5 Ways To Make Sure Your Toddler Gets A Good Night’s Sleep | EWmums.com
 

5 Ways To Make Sure Your Toddler Gets A Good Night’s Sleep

Toddlers and sleep don't go well together.

Posted on

13 July 2017

Toddlers bedtime routine tips

Toddlers and sleep have a complex relationship, even more so than infants. Just because your little baby is graduating to toddlerhood doesn’t mean they’ll sleep through the night. There’ll be whining, some tears and loads of puppy-eyed stares for ’10 more minutes’.

Your little ninja has just discovered the world and is in no mood to sleep whatsoever so expect bedtime to be a battle. According to experts, most toddlers (children between the age of 1 and 3 years) need between 12 and 14 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This may be split up between nighttime sleeping and a nap or two during the daytime. It may take several weeks of experimenting before you discover what works best for your toddler.

Here’s a quick list of things that you should take care of before (and after) putting your tot to bed.

1. Stick to the same timings.

A routine is the only stable thing in our tot's life right now. So, make sure you put them to bed and wake them up at the same time each day. It's physically and mentally easier for your child to fall asleep at the same time every day. Just like adults, their body gets used to of the timings and give cues that it's time to take a rest.

Once your child knows the time limits, he's less likely to stall, complain or wake up in the middle of the night.

2. Limit food and drink intake before bedtime.

Yes, they're going to ask for that last candy bar or a glass of juice and yes, it's going to be hard to resist those chubby cheeks but you'll have to. Avoid giving them any sugary or caffeinated drink.

More drink = More bathroom trips. You certainly don't want that.

3. Give them plenty of bedtime tasks

Long before their head hits the pillow, their body needs to wind down. Give them a mix of the task to accomplish such as brushing their teeth, potty-time or changing into PJs. Set the mood with dim lights and soft sounds that help them sleep.

What matters most is ensuring the routine is soothing and consistent. Once you have a plan, write it down and share it with your kids.

4. Set a bedtime reading time every day.

Most parents these days rely heavily on gadgets to do their job. Kids, as young as 2 years old are often allowed to watch cartoons, play games and watch videos right before the bed. While there's nothing wrong with the content, any form of screen-time close to bedtime can over-stimulate the child and make it harder for them to fall asleep later.

5. Let them try bedtime yoga

What kids do before their bedtime depends a lot on their personal preference but adding a bit of soothing and relaxing exercises and meditation can help them deal with stress before hitting the snooze.

Pick some child-friendly and sleep--friendly poses to wind their body down.