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Sleep2 min

My child gets out of bed every evening. What can I do?

It is quarter past eight. The routine is done, the light is off — and five minutes later someone is standing in the doorway. One more sip of water. One more question. And then another.

Short answer

Take them back calmly, with as few words as possible, and do it every time. A steady, quiet evening routine helps. It can take a few evenings before it sticks.

Why does this happen?

Often it is not a big problem, just a tricky habit. Your child wants a little more time with you, or is simply not ready to stay alone. That is very ordinary.

The same every evening

Paediatricians recommend a steady, quiet evening routine, at around the same time every night. The same steps in the same order give your child something to hold on to, and make going to bed easier.

Try tonight

  1. 1Choose a few fixed steps. For example: tidy up, wash, brush teeth, a book, bed.
  2. 2Start winding down about half an hour before your child usually falls asleep.
  3. 3Keep it short at the bedside. One story, tuck them in, goodnight.
  4. 4If your child gets up, take them back calmly, with as few words as possible. Every time.

Agree with your partner who will respond, so you both do the same thing.

What helps keep it calm

Is your child afraid of the dark? A dim night light is fine. And if they wake again in the night: be as boring as possible, and leave the lights off.

When is it wise to ask for help?

Sometimes it is more than a tricky habit. Call your child's doctor or health visitor if:

  • it has been wearing you or your family out for a while;
  • your child is very tired or irritable during the day;
  • you feel there is more going on than bedtime.

In short

  • The same routine, every evening.
  • Take them back calmly, few words, every time.
  • It is allowed to take a few evenings.

Sleep tight ♡

By Cozy Cott editorial teamUpdated October 3, 2026

Sources (3)

  1. NHS

    Sleep and young children

    Updated March 31, 2023Checked by Cozy Cott on September 25, 2026

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)

    Brush, Book, Bed: How to Structure Your Child's Nighttime Routine

    Updated February 2, 2024Checked by Cozy Cott on September 25, 2026

  3. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)

    Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?

    Updated August 7, 2026Checked by Cozy Cott on September 25, 2026