Sleep can be a huge conundrum for families. Babies and children not sleeping well may mean parents sacrifice their own sleep, less than ideal for all. Think, for a moment, how do you feel after you haven’t gotten a decent night sleep? You’re probably cranky, short-tempered and slower than normal to respond, both cognitively and physically. The same is true for children. The National Sleep Foundation is offering advice to get better Z’s as it celebrates Sleep Awareness Week.
Many parents tell us they can’t get their little ones to sleep at home, and wonder how we do it here. There’s no secret, really; it’s just routine. While we at Kiddie Academy do allow some flexibility for individualized napping plans for infants, typically nap time takes place daily at the same time. Our young charges thrive on this regularity. We encourage parents to follow through with these regular napping and sleep routines at home.
If you find yourself struggling to get your kids into a decent sleep routine, try these tips from The National Sleep Foundation. Sleep.org also has many posts with suggestions by age.
For Newborns:
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– Observe and learn your baby’s signs of sleepiness—eye rubbing, crying, etc.—so you can begin to put him to sleep based on these cues.
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– Put your infant to bed when he appears tired—not when he’s already asleep.
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– It’s normal for infants to get their days and nights mixed up initially. Try to stimulate your baby during the day using light, movement and the sound of your voice; at night, make the environment conducive to sleep.
For Infants:
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– Create a bedtime schedule so that your baby takes naps and goes to bed in the evening at the same time daily.
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– Make the bedtime routine enjoyable—but not so much fun that your baby is too excited to go to sleep.
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– Encourage your baby to fall asleep independently and to become a “self-soother”, so that you don’t come rushing to the side of the crib at every peep she makes.
For Toddlers and Preschoolers:
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– Continue to follow a consistent bedtime routine nightly.
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– Encourage your child to rely on a “lovey”, like a blanket or stuffed animal for security, rather than your presence, during the night.
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– Avoid getting into the habit of lying down with your child “just until he falls asleep.”
Sleep Tips for School-aged Children:
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– Explain to your child why healthy sleep habits are so important.
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– Continue to emphasize the need for a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
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– Keep TV, computers, hand-held video games, etc. out of the bedroom.
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– Avoid serving your child caffeinated beverages.
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Thank you for reading along, as we work together in raising the next generation of amazing kids!
