath, story, singing, prayer) helps us.” Anna of The Imagination Tree
4. Try a Relaxing Bath
“My kids bedtime routine always included a warm bath to encourage relaxation. When they were infants, I would follow their bath with a massage using lavender-scented baby lotion.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
5. Use Nighttime Indicators (Like a Blanket or Lovey)
“It is important to keep a routine and special ‘nighttime indicators.’ Bath, drink, teeth, prayers, bed. Our indicators are a giraffe that makes a bubbling noise
, teddy
, and darkening the house right before he goes to bed.” Gina of Connecting Family & Seoul
6. Try Swaddling (or Swaddle Tighter)
“I learned how to swaddle from the pros: NICU nurses! My family picked on me for swaddling so tight, but I’m convinced it helped my babies sleep. The key is the blanket. Big cotton ones with some stretch worked best for us.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
7. Follow a Daytime Routine
“Our son was a challenging sleeper. As new parents, we felt overwhelmed. We followed a loose routine to help bring sanity. Doing the same thing everyday allowed us to predict how things would go and helped us feel more confident.” Lauren of The Military Wife and Mom
8. Cut Back On Naps
“My kids didn’t sleep thru the night until I cut out naps and set consistent wake-up times. The pediatrician shook her head when I told her my 3-year-old didn’t take naps anymore. But they went to bed at 7PM and slept until 7AM, so I must be doing something right!” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
9. Or, Try More Daytime Sleep
“Ironically, I find that if my son gets plenty of sleep during the day he sleeps well at night.” Adele of Playful Learners
10. Tire Them Out
“My kids always fell asleep faster and slept better after an active day. On less active days, I would have my husband play a little extra with them in the evening to tire them out before bedtime.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
11. Beware the Second Wind
“If your child resists bedtime and stays awake until all hours, try putting them to bed an hour or so earlier. Chances are, they’ve caught a second wind and are re-energized. If you put them to bed earlier, when they’re actually tired, you may be surprised how smoothly bedtime goes.” Jackie of Happy Hooligans
12. Make Sure Their Tummy’s Full
“My kids’ bedtime routine has always included a cup of milk and healthy snack. At least if they have trouble getting to sleep or won’t sleep through the night, I know it isn’t because they are hungry!” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
13. Try Dream Feeding
“Dream feed. Feed your baby just before you go to bed. Do your best not to stimulate him, just nurse. Once I started doing that around 7 months, my little guys consistently let me sleep through the night.” Allison of Learn Play Imagine
14. Turn Off Devices (and Limit Blue Light)
“No screen time post-bath. Dinner, bath, bed. Routine is key.” Marnie of Carrots are Orange
15. Turn On White Noise
“Bedtime routines and white noise have been our saving grace, and by 5 months he was finally sleeping through the night. There are free apps out there for white noise. We just bought an inexpensive white noise machine
for his room.” Jennifer of Plain Vanilla Mom
16. Use a Fun Night Light
“JDaniel doesn’t like to go to sleep. We got him a night light that shines the solar system
up on the ceiling. He likes looking up at the planets from his bed now.” Deirdre of JDaniel4’s Mom
17. Try a Bedtime Candle Ritual
“When my son is washed and teeth brushed, I say ‘let’s go light your bedtime candle.’ While I light his candle, he gets into PJ’s and I ask him to tell me one thing about his day. Then he blows his candle out and settles down for the night.” Kelly of Happy Whimsical Hearts
18. Encourage Reading in Bed
“My kids have an early bedtime, but I allow them to use a lantern
to read or look at books until they’re tired. If they wake in the night, they know to try reading until they fall asleep again, too.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
19. Keep It Calm and Quiet
“When my kids wake in the night, I try to stay calm, keep my voice low, and avoid bright lights. I don’t want them becoming any more awake or alert since it would make it even harder to get them back to sleep.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
20. Watch Your Words
“I tell my son he can ‘read’ in bed. That way I’m not saying he has to ‘go to sleep.’ I let him ‘read’ with the light on for a while, then turn it off, and he usually falls asleep pretty quickly. I use this technique at nap time since the word ‘nap’ can lead to resistance.” Jennifer of The Good Long Road
21. Use a Reward Chart or Stickers
“I started a reward chart with my toddler who was asking for water at night when she already had it by her bed. I told her we’re always here for her, but water she needs to get herself. She finally sleeps through the night!” Maggie of Red Ted Art
22. Discuss Bedtime Fears
“We need to be careful not to dismiss our kids’ fears as silly. I ask my kids about fears and bad dreams so I can provide reassurance and we can troubleshoot together, like by checking for monsters or leaving a light on.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
23. Use a Video Monitor
“We use a video monitor, so when he cries or makes a noise, we can look at the screen to see if he’s okay. It eases our anxieties so we pause longer before going in which gives him a longer chance to self-settle.” Goblin’s Mama’ of Taming the Goblin
24. Try Not to Watch the Clock
“Don’t look at the clock when they wake or count how often they wake up. It doesn’t change how much they wake up and it just makes you feel more stressed.” MaryAnne of Mama Smiles
25. Think Outside the Crib
“We started with a sleeping mat on the floor. My son would lay on the mat with me until he fell asleep. Then, I moved him to the crib and stayed in the room folding laundry or reading, rubbing or patting his back if needed, until he fell asleep.” Kristin of Sense of Wonder
26. Keep Baby in Your Room
“My newborns were in my room from the start. It’s so much easier during that time of frequent waking and feeding. You get to them quicker, so they don’t awaken as much.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama (Note: Consider using a bedside bassinet to make things easier.)
27. Consider (Safe) Co-Sleeping
“There is no single strategy that works for every child. I was against co-sleeping until I had my daughter who has a high need for physical touch at night. But if you do co-sleep, make sure you use safe practices.” Rebekah of Finding the Golden Gleam (Note: Consider a bedside bassinet or a baby lounger to make co-sleeping with infants safer.)
28. Try a Weighted Blanket
“My kids each had unique sensory needs. Our occupational therapist recommended trying a weighted blanket. The weight calms the child’s body and helps them fall asleep and stay asleep.” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama
29. Consult the Parenting Books
“I loved the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
. It was a great resource but not a fix-it book. Having a consistent bedtime routine has been great for us. My preschooler still isn’t a great sleeper but isn’t as terrible as he used to be.” Kristina of Toddler Approved (Note: Find our favorite parenting books in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Top Parenting Books.)
30. Ask Your Doctor About Melatonin
“When my kids had trouble falling asleep, our pediatrician suspected it was related to their ADHD and autism. She recommended melatonin gummies at bedtime. It was a game changer!” Krissy of B-Inspired Mama (Here is what the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say about melatonin.)
31. Every Child Is Different
“Recognize kids are individuals and have different sleep patterns and needs. Once I figured that out, we gave our twins separate sleeping areas so I wasn’t running in as soon as one made noise in case they woke the other.” Jodie of Mummy Musings and Mayhem
32. Everything’s a Stage
“Everything is a stage. The baby that wakes up all night may turn into a wonderful sleeper once older (mine did).” Bethany of No Twiddle Twaddle
33. Adjust Your Expectations
“Let them get older! (Sorry, that’s not too helpful — LOL.)” Alissa of Bounceback Parenting
34. Don’t Blame Yourself
“I had a sleep consultant out to the house and she went over everything we were doing and told me my kids just weren’t sleepers!” MaryAnne of Mama Smiles
35. Do What’s Best for You
“Sleep specialists we worked with were so wise when they said there comes a time you just need to do what’s best for you. If you need sleep, get it any way you can. Even if it means doing something you normally wouldn’t do.” Renee of Every Star is Different
36. Don’t Forget: Take Care of You, Too
“I didn’t realize my newborn wasn’t getting milk, so she was nursing every hour. I was so tired I almost dropped her! My husband fed her a bottle so I could sleep. When I woke up my milk had come in! We need to care for ourselves so we can care for our kids.” Becky of Kid World Citizen
Now, Find Products on Amazon to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night…
In addition to the tips above for how to get your child to sleep through the night, check out these products on Amazon that can help…
FridaBaby Natural Sleep Vapor Bath Drops for Bedtime Wind DownBaby Shusher Sleep Miracle SootherZarbee’s Baby Massage Balm, Lavender and ChamomileFisher-Price Sound Machine Soothe ‘N Snuggle OtterFisher Price Baby Sound Machine Smart Connect Deluxe SootherBaby Colic and Gas ReliefLil’ Mo’ Maggie Magnesium Lotion for Babies & ChildrenFridaBaby Sleep Bath BombsBaby Monitor – 5” Large Display Video Baby Monitor
And, Parenting Books to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night…
Baby Sleep Book (Sears Parenting Library)Precious Little Sleep: The Complete Baby Sleep Guide for Modern ParentsHealthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, 5th Edition: A New Step-by-Step Guide for a Good Night’s SleepThe Sleepeasy Solution: The Exhausted Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Child to Sleep from Birth to Age 5The Guide to Baby Sleep Positions: Survival Tips for Co-Sleeping ParentsThe Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 YearsThe No-Cry Sleep Solution, Second EditionThe Natural Baby Sleep Solution: Use Your Child’s Internal Sleep Rhythms for Better Nights and NapsThe Gentle Sleep Book: Gentle, No-Tears, Sleep Solutions for Parents of Newborns to Five-Year-OldsBoobin’ All Day Boobin’ All Night: A Gentle Approach to Sleep For Breastfeeding FamiliesHow Babies Sleep: The Gentle, Science-Based Method to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
Find These Kids Sleep Tips Helpful? Then, Save ‘Em & Share ‘Em!
Then, don’t forget to save these tips for how to get your child to sleep through the night. And, share it with friends! Simply use the buttons at the top or bottom of this post. Or, click here: Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend
More Helpful Parenting Tips:
- 10 Better Baby Sleep Tips You Need Tonight!
- Encourage Reading with a Free Printable Bedtime Routine Chart
- Parenting Survival Mode: 11 Tips from Moms Who’ve Been There
Mom Bureau says
Pretty good list, my strategy is that I use essential oils. Since I use and love essential oils. I also use its calming effect to calm down my little ones.
Sylvia Ovard says
I have a problem with my 3 year old she will not go to sleep at night but she will sleep all day and im trying to get her sleeping ours turned around so that she will sleep at night instead of during the day ive tried waking her up during the day and making her stay up for a wile but its not working and when i do get her sleeping at night it dosent last shes flipped flopped right back around what can i do
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
I’m so sorry I missed your comment back in January, Sylvia! I hope you have this sorted out by now. If not, I’m sorry. 🙁
It sounds like you’ve already tried what I would suggest, which was to keep her awake throughout the day at all costs. And maybe consider a more structured bedtime routine and/or try some calming nighttime activity right before bed (like the lavender infused playdough recipe on this blog – search for it in the search bar at the top)? And try adjusting her environment – could it be darker? have you tried a sound machine? is the temp good for her?
Wishing you well!
Annie S says
I can not tell you how grateful I am for this amazing post. You have helped my family so much! My children are now able to sleep through the night, and that has made a huge difference in our everyday life. My husband and I are getting enough sleep, and our anxiety has disappeared. The whole family is in a great mood, and while we are all getting enough sleep, we tend to go out and have fun more often!
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
I don’t know how I missed this comment! It’s been over a year since you posted, but it still made my blogging mama heart SO happy! I love that my little piece of the internet brought your family more sleep, happier moods, and more fun!!
Mandolyn says
I noticed a pattern with each of my 3 boys my sleeping habits during pregnancy carried over to outside the womb. My 1st son had me sleeping all day and being awake all night and when he was born at the end of his first week he was sleeping through the night and has done so to this day unless he is sick, and he is almost 4. My 2nd send falls asleep right at his older brother’s old nap time and then stays awake a bit longer before bedtime and wakes up super early just like when he was in the womb. Same exact thing with my 3rd son. No sugar 2 hours before bed do some winding down yoga and books prayer and it works for us.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
So funny how they kept their patterns from in the womb!! Oh and the tip about mo sugar before bed is a good one, too!
Sarah says
This a great list! It’s fun to read all the voices chiming in with their ideas and unique situations. For us, exercise has been a big key to our son’s sleep. We live in a small apartment so an afternoon trip to the park or something that involves lots of full-body movement helps his sleep tremendously. One the days we don’t make it out to the park, it takes him a long time to fall asleep and he just lies in his bed wide awake.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Oh that’s such a good tip. My kids definitely sleep better with more physical activity in the day. Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
Amanda Croft says
Some of these ideas are great…just wish there were more that relate to twins who have to share a room 🙁 My boys are 2 1/2 and bedtime is a mission. They’ve had a consistent bedtime routine since they were tiny but sadly that hasn’t solved our ‘up and down’ issues.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
Oh I can’t even imagine – I feel for you, Mama!
The Monko says
great post, I've shared it on my FB page. Thanks for including us
Mandi @ Finding Home says
My daughter was a difficult sleeper and now she's an INCREDIBLE sleeper. She logs 12+ hours a night and when she's down, she's down. She goes to bed between 6:30 and 7 and wakes up 12 hours later. But it was after a TON of work. Consistency was key. We started a bedtime routine with her at 2 weeks and continue it to this day. We introduced a lovey and encouraged a nice long nap or two during the day. Her day is pretty routine and she thrives on that so it's natural for her to now be sleepy at her nap time/bed time. Consistency, consistency, consistency. I think we pretty much did every single tip mentioned here (minus the light and reward chart) and I cannot be more than thankful that we've been getting solid sleep for more than ten months now. Our daughter just turned 17 months old. We have also always used a fan in her room too for white noise. Just keep at it. Hang in there and sleep will eventually come.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Yeah – I think loveys are a huge help, too. Thanks for your positive feedback and support!
Anonymous says
Like any normal 2 year old, during the day my son was drinking milk or juice. Juice was his favorite, and even though we were buying the no sugar added variety of apple juice, I was still baffled at the carb count. He was also fighting bed time, figety for hours, and woke up several times a night. We started filling his cups with 75%water and a little splash of juice just for taste. Within 2 days, he was sleeping like a dream. So, personally, I feel a low carb intake (just enough to meet their energy needs!) really helped him wind down at night. He's almost three now and sleeps 8pm to 8am, no nightitme wakings.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Ya know, I had never even thought about that, but I think there's a correlation there for my daughter, too. We started cutting her juice with lots of water around the same time she started sleeping better, too. Makes total sense!
Jenni Fischer says
Great job. This series is definitely wonderful! Keep it going!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Jen! I'm loving it. 🙂
Anonymous says
We discovered that we couldn't let our daughter sleep in past 8a. If she does, she fights going down for nap or bed, and doesn't sleep a long either time. Wake her up by 8a and she goes down without a fight, takes a good nap, and sleeps mostly if not completely through the night.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Yes, my kids are very sensitive to changes in their sleep schedule, too. If they nap too late in the day, they will be a bear to get to bed at night!
Jackie H. says
Thanks for this post. My 2.5 year old who has always been my super sleeper just transitioned to a toddler bed and has pretty much stopped sleeping. This post was helpful and also encouraging. It's good to know I'm not alone. It's also great to remember it's just a stage. I have an older son and in the back of my head, I remember this stage, but it's so easy to forget and to assume you will be sleep deprived for the rest of your life!
(and if that didn't make sense, it's only because at the moment, I'm averaging about 4-5 hours of sleep a night. 😉
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Makes total sense, Jackie! I'm glad this post brought you some comfort. I think “this too shall pass” is a common mantra among mothers.
Roopa says
This is such a great resource!! It would be of help to lots of mothers.
Thanks for sharing your idea with us on 'The Kids Co-op!!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Roopa! That's my hope.
Rarebird says
very nice krissy
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
THANKS!
Happy Whimsical Hearts says
What a great resource this is! Sleep can be such an issue for so many families and I am sure this will help 🙂 And thanks for including our bedtime candle 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
NO, thank you for sharing such an awesome idea! I don't usually have much trouble getting my kids to bed, but I know they would love this. It would be such a sweet memory for them, too. I might have to try it.
pippasmum says
I love this post… so many issues, sleep being one of the biggest, really divides moms. I love that you have included a variety of approaches with a very definite “try what works for you” and “different solutions for different families” approach. I love this!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thank you so much. I hope that this remains a positive, non-judgemental place for moms to share.
Jode says
It's a great series…i have been telling everyone about it and included a link in my last post!Can't wait for your next topic!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Jode!
PlainVanillaMom says
Wow! Great list 🙂 I agree with MaryAnne, fun & helpful series. Keep it up!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks a bunch. I'm having fun and learning from it, too!
MaryAnne K says
I am loving this series, Krissy! Pinned to my parenting board =)
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, MayAnne. I couldn't do it without you all!