Bedtime tantrums: how to defuse the crisis?

- Categories : Baby Sleep

Toddler tantrums at bedtime turning your evenings upside down? Thankfully, there are effective solutions to help your child build healthy sleep habits.

When Bedtime Becomes a Battle…

You tuck your child in around 8:30 p.m., but they don’t fall asleep until nearly 10? You’re not alone—many parents face the same nightly struggle. When your child resists bedtime, it’s often because they want to act like a grown-up.

This behavior shows a strong desire for independence, as if to say they’ll go to bed when they decide—not when you tell them to!

Teaching Your Child to Fall Asleep on Their Own

Does your little one refuse to go to bed—or fall asleep—unless you’re right there with them? Be careful: this habit can be hard to break if it becomes the norm. To prevent it from settling in, start a consistent bedtime routine as early as possible: bath, story, cuddle, sleep.

Before leaving the room, gently remind your child that they are safe, even if you’re not right there beside them.

Stay Consistent and Firm

As you leave your child’s room, you’ll likely face some toddler tantrums—tears, shouting, or repeated calls for attention. Whatever you do, don’t give in.

Is your child throwing a tantrum? Try to stay calm and act unfazed. Showing frustration or irritation can actually reinforce the behavior!

Be sure to anticipate their needs ahead of time. For example, place a full glass of water on the bedside table before lights out. Building healthy sleep habits takes time—and a lot of patience.

But it’s absolutely worth the effort! A consistent approach now can save you from many stressful nights down the line. For extra support, consider using a smart sleep trainer. REMI by UrbanHello helps your child fall asleep more easily with features like a customizable sleep schedule and night-time sound monitoring. It’s a valuable tool for handling those evening toddler tantrums!

Discover REMI
THE SMART BABY MONITOR 😊

REMI and its app bring together everything you need to manage your baby’s sleep!

Its mission? Helping families sleep better — from birth up to age 10.

5/5
Super Fun!
I bought REMI for my 4-year-old son who didn’t want to sleep alone anymore after his little sister was born. Thanks to the remote wake-up system and bedtime stories I can play from a distance, the issue is completely resolved! I 100% recommend this purchase!
ConsoBaby Review
- Pauline F.

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