A sleeping child is the picture of peace. However, even when they’re curled up in bed, their brains are busy with developmental activities like memory consolidation (the process of putting memories in order, learning what matters, and unlearning what doesn’t). So, sleep is imperative, especially kids’ sleep. However, just knowing your kids need a good night’s sleep doesn’t mean they’ll get one.
Because adults aren’t the only ones who may have trouble sleeping at night. Many kids have trouble getting enough sleep, and when they can’t sleep, you can’t either.
When little ones can’t settle down and sleep, bedtime can become a battleground. There are, however, ways to make the process more successful. Use these tips to fight the battle… and win!
1. Set Up Your Kids Sleep Time
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that kids sleep between nine and eleven hours a night. However, sleep needs and patterns vary widely from child to child. No matter what you do, most kids have pretty consistent patterns.
The early riser will still rise early even if you put them to sleep later, and the night owl will not fall asleep until their bodies are ready. For this reason, it’s important for parents to set a bedtime for their children that allows them to get plenty of sleep and wake up on time.
2. A Consistent Wake-Up Time
Your kid’s wake-up time should be determined by how much sleep they need and when they go to bed. Establishing a wake-up routine sooner rather than later can prevent parents from experiencing stress later on. Remember to stick to the schedule. While it is generous to let your child sleep longer hours on weekends, it could prove to be counterproductive.
Those extra hours of sleep will make it difficult for their body to feel tired when they go to bed. By practicing kids bedtime and wake-up time routines, the same within an hour or two every day, you’ll make everyone’s life much MUCH easier.
3. A Baby Bedtime Routine Is Crucial
The importance of routines cannot be overstated for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. After dinner, it is recommended that the remainder of the evening includes light play, a bath, brushing teeth, a bedtime story, and then going to sleep.
Set the ideal bedtime atmosphere by creating a routine that is calming and relaxing. Soon, your child’s body may automatically become sleepy at the start of the routine.
4. Use The Baby Bed And Bedroom For Resting
Practicing proper “sleep hygiene” is also helpful. Rest should only be encouraged in your baby’s bed and bedroom. Toys and distractions should be put away before going to bed, or stored in another area. When you create a strong association for your child with the baby bed and bedroom, it is easier to fall asleep there. Relaxing and falling asleep in a certain place becomes easier the more you practice.
5.Create A Sleep Inducing Environment
The combination of soft sheets, a dark room, and relatively quiet atmosphere can make it easier for your child to distinguish between day and night, thus enabling kids to fall asleep. It is crucial to create a sleep-inducing environment in order to reduce distractions. You can fall asleep more quickly and need less help when you’re calm.
Suggested read: Tips For Making Your Toddler’s Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
6.Keep It Cool
Whether or not your child sleeps is not solely dependent on light. Temperature plays an important role, as well. Sleep is made possible by the drop in internal body temperatures caused by melatonin.
Although you cannot control the external temperature, you can help regulate it. Keep your child from being too hot or too bundled up.
Dress your child in breathable cotton pajamas at night and keep the temperature in the bedroom around 18.3 to 21.1°C.
7. Choose The Right Kids Mattress For Your Kids Bed
Choosing a mattress for kids is not the same as choosing a mattress for adults. Kid’s health, activity levels, and attention levels are impacted by their sleep patterns. A good night’s sleep depends on the right kids bed and kids mattress combination. An appropriate mattress can have a positive impact on a child’s posture and even contribute to his or her bone strength. Browse our baby mattress to find the perfect mattress for your kid.
Suggested Read: How to choose the best mattress for your kids