Many parents find it difficult to deal with sleeping disorders in their little ones. It is important for your child to get a sound sleep. You should make sure that your child is getting a comfortable sleep, if not then this is a serious matter that demands concern from your side. There is an immediate requirement to set a strict bedtime routine for your little one.
Here are some techniques that can help you in dealing with problem sleepers:
1. No cry sleep plan
It is natural that many kids cry a lot during the night. This is a sign of not being able to sleep comfortably. You should try out ways to cheer up your child. Do not ignore this considering it to be natural as it is not favorable to leave your child crying.
Here are some tips to follow this plan effectively:
a. Follow your goodnight rituals cheerfully, then kiss your child and promise to return back again for another kiss. This will keep your child happy and protected.
b. You should always keep in mind to return back within few minutes if you promise the same to your little one.
c. You need to be patient as you may have to repeat this several times until your child falls asleep.
d. One thing you need to keep in mind is that anytime your child starts crying, you need to be there immediately.
e. After this routine, your child will gradually become habitual to sleep at a particular time without a trouble.
2. Follow a checking routine
This technique is more or less similar to the no cry sleep plan. You need to well prepared mentally before trying this as it can be tiring.
This plan includes the following steps:
a. You should tell your child that it’s time to sleep and you will be leaving the room now, but you should be nearby to keep a check on your child’s reaction after you leave.
b. If your child starts crying, then return after five minutes. Try not to do any extra effort to cheer your baby. Just be with her and play. This will assure her that you are always there.
c. Tap her hand or face and leave the room after conveying the same message when she gets calm down.
d. If she continues to cry repeatedly, return to her after a little longer duration may be for 10 minutes.
3. Gradual retreat technique
As the name signifies, this technique involves complete support, love and care for your child.
Here are steps to follow this technique effectively:
a. Be with your baby, hold her hand and cuddle her until she falls asleep.
b. You need to repeat the same for the next week but with a little change. Sit with her, but don’t hold her hand this time.
c. Gradually continue to move away from the bed. Within a week’s time, reach the door, then sit at the open door and after few weeks your baby will start get habituated to sleep alone.
Things to remember
One thing you should always keep in mind is that whatever sleep program you choose, make up your mind as it can be very tiring. Once you start following this, don’t make it a hard and fast rule to stick to it. In case your baby becomes ill, you may have to stop the program and be with her. There is nothing to worry in this. You can always start the program later on and you will notice it will work more quickly.
