When you become a parent/guardian you’ll really start to value sleep more. Not only do you value your own sleep but also your child’s. The less your child sleeps, the crankier they will be. So, let’s delve into some techniques that can aid in getting your child to sleep better and for longer.
Firstly, don’t underestimate the importance of having a calm environment. Don’t have a lot of clutter in their bed or around it. Less is more in this case and having a clean and organized environment will help create a calmer vibe. Your child doesn’t need 20 soft toys around them to sleep, having one or two of their favourite toys is enough. For very young children it is safer to have nothing in their crib and always make sure that the toys in their bed are safe for their age.
Keep their bedroom dark to avoid natural light waking up your child. You’ll need some good curtains to block out sunlight during the day for nap time. Your child will start to associate dark rooms with sleeping and when you want them to wake up in the morning, open up those curtains and let the light shine in.
Having a routine is essential. You can’t just randomly decide when it’s time for bedtime. You’ll need your children to mentally prepare for bedtime, by following a routine they will start to realize that bedtime is approaching. Avoid doing high-energy activities with your children before bedtime as they will find a harder time relaxing and falling asleep.
If you live in a noisy neighbourhood, a white noise machine might be your lifesaver. This machine will play background noise, which creates a soothing environment and will help your child go back to sleep if awoken during the night or naptime. Children may get anxious if they wake up in a room that is completely silent so having some background noise can provide a sense of comfort.
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