Kids are growing up so fast. It’s a miracle they can do it at all. Sleeping is essential to our health and happiness. We all know that kids need lots of sleep, but we also know that they will argue with you if you try to put them in bed at 8 pm on a school night.
But here’s a secret. You don’t have to stress yourself because there’s an easy way to let your kids get enough sleep without going over the edge yourself. All you need is a few minutes of time and some patience!
Set up a bedtime routine.
Try to get your kids to go to bed at the same time every night. Kids who go to bed at the same time every night tend to be more healthy than those who don’t follow this rule. Make sure your child goes through the same steps each night. May this be brushing their teeth, taking a bath, a reading, or a prayer time. Their bodies know when it is time for them to get ready for bed, so they will be more relaxed and less likely to get into trouble while they’re asleep. This consistency will help him learn that it’s time to go to sleep whenever he’s tired, which means he’ll be more likely to fall asleep without needing assistance from you or his parents.
Get rid of electronics before bedtime.
One of the most common problems with children’s sleeping habits is that they have too much television, tablets, and other electronic devices in their bedrooms. These devices emit blue light that can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm and cause them to become tired quicker because they have not had enough time to rest or sleep well. This can cause your child to be unable to fall asleep easily which can lead to bedwetting or night terrors in some cases!
Turn off electronic devices such as TVs, computers, and video games at least two hours before bedtime so they aren’t distracting when it’s time for naps or bedtime reading time with books, or playing with toys. This also helps minimize the amount of light entering their rooms — another source of waking up light bulbs that keep them up until dawn.
Play soft music.
Music is great for kids because it helps them relax and fall asleep. You can check out some Cocomelon toys for kids, these plush toys can play bedtime music. Your kids can hug their favorite cocomelon character just like JJ, all dressed up in his onesie, ready for bed, making a soft bedtime sound. This perfect bedtime friend comes with 7 soft sounds and phrases!
A study suggests that playing soft music can help kids fall asleep faster, especially if they have a hard time going to sleep. The researchers found that playing soft music was more effective than white noise and natural sounds at lowering heart rate and increasing slow-wave sleep (the deep, dreamless sleep).
Relax before bedtime.
You don’t want to be stressed out and anxious about getting your kids to sleep. But knowing that stress can make it harder for them to fall asleep, we recommend taking a few minutes to relax before bedtime.
Your child’s body needs time to physically and mentally relax. A good way to do this is to take a bath, read a book or pray together before bedtime. If your child is older, you can also play cards or board games with him or her or simply talk about something relaxing like nature or a favorite hobby.
Ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.
A comfortable sleeping environment is key to a good night’s rest. It’s not just about the temperature and the air quality, but also about the noise levels in your bedroom.
The temperature should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A bright, full moon can help your child sleep better at night. You don’t want your kids to wake up every few hours because it’s too hot or too cold. You may want to place a small lamp near their bed so that they can see it if they awaken during the night. Also, ensure a comfortable bed complete with pillows and blankets that fit your kid’s needs and allow them to sleep well.
Lastly, create a calming atmosphere before bedtime by playing relaxing music or taking a warm bath with lavender aromatherapy oil (approximately 1 teaspoon per bath). If you are having trouble getting your little one to sleep soundly at night, try placing a few stuffed animals around his crib or bedside table so that he feels comforted while trying to fall asleep.
Make sure they are not hungry before going to bed.
Some kids are just hungry all night long. They wake up and can’t go back to sleep because they’re hungry. You can make sure that doesn’t happen by making sure your child isn’t hungry before bedtime.
Kids often wake up in the middle of the night and want something to eat. If you have a toddler, it’s even more common because they might be teething or have a cold or something else that makes them cranky at night. If your child wakes up asking for something to eat and you’ve already given them dinner, don’t give in! It’s better to wait until morning when you can talk things over with your child’s doctor or pediatrician.
If your child is an older child and has been having trouble sleeping at night, consider changing their diet before going to bed. Try eliminating caffeinated beverages like sodas from their diet for two weeks and see if this helps them sleep better. Avoid giving them food that’s sweet and high in sugar like candies and chocolates before going to bed. Sugar will make them hyperactive. Foods like yogurt and fruits are good for their digestion and help them fall asleep faster.
Takeaway
Going to bed early is a great way to ensure that your kids get adequate amounts of sleep. However, the real key is not just doing this one time and expecting your kids to fall asleep faster every time they go to bed. Instead, consistency is the best policy when it comes to making sure that your children are getting enough sleep at night. Also, try to be as calm and relaxed as possible while they’re doing so; those who work around plenty of noise and events from early in the day may have trouble falling asleep later on.
