Help! My Toddler Gets Out of Bed Every Night

Many people assume that as an infant sleep consultant, I mainly help families with babies’ sleep. In reality, half of my work is with toddlers and older children.

We often expect that as a child gets older, their sleep will get easier. But with age come new challenges:

• Transitioning from a crib to a bed

• Potty training

• Nightmares

• Realizing you sleep in a different room and wanting to join you

One of the most common issues is toddlers getting out of bed every night. While this isn’t necessarily a “problem,” it can affect both your toddler’s sleep and yours. The good news is that there are gentle strategies you can use to manage it.

Why Does My Toddler Get Out of Bed Every Night ?

Understanding why your toddler keeps getting out of bed is the first step toward peaceful nights. Here are the most common reasons — and how to gently address them.

1. Communication Needs

Your toddler might not know what to do when they wake in the night.

💡Teach your child to call out for you instead of getting out of bed. If you respond calmly and quickly while they’re still half-asleep, they’re more likely to settle back into a deep sleep — and less likely to wander out of bed again.

2. Physical Needs

Sometimes toddlers get out of bed because they genuinely need something.

• Water: Keep a small sippy cup by their bedside so they can help themselves.

• Toilet: If potty training is underway, limit drinks close to bedtime or gently wake them for one final toilet visit before you go to bed.

💡Meeting these needs proactively can prevent many night wakings..

3. Comfort and Reassurance

Toddlers thrive on comfort and familiarity. If your toddler is getting out of bed seeking reassurance, try introducing a comfort object such as a soft toy, lovey, or blanket.

💡Make it meaningful by including it in daytime play or story time — this builds a strong emotional connection and increases its comfort value at night.

4. Bedtime Timing

Did you know that going to bed too early can actually cause night wakings?

Toddlers need enough sleep pressure (their natural drive to sleep). If they go to bed before they’re truly tired, they may only drift into light sleep and wake more easily.

💡Try shifting bedtime 15–30 minutes later to help your toddler fall into a deeper, more restorative sleep..

Consistency Is Key for Toddler Sleep

Once you understand why your toddler gets out of bed every night, create a clear and loving plan.

💡Respond calmly and consistently each time they wake — even if it takes a little time for change to stick. This helps your toddler:

• Feel secure and understood

• Learn what to expect at night

• Build confidence as an independent sleeper

Gentle boundaries and predictable routines create the foundation for peaceful nights.

Need Personalised Support for Your Toddler’s Sleep?

If you’re struggling with frequent night wakings or bedtime battles, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer 1:1 toddler sleep support packages designed to help your whole family rest better.

✨ Book your FREE discovery call here to find the right support for your little one.

FAQ: Toddler Gets Out of Bed Every Night

Q1: Why does my toddler get out of bed every night?

Common reasons include needing comfort, water, a toilet visit, reassurance, or going to bed too early.

Q2: How can I stop my toddler from getting out of bed?Teach them to call for you, meet their needs proactively, offer a comfort item, and keep bedtime consistent.

Q3: Is it normal for toddlers to wake at night?Yes! Night waking is completely normal for toddlers and usually improves with time and consistent routines.

Q4: Can changing bedtime really help?Yes. Adjusting bedtime slightly later helps build more sleep pressure, which can reduce night wakings.

Q5: When should I seek professional sleep support?If your toddler’s night wakings are causing stress, affecting their daytime mood, or disrupting your sleep, a personalised sleep plan can make a big difference.