I started out just taking the side off the cot & my daughter had alot of fun running back & forth. I eventually started to sit with her til she went to sleep. I still do, but as long as she has a non spill cup with her, it doesn't take long. When she is older I will do the same as I did with my older daughter & sit her down & talk to her about being a big girl & going to sleep by her self with a night light on & a beby. But still reassure her that mum is in the lounge room. It worked fine for my oldest. She was alot more understanding & advanced & was going to bed by her self when told just after turning 2. This one will have to wait a bit longer yet.