How to help your toddler sleep in their own bed
Gentle tips (and cosy bedding!) to make the transition easier
Let’s be honest - getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed can feel like a never-ending challenge. One night they’re snuggled up in their room, the next they’re creeping into yours at 2am with their favourite cuddly toy and a sleepy smile.
It’s completely normal. Many toddlers go through a phase of wanting to sleep closer to you - whether it’s down to a change in routine, separation anxiety, or simply needing extra comfort and reassurance.
But if you’re ready to gently encourage them to stay in their own space, there are ways to make it easier (and even enjoyable!). From simple bedtime tweaks to creating a space they feel proud of, here are some tried-and-tested tips to help your toddler settle happily into their own bed.
1. Make their room a place they love
A bedroom that feels cosy, calm and totally theirs can make a big difference. Little details can go a long way - whether it’s their favourite animals on their bedsheets, twinkly fairy lights, or curtains that block out the early morning sun.
Our Bloomsbury Mill toddler bedding is designed to spark imagination and help bedtime feel a bit more magical. From woodland adventures to space rockets, there’s a set for every little dreamer. Pair it with our matching curtains to help create a cohesive, more restful space.
2. Stick to a calming routine
Toddlers thrive on predictability, so a consistent bedtime routine helps their brain and body wind down for sleep. Try a calming sequence: bath, pyjamas, story time, cuddles, lights out.
Letting them choose their bedding, blanket or cuddly toy each night can also give them a sense of control - even better if it’s a set they love snuggling into.
3. Offer gentle reassurance (but be consistent)
It’s completely normal for toddlers to test the boundaries at bedtime. The key is to stay calm and consistent. If they get out of bed, gently walk them back without too much chat - just a quick cuddle and a reminder that it’s sleep time.
You might need to repeat this a few nights in a row, but the consistency will pay off. And having their own soft, familiar bedding helps reinforce that their bed is a safe, cosy place to be.
4. Praise, praise, praise!
Celebrate the little wins - even if they only manage to stay in their bed for part of the night at first. Positive reinforcement works wonders at this age.
Try using a reward chart or letting them pick their favourite Bloomsbury Mill bedding set as a “big kid” treat when they’ve slept in their own bed for a few nights in a row.
5. Be patient – and don’t worry
This stage won’t last forever. Every toddler is different, and some will take longer to settle into solo sleeping than others. If they need a bit of extra reassurance along the way, that’s okay.
The goal is to help them feel confident and comfortable in their own space - and creating a sleep environment they love is a great place to start.
Helping your toddler sleep in their own bed is all about patience, reassurance, and a little creativity. With a consistent routine and a space they feel safe and happy in, they’ll soon get the hang of it. And with Bloomsbury Mill’s fun, cosy and easy-care bedding, bedtime becomes something they’ll actually look forward to.
Ready to create a room they’ll love?
Explore our range of toddler bedding sets, sheets and curtains designed to make bedtime brighter — and sleep a little smoother.