Children of any age can have trouble sleeping at night. From fussy babies to active toddlers, parents often find themselves at their wit’s end when bedtime finally rolls around. Whether it’s an overactive imagination or the common fear of the dark, you can combat night-time restlessness with these three bedtime tips.
- Engage your children with calming activities
- Use a nightlight or sound machine
- Co-sleep safely if necessary
Bedtime Tip #1: Engage your children with calming activities.
Beginning up to an hour before your child’s bedtime, engage your little one with calming activities like puzzles, board games, or quiet sing-a-longs. You can also read a bedtime story together each night, such as The Birthday Surprise. The cadence of your voice reading a story aloud may help soothe your child to sleep.
Bedtime Tip #2: Use nightlights or sound machines.
Nightlights can help conquer fear of the dark and make bedtime an easier transition for both parent and child. A more imaginative nightlight can serve as additional reassurance for frightened children, such as our Hot Pink Ladybug. Not only does this light transform your child’s ceiling into a starry night sky, but the friendly design of the ladybug can help eliminate night-time fears.
Bedtime Tip #3: Co-sleep when necessary.
Many children find the company of a parent at night to be very comforting. As your child grows, you may find co-sleeping necessary. Whether you choose to let your little one bunk with you until they’re comfortable sleeping on their own, or you simply lie down with them for a short period each night, this can dramatically affect their ability to sleep soundly as they grow older. Each child is different, so you may find that your child only needs co-sleeping after nightmares.
These three tips can help you create a soothing night-time environment for children of every age. By incorporating them into your nightly routine, you’ll see positive improvement in your child’s ability to quickly slip into dreamland – and stay there – throughout the night.
