How to Lovingly Evict Your Little One From Your Bed – and Get Them Sleeping by Themselves

For most of us parents, the joy of having a baby or a young child comes with the challenge of sleepless nights.  Many parents find themselves co-sleeping with their child- either because they enjoy it, or because it’s the only way they can get sleep- and survive!

If you’re currently bedsharing with your little one and it works for you, you don’t have to change a thing.  Do what works for you!

But if you’re salivating at the idea of finally reclaiming your bed and getting a proper night’s sleep, I’ve got you covered.  Making this move can be a delicate process requiring patience, understanding, and strategy. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss 7 practical steps and strategies to lovingly evict your little one from your bed and transition them to their own sleep space, sleeping independently like a champ.

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7 Practical Steps and Strategies to Get Your Little One Out of Your Bed and Into Theirs

Are you ready to transition your little one from your bed to theirs? Here are the seven steps and strategies I recommend to get your baby or young child to sleep independently in their own sleep space:

Step #1: Create a Comfortable Sleep Space for Your Little One

The first step to this transition is to create an inviting and comfortable sleep environment for your little one. This might involve installing blackout blinds, introducing a white noise machine, and investing in cozy and age-appropriate bedding for your little one’s new bed or crib.  

If your child is old enough, get him involved with the process by letting him choose his new sheets, pillow, and lovey.  

I also recommend incorporating regular playtime with your little one in his new room and sleep space.  It doesn’t need to be for long periods of time – 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there is ample. 

This playtime allows your little ones to familiarize themselves with their new room and build positive associations with it.  

Making your little one’s new room and crib or bed feel special and personal to them helps the transition go much more smoothly. 

Step #2: Introduce an Enjoyable and Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can work wonders in smoothing the transition from co-sleeping to independent sleep. I recommend establishing a series of calming activities that cue your little one that bedtime is coming.  

This bedtime routine could include activities like a bath, reading a bedtime story, singing a bedtime song, or engaging in quiet play. Consistency is key here, as routines help children feel secure and aware of what to expect.  

Make sure your little one’s bedtime routine always takes place IN their new room. This allows your little one to wind down in the room they’re going to be sleeping in.

Ultimately, having a consistent and enjoyable bedtime routine in place will help ease the process of falling asleep independently for your little one.   

Step #3: Address Any Fears and Anxieties

It’s common for children to experience fears and anxieties when transitioning to their own bed.  After all, sleeping by themselves is DIFFERENT than what they’re used to. And no one likes “different”!

Take the time to talk to your child about any concerns they may have and validate their feelings. You can provide your little one comfort by addressing their specific fears, such as the dark, monsters, or being alone. 

Provide your little one with the opportunity to play by himself in his room during the day so that he can become comfortable with being alone in his room. I also recommend introducing a nightlight or a comfort object to ease this anxiety and make their new room feel safer.  

Step #4: Gradually Transition Your Little One to Sleeping in Their New Room

Abrupt changes can be overwhelming for babies and young children, so always consider implementing a gradual approach to transitioning away from co-sleeping.

I recommend spending a few nights bedsharing with them in their new bed.  If your little one is transitioning to a crib, feel free to co-sleep with them on a mattress on the floor of their new room for a few nights.  This step helps build a “bridge” between the family bed and their own sleep space.

From there, gradually move yourself further away from your little one every few days when they’re falling asleep. This teaches them to become more independent and less reliant on you and your presence as a crutch for them to fall asleep.

This step-by-step approach helps your little one adjust to sleeping alone while being supported through this learning process.  

Step #5: Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial in any parenting endeavor, and the transition from co-sleeping to independent sleep is no exception. 

Stick to your new routines and expectations around sleep time, and remain firm in your decision to encourage independent sleep. By consistently reinforcing your new bedtime routine and expectations around sleep time, your little one will feel secure and will adapt to these changes more easily. 

Remember that it may take time for your little one to adjust to these changes.  But the more consistent you are, the more successful the transition will be.

Step #6: Offer Positive Reinforcement

Offering positive reinforcement will encourage your little ones to embrace their newfound independence. 

Praise them for sleeping in their own bed and consider offering a reward system to acknowledge their progress and efforts. Always celebrate small victories, like the first night they fell asleep without your presence.  

This positive reinforcement could be as simple as a sticker chart with a small reward offered after a number of successful nights.  Ultimately, positive reinforcement helps build their confidence and reminds them we’re expecting something very reasonable of them.  

Step #7: Expect Pushback and Regressions

It’s VERY common for babies and young children to regress during this transition period.  After all, it’s only natural for them to test the waters and see if these new boundaries and routines are here to stay. 

Instead of viewing this as a setback, approach it with understanding and patience.  Reassure your little one and guide them back to sleep in their crib or bed.  

Regression is a natural part of the process.  Acknowledging this without frustration maintains a positive atmosphere.

Can You Really Transition Your Baby From Your Bed to Theirs?

Transitioning your baby or young child from your bed to their own crib or bed is a significant milestone for your family.  With patience, understanding, and a proper plan, you CAN guide your little one toward independent sleep.  

If you’re finding the transition particularly challenging, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. 

Pediatric sleep experts (such as myself) can provide you with valuable insights and strategies that are customized to your little one’s specific sleep challenges.

And if you’re ready to FINALLY get your little one sleeping through the night, but you’re feeling lost and have NO clue where to start, you can watch my FREE masterclass called “How to get your little one consistently sleeping through the night so you can feel like a functioning human again (even if you feel like you’ve tried everything”.