Whether you have an infant, toddler, preschooler or school-age, discipline strategies and a scheduling bedtime routine can be the difference between good sleeping habits and sleepless nights. Bedtime routines will help your child feel more secure, comfortable and consistent routines will lead to a better night’s sleep.
Everyone has their own special way of setting up a bedtime routine. There are children that ease into their sleep with bedtime routines that include reading books, eating a tiny snack, or having discussions about how their days went. We’ve provided some basic DO’s and DO NOT’s for establishing your ideal bedtime routine!
Bedtime Do’s
Consistent schedules
Bedtime schedules should be consistent and have your child go to bed every night at the same time and wake up in the mornings at the same time. You will have an easier time getting them to nap and sleep through the night.
Choosing bedtime activities wisely
You want to choose activities that will help ease your children into sleep easier. Parents can give children the choice of choosing. Through trial and error, whether it is reading a book, a massage, or singing a song, you will find what works for you and your child.
Having a happy stomach
Naturally, when your baby is full it is likely your child will sleep longer and better. Incorporating a bedtime snack, maybe a bedtime bottle, ensures they have had enough to eat, help them settle down before bed and fill in any nutritional gaps.
Bedtime Do Not’s
Stimulating Activities
When your child is struggling to sleep, do not promote stimulating activities. Activities like video games, tv or active play, this will give you trouble when settling down your child. Replace those activities with other calming methods like reading a book or singing/listening to soothing music.
Breaking the Schedule
If you are not proactive in maintaining your schedule, your child will most likely break their routines if left unmonitored. Make sure that you are committed in creating good sleeping habits for your child, they are more likely to mirror your actions.
Giving Sugar in foods before bed
Bedtime snacks are great for children, filling the nutrition they have missed during the day. A mistake most households are doing, is giving children sugary snacks such as chocolate or sodas. Making kids jumpy and energizing them with sugar is something you want to avoid when they should be winding down before bedtime.
By following these Do’s and Do Not’s, you will ensure your child gets a healthy amount of sleep while allowing you sleep just as well. Sticking to a regular schedule and finding a natural rhythm, their internal clocks will help them feel more awake.