We all know how difficult it is to get our children to go to sleep, getting them to bed is one thing, but getting them to have a good night’s sleep is a whole different ball game. Once you have got them into bed then it is time to start planning your strategy for the next step into the land of nod. So to help you out, here are some top tips for getting your little ones the precious sleep that they need.
Create an inviting environment.
When we pick beds and furnishings for ourselves we always look for comfort and it should be no different for our children. Starting with the mattress, this is the most important part of the room in many ways. It is the area they will snuggle down on, the place in which to create the perfect alignment for them whilst sleeping, the list goes on. There are many brands that offer mattresses for specific support, such as a range of Tempur mattresses, so which one you choose is down to you. However always consider their comfort first and foremost.
Don’t give your child too much to eat before bedtime.
Supper was something I was always given as a child and it was something that added to my daily routine. However the later I ate supper the harder it was for me to fall asleep. The later in the day our children eat the more energy they will gain. For example, milk and a cookie full of sugar at 7pm seems calming, but will offer your child a sugar rush making it harder for them to fall asleep in the long run. Look for snacks that are low in sugars, offer a small portion and that are calming such as crackers.
Establish a clear bedtime routine.
I don’t know about you, but I am all about routine. I still maintain a bedtime routine every day and it helps me to unwind and get my mind into the right place to drift off to sleep easily. Setting a clearly defined routine for your children is imperative to getting them a good quality night’s sleep. The full routine should last around half an hour and should be at or around the same time every day. This gives your child a clear understanding that at 8 pm, for example, they will be going to bed and at 8.30 mummy will be switching the light off.
Give your child the tools to feel safe at night.
Being afraid of the dark is something that I am sure everyone has felt at some point. So if your child is anxious about going to bed because of the dark or the silence then they may need some tools in place to combat these fears from day one. This could include a night light, a low volume music or talking book or even a favorite teddy bear that protects them. Losing the anxiety will promote happier sleep.
