How do I get my 6 year old to sleep in his own bed?
Michael King
Updated on March 16, 2026
Here are seven ways to get your child to sleep in their own bed.
- Make Your Child's Room Sleep-Friendly.
- Create Clear Expectations.
- Take It One Step at a Time.
- Establish a Healthy Bedtime Routine.
- Be Consistent.
- Provide Positive Reinforcement.
- Problem Solve Proactively.
Should 6 year olds sleep in their own bed?
Growing children need more sleep than adults, being approximately 12 to 14 hours each day. Allowing your children to sleep on their own beds not only gives them the liberty to sleep in any comfortable position they want but also reduces external movements and disturbances that might otherwise disrupt their sleep.Is it normal for a 6 year old to sleep with parents?
Dr. Basora-Rovira says there is no specific age that is “too old” for co-sleeping. She encourages parents to not begin practicing co-sleeping in the first place. And, if you are already co-sleeping with your child, to transition him or her out of your bed and into his or her own room as soon as possible.Why does my 6 year old want to sleep in my bed?
It's most likely to happen when your child is feeling upset or anxious about something. "At around 5 years old, this could be anything," says Barclay. "It may seem random to the parent, but it could be very big to the child.At what age should a boy sleep in his own bed?
Approximately one-third of toddlers transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old, and another third transition between ages 2 and 2.5. In general, most toddlers make the move from a crib to a bed between the age of 18 months and 3 years old.How to Get Your Child to Sleep in Their OWN BED! 5 Easy Steps!
Should a 7 year old sleep with parents?
Co-sleeping is not recommended, but a 7-year-old child sleeping with parents is considered normal in many families and cultures. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against co-sleeping at any age, especially if the infant is younger than four months.How do you break co-sleeping?
You may want to start off by slowly moving their cot further away from your bed each night – so that they can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being close to you. Then, once they've adjusted, you can move the crib into their own bedroom. Or switch it round and bunk up with them for a few nights.How do I get my 6 year old to stop sleeping in her parents bed?
1 A warm bath, a few good books, and some cuddling can help your child get ready to sleep in his own bed. Then, when it's time for lights out, shut off the lights and leave the room so he can practice falling asleep on his own.How do I stop my child from going to her parents bed?
7 Steps To Stop Your Child Coming Into Your Bed At Night
- Explain what is going to happen.
- Ensure they know what you need from them.
- Check whether they feel comfortable in their room.
- Spend time in the room during the day.
- Decide whether you will sleep with them to begin with.
- Keep bringing them back to their room.
How do I stop co-sleeping with my older child?
Chronic Co-Sleeping With Older Children
- Create a strict bedtime routine that ends with the child sleeping in their bed every night.
- Decide to begin implementing the bedtime routine and stick to it even though the child will resist.
Is sleeping with your child unhealthy?
Co-sleeping is a controversial issue: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says parents should never let their baby sleep in the bed with them—citing the risk of suffocation, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other sleep-related deaths.How do I teach my child to sleep alone?
The solution: To encourage your child to fall asleep alone, help him or her feel secure. Start with a calming bedtime routine. Then offer a comfort object, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Turn on a night light or leave the bedroom door open if it will help your child feel better.Does co-sleeping cause sleep problems?
For example, co-sleeping during the school-aged years has been associated with problems initiating sleep, less nighttime sleep, more daytime sleepiness, more bedtime resistance, increased nighttime awakenings, and greater levels of sleep anxiety (Blader et al. 1997; Cortesi et al.How do I get my 7 year old to sleep alone?
The Gradual Plan.Sit in a chair near your child's bed until she falls asleep. Gradually, over several nights, move farther away from her until you have eased yourself out of her room, then into the hallway, then into another room. From then on, stick to “Enter the Zone Alone.”
Should you stay with your child until they fall asleep?
Lying with your kids until they fall asleep 'is GOOD for their mental health' LYING with your kids until they fall asleep is good for their mental health, a top professor says. Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne claims there is a long-term benefit to snuggling up beside your child to soothe them to sleep.Why does my 6 year old keep waking up at night?
There are other reasons why your child might wake up at night. These include illness, being too hot or cold, hunger, nightmares, and night terrors. These tend to get better with time and don't last. To learn how to deal with this see Nightmares and Sleep Terrors.How do I stop my 5 year old from getting in my bed?
But if you're trying avoid sharing your bed, consider these strategies for coping with a child who won't stay put:
- Lose the crutch. ...
- Set physical boundaries. ...
- Be consistent. ...
- Address fears. ...
- Offer incentives. ...
- Set aside time for snuggles. ...
- Let your child "own" her bed. ...
- Compromise.
How do I get my 5 year old to sleep in his own room?
How To Help Your Child Sleep Alone
- Give notice. Talk to your child about why you'd like them to sleep in their bed. ...
- Get prepped in the day. Offer Special Time and physical play during the day. ...
- Go slow. ...
- Stay and listen. ...
- Offer calm support and comfort. ...
- Wait it out. ...
- Keep making space.