How do I get him to stay in his room overnight?
Getting a toddler to stay in his room overnight can be tough. Start by creating a bedroom environment that is relaxing, dark, and quiet, with or without a nightlight. Be sure to have very clear expectations and to be consistent. If he comes to you in the middle of the night, bring him back to the room, making the interaction short and boring. If your little one is quiet when he leaves the room and you do not always know when he is leaving, you can put a bell on the door so you know when he leaves his room. Be sure, too, that he knows how to fall asleep on his own at bedtime. This skill typically generalizes overnight and will help him to return to sleep on his own during the night after natural night wakings (that all little ones have).
About Dr. Kevin Smith
