How can I stop my child from sleeping in my bed?

Ellen Rome, MD

Pediatrics

A child sleeping in a parent's bed - it is hard to give advice without knowing the family and what has been going on. Do they have a place to sleep? A nightlight? If it is a rare event, it's not the end of the world, especially if there has been high stress (like a grandparent or beloved family member's death). If it is a pattern, the parent can start by putting the child to bed and sitting with them until the child is settled and asleep, or at least settled and snuggled in bed. A good bedtime routine helps, and the parent can still be reading stories at bedtime. The parent can then stay outside the bedroom but nearby, keeping junior from bed jumping. If the kid comes into the room in the middle of the night, walk them back to the bed, give a good hug, and start the process again.

Charles J. Sophy, MD

Adolescent Medicine

If it is a rare event, it's not the end of the world, especially if there has been high stress (like a grandparent or beloved family member's death).

If it is a pattern, the parent can start by putting the child to bed and sitting with them until the child is settled and asleep, or at least settled and snuggled in bed.

A good bedtime routine helps, and the parent can still be reading stories at bedtime. The parent can then stay outside the bedroom but nearby, keeping junior from bed jumping.

If the kid comes into the room in the middle of the night, walk them back to the bed, give a good hug, and start the process again.

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