Toddlers and preschoolers usually kick up quite a fuss before bedtime. While they do need the sleep, the desire to stay awake and be part of the action is stronger. By establishing some healthy sleep habits, parents can help toddlers sleep well. Here are some simple sleep tips and solutions to help parents ensure sound, healthy sleep for their toddler.
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Bedtime Routines and Sleep for Toddlers
One of the easiest ways to get toddlers to sleep well is to establish a bedtime routine or ritual that will let a toddler know it is time for bed. Toddlers like the predictability that a ritual offers. So, establish a bedtime routine that fits in best with your family. You could begin with a bath, followed by some quiet cuddle time or a favorite story, and end it with a lullaby.
However, you can easily adapt it to suit your lifestyle and needs. For instance, families where one parent is away for most part of the day may want bedtime to be quality time between toddler and that parent. Or you can create a bedtime routine of changing your toddler into pajamas, saying goodnight to all your toddler toys and other family members, head into bed, read a story and tuck your toddler in.
Use Music to Help Toddlers Sleep
Music is a great sleep aid for toddlers and helps them to unwind and relax, as they get ready for bed. Choose a few good bedtime lullabies and play them as part of the bedtime routine or ritual. You could even hum them along as you tuck him into bed. Soothing music for toddlers can also help reduce mild separation anxiety that some toddlers develop at bedtime. Let the music play on, switching it off once your toddler has drifted off to sleep.
Creating the Right Environment for Healthy Sleep
The right environment is very important to ensure toddlers sleep well. According to Elizabeth Pantley in The No-Cry Sleep Solution, the right environment is essential for healthy sleep. So, choose a comfortable, supportive mattress that offers enough space for a toddler to move around and one that is perfectly safe for him or her. Pantley also suggests darkening the room to ensure sound and healthy sleep. According to her, “Some studies have shown that children who sleep with a light on all night have a greater chance of growing up to be nearsighted than children who sleep in the dark.” Keep the temperature of the room just right and in keeping with your toddler’s preference.
More Sleep Solutions for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Put a favorite toy or comfort object in your toddler’s bed. It will help reassure him in case of middle-of-the night wakings.
- Soothe and comfort your toddle before putting him to bed. Let him know that you’ll be nearby but not next to him. However, this is useful only when he is sleeping in a separate bed or room.
- Pantley suggests using white noise CDs or a household object to lull a child to sleep.
- Avoid watching TV with your toddler before bedtime. TV viewing interferes with the winding down ritual and in fact, may get your toddler all excited.
These simple sleep solutions can help parents of toddlers establish healthy sleep habits that will encourage toddlers to go to bed at the right time and sleep soundly. Sound sleep will not only help toddlers stay active and energetic but will also ensure good health and overall development. Here are some more sleep tips to ensure a good night’s sleep for your toddler.
References:
Pantley, Elizabeth. The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child’s Sleep. Mc-Graw Hill Professional, 2005.
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