In a perfect world, all children would be good sleepers. But, unfortunately, in reality, it’s not always true.
Some are afraid of the dark, and some seem to resist even the idea of getting a bit of rest (strangely enough). Whatever the reason, your child not getting enough sleep can create a lot of challenges.
As you may know, for a kid’s development, having good ZZZs is crucial. So what should you do if your baby can’t seem to get shut-eye? No worries, we’ve got your back! Investing in a comfortable mattress for kids and paying attention to the overall environment are just a few things that might help. Here are our tips that should make your home a more peaceful place.
Stick to a Routine and a Schedule
You might remember your toddler having a bedtime routine. Taking a bath, reading a story, perhaps singing a lullaby, and then time for shut-eye. Although your child might seem old enough to go to bed independently, your school-age kid still needs a routine.
That is why you should determine which is the best time for your family to establish sleep time. Whether it is from 22:00 to 06:00 or 00:00 to 08:00 in the morning, always try to follow the same pattern, even on weekends and holidays. When it comes to sleep, consistency is key.
Follow Rituals
If it seems like your child doesn’t get the rest they need, make sure they establish bedtime rituals. For example, from an early age, play a piece of certain music to your baby during bedtime. Make sure it is instrumental, meditative music.
Ideally, it should be without text so that it encourages listening and distracts from any other thoughts. Of course, the choice of music depends on your kid’s taste some prefer it to be slow and flowing, while others with a faster rhythm.
If you are not too into music, you may do something else read a book together or even remind them to brush their teeth. Anything works, as long as it separates the day from bedtime!
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Notice your Child’s Tiredness
This can be especially important for small children. Immediately after birth, the baby becomes tired after one or two hours of being awake.
Gradually, this time increases as they get older, but it is essential to watch your child and notice when they begin to feel sleepy.
Surprisingly, a tired baby will be agitated, and it will be harder for them to get a good night’s rest, so make sure they have a proper snooze.
Pay Attention to Their Environment
Unsuitable sleeping conditions are a prevalent cause of poor sleep. For example, a TV should never be in your child’s room because it can negatively impact their bedtime.
Whether it’s a bunk bed mattress or a trundle bed mattress, it should be comfortable and suited to their size.
Make sure your child doesn’t have noisy surroundings neighbors who do housework in the night hours or a busy road that goes right under the windows of the bedroom.
Consider investing in a memory foam mattress for kids as they contour the body and relieve any pressure, therefore providing a good sleep.
Keep your Pets Outside your Child’s Bedroom
This is a hard one. Your little one will surely want to cuddle with your family’s furry friend, but creating strong boundaries is a must.
Since your four-legged friend will cozy up to your child or make a noise, they will easily disrupt bedtime. Ask your kid to sleep at least a few nights without your pet to see if that makes any difference.
Stay Away from Caffeine
Sure, there is nothing tastier than a fresh glass of coca-cola, but having caffeinated beverages is a ticket to lousy sleep.
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it will make your child stay awake whether they want it or not. So remind your baby to stay away from coffee, iced tea, and soda after 3:00 in the afternoon.
Regulate the use of Beverages
Whether you are an adult or a child, getting up in the night to use the bathroom is a common reason for having a bad shut-eye. It might seem obvious, but try to regulate how many drinks your child has after dinner.
It is better to stay away from beverages entirely, except while brushing teeth. If your child still has to pay frequent visits to the bathroom, perhaps it is worth discussing it with your pediatrician.
Avoid Screens Before Bedtime
To have a good night’s rest, it is best to remove any digital devices at least two hours before bed. Experts consider blue light to be the main culprit for insomnia since it mimics daylight, preventing the body from naturally producing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.
Set an example for your child by not using any devices yourself. That way, you can kill two birds with one stone – you and your baby will have a more peaceful night.
Keep Their Bedroom Dark
Research has shown that children fall asleep faster in darkened rooms. If your child’s bedroom windows are close to bright outdoor lighting, use curtains to create a more sleep-friendly environment.
Some babies might be afraid of the dark, then having a small night light is a good solution since it gives just enough light to make your kid comfortable.
