One of the most important steps parents can take in order to get their child sleeping through the night, is setting up a bedtime routine. For the parents whose toddlers are not sleeping well, here are some tips that you can start trying tonight…
Tip One: Make sure it’s fun
Okay, this might seem obvious, but I’m going to make sure I say it loud and clear anyways…
Don’t make your child angry at bedtime!
Seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many clients I’ve worked with who insist on including baths in a bedtime routine — even though their child HATES taking a bath.
When I ask them why they’re forcing their child to do something that he or she hates right before bedtime, they usually say, “Because that’s what I was told to do.” Their mom or sister or friend told them that ALL children need a bath before bedtime, so they just started doing it. But trying to get your child to do something she hates right before bedtime is a flat-out bad idea.
Tempers flare, tears are shed and your child gets so emotionally wound up that it takes much longer for her to calm down and get back into her happy place.
So make sure your bedtime routine includes only activities that are enjoyable for your child.
Tip Two: Keep it short, but not too short
Specifically, somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes, from start to finish.
Why? Well, you want it to be long enough to get your child calmed down, relaxed, and ready for sleep.
Plus, bedtime is a wonderful way to spend time bonding with your child. For many parents, it’s the best “quality time” you’ll spend with your child all day.
However, if you let your bedtime routine drag on for too long, you risk letting your child get overtired, which makes falling asleep much more difficult!
Tip Three: No sugar or TV right before bed
Yes, I know this one sounds “preachy,” but if you’re giving your child sweets (or juice) right before bed, it’s going to be harder for him to fall asleep. Same thing goes for letting a child watch TV right before bed.
The juice or sweets will give him a “sugar rush” of jittery energy, which is the last thing we want before bedtime. And, watching TV or playing on the computer can (for lots of children) overstimulate them.
Tip Three: The biggest bedtime mistake
Is letting your child doze off BEFORE you put them into bed. Now, I know it’s tempting for many parents to let their child fall asleep while rocking, bouncing, or feeding. After all, for many toddlers, this is the way they’ve ALWAYS gotten to sleep. Unfortunately, it’s also the reason why they tend to wake frequently in the night.
About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za
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