Article: If you have already established a regular bedtime routine—for example, your toddler has a bath, puts on pajamas, eats a snack, gets a bedtime story, brushes their teeth, and then goes to bed—keep every part of the routine in place. If the only thing you change is the location where they sleep, your child can still feel secure and stable in their routine. Your tone and the words you use when speaking to your child right before they sleep are really important. They will sleep more soundly and securely if you have give them a little pep talk just before they doze off.  Repeat some of the things you told them to get them excited about the bed in the first place. Tell them you are proud of them for being so big or that you think their bed is very cool and wish your bed was as neat as theirs. If the bed used to belong to their favorite cousin or older sibling, remind them that they are now growing up, just like that person. Whatever you tell them, be excited and positive because they will internalize what you say and how you say it. Make sure they know you are thinking about everything they need. Do last minute checks for nightlights, water, and anything that may frighten them. Reassure them that they have everything they need and that you will see them in the morning. Many toddlers will repeatedly get out of bed, either because they are excited for their new freedom or they are afraid of the change. When they come out, calmly walk them back to their bed, tuck them in, and leave. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Avoid making exceptions. If you take a break from this consistent behavior because your child is sick or because he or she had a bad dream, you’ll only cause confusion and fuel more resistance. If your toddler goes to bed without a fuss, overcomes their nervousness, or sleeps well in their own bed during the night, offer up plenty of praise in the morning. Even if they get out once or twice, but that’s down from five or six times the night before, make sure to tell them you are proud. Positive reinforcement will help tremendously with the transition. Offer rewards as praise. Consider a sticker chart or another reward system to make your toddler excited to sleep in their own room.

What is a summary?
Keep your child’s bedtime as normal as possible. Use encouraging words when putting them in the bed. Be calm and consistent when they get out of bed. Praise your toddler for all the small steps they make toward independence.