So, you shelled out big bucks to get your toddler a new bed. Your toddler isn't sleeping in their bed. You're dumbfounded because your child has a better bed than you do.
The reasons behind what you're child is doing isn't what you may think it is.
Quite a few parents get this aspect of growing up wrong, and they overthink the situation.
Let's turn our attention to why your child is sleeping on the floor and what you can do about it.
Don't think that this is a type of behavior that is far outside the realm of normal. It's quite common for toddlers not to want to sleep in their bed.
Here are a few reasons why your toddler doesn't want to sleep in their bed:
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Your Toddler Is Getting Hot
You probably didn't think about this one. Could it be that your toddler is hot in their bed?
How do you feel when you're hot when you're trying to sleep?
Being hot in bed can make anyone feel grumpy. Your toddler doesn't know how to remedy the situation themselves. The only remedy they know is to get out of the bed.
The Bed Might Not Be as Comfortable as You Think It Is
Could the bed be less comfortable than the floor?
If your child is sleeping on the floor, it might feel that the floor is more comfortable. It's hard for anyone to believe that the floor could be more comfortable, but it very well could be.
Your child might be seeking out something more comfortable that will allow them to fall asleep.
Your Child Is Looking for Independence
A top reason why toddlers don't want to sleep in their beds is that they're looking for independence.
Your toddler doesn't want anyone to tell them what to do. You already know that your toddler is someone who doesn't want mom or dad to tell them what to do. Did you tell them to lay in the bed?
If so, they aren't going to do it because you told them to.
After all, you're not the boss of them. How many times have you heard them say that you're not the boss of them? Now they are showing you who is boss.
What Can You Do to Remedy the Situation and Get Your Child to Sleep in Their Bed?
Make sure that the bed isn't too hot. We're not talking about the temperature of the room or anything like that.
We're talking about the bed itself. There should be no sheets, blankets, or anything else that will make your baby feel hot.
You also want to pay attention to the pajamas they're sleeping in. Toddlers don't know that it's their pajamas, making them not and not the bed.
Firm, but Soft Is What You're Searching For
A bed that's too soft or too firm is going to be uncomfortable. A child doesn't want to sleep on a cotton ball, but they also don't want to sleep on a cement block.
If your toddler's bed was used by one of your other children or by someone else, you might want to get a new mattress.
Also, make sure that you have the right pillows that aren't too soft or too hard. Examine everything on your child's bed to make sure that it promotes a good night of sleep.
You'll Have to Let the Independence Streak Run Its Course
Nothing you do is going to work to convince your toddler to go back to bed.
They are going to get out of their bed the minute you fall asleep or leave the room. It's a losing battle to think that somehow you can control what your toddler is doing when you're not around.
You can't keep your eye on them the entire time. You have to accept on some level that they're going to sleep on the floor.
One of the easiest ways to help your child get to bed as they become more independent is to let them help pick out their own bedding.
Whatever your child is interested in, maybe it’s unicorns, farm animals, or even dinosaur toddler bedding, there are plenty of sets out there to choose from.
Your Toddler Sleeping on the Floor Isn't the End of the World
It is frustrating, and you want to do something about it. If the floor isn't cold or there isn't a danger posed to your child by them sleeping on the floor, it's not something you should worry about.
It's inconvenient and silly, but that's about all it is.
If sleeping on the floor doesn't pose any physical danger to your child, there's no reason to worry too much. Pick your battles in other words and try to keep bedtime routines easy.
Your child will see that you're bothered by it, and they will sleep on the floor to get even more attention.
Allow your child to get this through their system so they can move on to their next obsession.
Childhood is full of these little things, and each phase brings with it plenty of oddities.
You Aren't Losing Control by Allowing Your Toddler to Sleep on the Floor
Some parents feel like they're losing control when their toddler does something they don't want them to.
Those people are called control freaks, and they want nothing more than to control every aspect of their child's life.
You must let go of the reigns a little to give your child the type of freedom that allows them to grow.
If your child prefers to sleep on the floor, don't get bent out of shape over it. Make the floor as comfortable as you can so that your toddler gets a good night's sleep.
Use this as a learnable moment and learn that not everything in life goes the way you want it to.
You May Want to Think about Buying a New Bed
There is also the possibility that your toddler doesn't like their bed.
Is the bed a hand me down from your other children? If it is, it might be time to get a new bed.
There is always the possibility that your child doesn't like the bed. It's highly unlikely that they're sleeping on the floor because they don't like their bed, but it's possible.
Ask your toddler if they like their bed or not. Maybe go to the store and ask if they like certain beds more than others.
Now is as good of a time as any to work on opening up the lines of communication since being able to talk to each other is the building block of a good relationship.