TL;DR
Turn the school run and nap time into listening time
- Thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals
- Listen on your phone, tablet or Echo — also offline
- Cancel anytime
A MadeForMums report featuring children’s sleep consultants Mandy Gurney and Maryanne Taylor outlines ways to help toddlers stay in their own beds. Their suggestions include a predictable bedtime routine, gradual changes to parental presence and calmly returning a child to bed each time they get up; the report says the process may take up to six weeks.
A MadeForMums report has gathered advice from children’s sleep consultants Mandy Gurney and Maryanne Taylor for parents whose toddlers keep getting out of bed. Their recommendations focus on steady routines, gradual changes and calmly returning a child to bed, with Gurney saying it can take up to six weeks for many children to learn to stay in bed independently.
Taylor, founder of The Sleep Works, recommends an unvarying, calming routine before bed. Gurney, founder of the Millpond Sleep Clinic, describes a sequence that can include quiet conversation, putting toys away, turning off screens, calm play such as drawing or puzzles, a short bath in dim light, and a story before saying good night. The advice is to keep the wind-down gentle rather than letting it turn into playtime.
For children who rely on a parent’s presence to fall asleep, Gurney suggests reducing that support in small steps. A parent might begin sitting beside the bed with a hand on the child, then gradually move farther away over successive nights. She says each step can take four to seven nights, with the pace adjusted rather than rushing through the process.
If a child gets up during the night, Gurney advises taking them back to bed each time, with little or no conversation, and staying nearby until they fall asleep. The report also recommends consistent responses from caregivers and daytime praise for progress. Some families may use a reward chart or another small incentive, but the article presents these as options rather than requirements.
Building a Steadier Bedtime
Repeated trips out of bed can disrupt sleep for both toddlers and caregivers, and the advice offers families a practical approach that does not depend on a single night of change. Its central message is to make the expected response predictable: use the same wind-down, apply the same calm response when a child gets up, and recognize progress during the day.
The suggested gradual pace matters because the report cautions that changing how a child falls asleep can be upsetting at first. Gurney says rushing or skipping steps may lead to more distress and longer settling. The article does not promise a quick fix; it frames independent sleep as a skill that can take time to develop.
Products Worth Considering
LEGO Marvel Iron Man Mark 3 Collector’s Edition Building Set
LEGO Ideas Home Alone McCallister House Building Set (21330)
LEGO Monkie Kid: Pigsy’s Food Truck Building Kit (80009)
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Choosing the Right Time to Change
Gurney advises parents to think about timing before changing a toddler’s sleep arrangements. She says not to start during major upheavals, such as starting nursery, moving house or expecting another baby, because the change may add to a child’s emotional adjustment. The report does not prescribe a particular age or a universal method for every family.
MadeForMums also includes accounts from community members who made a room feel more familiar with a new blanket, posters or a nightlight, and from one parent who bought a new bed. These are individual experiences, not evidence that a particular purchase will solve sleep difficulties. The report’s expert advice instead emphasizes routine and consistency.
“This is going to be an emotional upheaval for your toddler.”
— Mandy Gurney, founder of the Millpond Sleep Clinic
What the Advice Cannot Promise
The report presents recommendations from two sleep consultants, but it does not provide clinical research comparing the methods or establish that they will work for every toddler. The six-week estimate is attributed to Gurney and is not described as a guaranteed timeline. Children’s sleep needs and family circumstances vary, and the source does not specify how to adapt the approach for particular health or developmental concerns.
It is also unclear from the source when the report was first published: it says the feature appeared on MadeForMums’ Apple News channel but gives no date. The community accounts about bedroom changes are personal experiences and do not show that new bedding, furniture or decorations caused the reported improvements.
A Gradual, Consistent Approach
For families using the suggestions, the report’s next step is to choose a settled time, agree on a routine with other caregivers and make changes gradually. Parents can observe how their toddler responds and maintain the same calm approach when the child leaves bed. Gurney’s guidance suggests allowing several nights at each stage rather than expecting immediate results.
The article does not announce a follow-up study or a formal evaluation of the methods. Families with concerns about a child’s sleep, health or development may want advice tailored to their circumstances from a pediatrician or other qualified health professional.
Key Questions
How long might it take a toddler to learn to stay in bed?
Gurney says the process can take up to six weeks for many children. That is an estimate in the report, not a guaranteed timeline.
What should I do when my toddler gets out of bed at night?
Gurney advises calmly returning the child to bed each time, keeping conversation to a minimum, and staying nearby until the child settles. The recommendation is to respond consistently.
Should I stay with my child while they fall asleep?
If a child is used to falling asleep with a parent present, Gurney suggests gradually moving farther away over several nights. She describes steps that can last four to seven nights each.
When is a good time to change bedtime habits?
Gurney advises avoiding periods with major changes, including starting nursery, moving house or preparing for a new baby. The report does not identify one ideal age or start date for every family.
Can a new bed or nightlight stop a toddler getting up?
Some parents quoted in the report said familiar or new room items helped their children feel more comfortable. These are personal accounts, not proof that a purchase will work for other families.
Source: madeformums.com
