4 Simple Tips for How to Get Your Child to Sleep

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sleeping girl

Getting your children to go to sleep quickly and easily is anything but easy! Not getting enough sleep can affect not only your children’s mood and health, but also your own – you need your sleep, too. Below are some tips to help get your children to bed and snoozing in no time.

Tip #1: Consistency

One of the most important things about getting your kids to sleep easily is to have a consistent bedtime.

If you have a regular routine and time for your kids to bed, they generally have earlier bedtimes, fall asleep faster, wake up less during the night, sleep longer and make the entire process of putting your kids to sleep much easier.

Tip #2: Create a routine

Having a consistent sequence of steps that you go through every single night can be super helpful in keeping regular nights. Here are some ideas and tips that may come in handy.

  • Create a peaceful environment.
    • Take away loud noises and especially electronics. Instead, maybe read them a bedtime story or sing songs.
  • Move towards the bedroom.
    • Have a routine that has a path leading towards the bedroom.
    • Try to avoid creating a schedule that involves them doubling back to play areas that are full of potential distractions.
  • Go through consistent steps every night to create associations with bedtime:
    • Bathtime
    • Brush your teeth
    • Change to pajamas
    • Read a nighttime story

Tip #3: Create the perfect sleep environment

Kids can get easily distracted and affected by their bedrooms.

The room should be:

  • Dark. Have curtains and take out screens that are emitting lights. If your child wants a nightlight, make sure it is dim enough where it won’t affect their sleep.
  • Cool. A temperature between 60-67 degrees will keep your child comfortable.  Also, try to avoid overloading their beds with sheets. Too many can lead to overheating or restlessness.
  • Distraction free. Don’t have any electronics in their room. A television or computer is full of temptation, so it is far better to just remove those distractions altogether.

Tip #4: Pay attention to what is happening during the day.

As you probably know, what kids consume and do during the day can have a huge impact on the quality of their sleep at night:

  • Don’t let them have caffeine or too much sugar.
  • Do make sure they exercise and run around
  • Don’t let them eat a lot right before going to bed. Having the last meal end 3-5 hours before bedtime is ideal

Happy snoozing!