Every parent wants their little one to sleep soundly. But how do you achieve this after trying multiple times and failing severally? Establishing a bedtime routine could be the tip you need. A routine will ease the sleep-wake cycle for your child, and it will make them feel more calm, secure, and comfortable as they prepare to go to bed every night. Even when you have a lovely bedroom space, a firm mattress, the best mattress topper, beddings, and perfect temperature for your child to sleep. If you do not have a bedtime routine for your child, you will have a difficult time getting them to sleep. Below are some tips to help you develop a bedtime routine for your child.
Be consistent with sleeping time
Consistency is key. When you want to have a successful bedtime routine, it is best to not change the same time your child sleeps as you will have the challenge to get them to nap during the day and also to sleep through the night. Although it can be difficult for special occasions, like vacations, birthdays and holidays. The rest of the time, ensure that you maintain the consistency of a daily sleep routine. Plus, when you teach your child healthy sleep habits early in life, it will be helpful to them in the long run.
Create a calm bedroom
Having a calming environment is not only good for your child but you as well as it makes it easier for you to go through the bedtime routine with ease. To create a calm and quiet space for your child as a way to create a bedtime routine. Ensure that the mattress they sleep in is firm and comfortable, and the temperature is right for them to sleep comfortably. Although a dark room is the best for better sleep, some children feel calm when the nightlight is on, and you can leave it on for some time until they sleep.
Limit the distractions
Distractions are an issue when it comes to creating a bedtime routine not only for children but adults as well. So you should try to wind them down at least 30 minutes or an hour before your child’s sleep time. Some of the distractions that you can limit are TV, ensure you switch it off, video games, snacks, and focus more on relaxing pursuits like listening to music. taking a warm shower or reading a storybook.
Feed your child
A child with a happy tummy will sleep easier and more soundly. So if you are trying to establish a routine, the feeding time should be also the same every day. For babies, give them the bottle or breastfeed before you put them to sleep. While the older ones, give a snack that is sleep-inducing and not sugary that will make them sleep faster. Do not forget to guide them to brush their teeth as it will help with showing that they are preparing for bedtime.
Choose bedtime activities wisely
Bedtime activities are a great way to create a bedtime routine as they signal the child that sleep time is approaching. Most parents follow through with the three Bs that is bath, books, and breast. While others love to offer a light massage, play soothing music, and read a book together. So you can do a trial and error with a bedtime activity that is relaxing to see which one works well with your child as long as it does stimulate them to be active again.
To sum up, parents must establish a sleep routine early in the first years of the child’s life. Most parents are successful as early as four months, as they can set a day-night cycle as they sleep through the night and nap at least three times a day. So stick to the consistency plan you implement, and you will easily create a successful bedtime routine. Once the routine is in place, your child will also be able to soothe themselves to sleep and not just rely on you to do it. Try the tips above, and in no time, you will have an effective sleep routine for your young one.
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