How to Get a Child Out of a Parent's Bed

A child sleeps in her parent's bed for various reasons. Some parents are believers in the philosophy of co-sleeping, while others choose the arrangement to avoid the need to get up during the night with a young child who frequently wakes. Sometimes older children have fears or uneasy feelings that bring them into a parent's bed during nighttime hours. When you decide that it is time for your child to sleep in her own bed, you cannot expect her to make the abrupt switch immediately. Taking small steps is key to creating a smooth and successful transition.

• 1

  Determine underlying causes of your child's behavior. If your child comes to your bed during the night and seems scared to go back to his own bed, search for the real issues causing the behavior. DrGreene.com recommends questioning your child to determine if he has fears or feelings that are resulting in trouble sleeping. Fears may need to be dealt with separately.

• 2

  Encourage your child to sleep with a comforting object, such as a soft blanket. If she first sleeps with the blanket in your bed, it can act as a transitional object when she begins sleeping in her own bed. The blanket can act as a source of comfort to her, regardless of where she is sleeping.

• 3

  Talk to your child enthusiastically about sleeping in his own bed. As a parent, you can make a great difference in your child's attitude based on the way that you speak to him. WebMD recommends using positive language, such as, "Guess what? You are 3 years old now! That means you get to sleep in your own bed!" rather than language that can be perceived negatively, such as, "You have to sleep in your own bed now."

• 4

  Take small steps. Getting your child to sleep in her own bed for the entire night may be a process that takes several weeks. If your child is having trouble with the transition, suggest that she sleep in a sleeping bag beside your bed for two to four nights. Then, allow her to put her sleeping bag in the hallway outside your bedroom for several nights. Gradually move the sleeping bag farther and farther from your bed until she is sleeping in her own bedroom and, eventually, her own bed.

• 5

  Be consistent with your efforts. It will confuse your child if you allow him to sleep in your bed after beginning the transition process and ultimately lead to a longer, drawn-out transition. If your child needs additional comforting some nights, try cuddling on a rocking chair and reading an extra story before bedtime.