Most parents of new born infants face the problem of lack of proper sleep in their child’s daily routine. Preparing your toddler for sleep means to put an end to the whole day’s excitement and preparing for sleep. It takes time for a toddler to sleep alone. Toddlers have a tendency to wake up at the night and once they wake up it is tough to make them sleep again. It is very important that you follow a consistent bed time routine for your child. A proper sleep will enable your child to wake up in a happy and energetic mood the next morning. It is also important to get a proper sleep from the health point of view.
Here are 10 beneficial steps that can help in getting toddlers to sleep:
1. Start wind-down process early in the evening
In the early years, it is tough to begin with a stable sleep routine for your kid. Both parents should make sure to create a soothing ambience early in the evening, so that your child sleeps early. You can always read a quiet story to your child instead of engaging in other activities.
2. Follow the evening routine every night
Your ultimate goal should be to create a sense of calmness and safety at your place. Try practicing a common routine each day. It should include regular dinner, narrating a story to your kid, kissing the baby while going for sleep. Make sure that you do not form an elaborate routine. Many a times you may face a problem where your toddler will show a resistance for any kind of regular routine. The best way is to fix timing for each activity. Motivate you child by using statements like if “you will spend less time bathing, than we can utilize more time for the bed time story”. This will help you to get your child in a routine gradually.
3. Help your toddler in setting his “biological clock”
It is always advisable to set a biological clock for your toddler. If your child gets habitual to stay awake till late, then it would be really tough to engage him in a regular sleep routine. You should look for ways like dimming the lights early in the evening and creating a soft and calm routine. This will help your child to identify the time to sleep. Look for sleeping signs in your child’s expressions. For example, as soon as he starts yawning, take him to the bed.
4. Set up a cozy bed
Make every effort to keep it cozy for the child. Keep the bed soft, lights dim, and sounds low. This will avoid any kind of disturbances in your child’s sleep. Especially during the summers you should put on the curtains early in the evening. Make sure that no light enters the room while your child is going for sleep. You kid may put off diapers while sleeping, than you should make sure that using a bathroom is the last activity before going to bed. This won’t make her awake at the mid night.
5. Arrange for a bedtime snack if your toddler demands
Many toddlers are in a habit of eating a snack while going for sleep. Look for healthy options such as warm milk with a piece of toast. The best way is to cook healthy snacks that are easy to eat in bed.
6. Don’t give up naps too early
You should understand that every child has different sleep needs. Many kids are not able to give up naps till the age of three. Some kids may even resist too much to avoid a nap. So you should know your child’s routine and tale steps accordingly.
7. Make sure that your child gets exposed to fresh air
It is really important to get exposed to fresh air for a sound sleep. Don’t force your child to stay at home the whole day. Instead make efforts to take them out in fresh air. This will really help your toddler to get a sound sleep.
8. Most toddlers fall asleep easily if you lie down with them
Your child feels safe when you are there with them. You should never disappoint your child by avoiding sleeping with him. It should be your priority to be with him till he falls asleep. You can gradually make distance at night once your child gets used to sleep alone. It is really important for you to be patient to set up a proper routine for your child. Once he will become habitual, things will get into place automatically.
9. It is normal for all humans to wake up slightly during normal sleep cycles
You need to understand that waking up in the middle of the night is quite normal. Till the time your child falls asleep, he is sure that you are there with him. But as soon as he wakes up in the night, and if won’t find you near him then the situation may get worse. You can’t expect your child understand your privacy needs at this age. It is possible that you may have to disturb your sound sleep to make him fall asleep again. You can even use ways like rewarding him with prizes to inculcate in him the habit to sleeping by him.
10. Start now
You should not delay in starting this routine. If you start at an early age, it will soon become a habit. Once your child gets into his own sleeping routine, then it’s tough to alter it. Gradually you can start making distance between you and your child once he gets used to it. For example, if you started to sleep by hugging him, then next step would be just holding his hand, next you can use a different bed and this way gradually you will attain you goal.
