Most of the parents have a tough time putting their babies and toddlers to sleep. Children between 1-3 years of age are often most difficult to put to sleep. The reason being that around this age they are more interested in exploring their surrounding rather than going to bed. They are inquisitive, curious and excited as they grow and evolve with each passing day. But sleep is an essential aspect of your child’s growth, as the growth hormone is released during sleep. Also, following a regular pattern will help your child regulate his/her sleep cycle which is very important for his/her overall development.
Here are some effective ways by which you can improve your child’s sleeping habits
1 . Refrain from offering your child any high sugar foods and drinks and foods containing caffeine as they can disrupt the sleep cycle.
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2 . Avoid any kind of stimulating activity like sport or indoor games which can make your child overly active prior to bedtime.
3 . Switch off the television set and computers two hours prior to sleep time. The light from the screen interferes with the sleep cycle. Also, discourage use of tablets and smartphones as the blue light from these gadgets interferes with the release of sleep hormone (melatonin).
4 . Set a fixed bed time and follow it religiously. Make sure you put your child to bed at the same time everyday so that his/her body clock gets used to this routine.
5 . Make a short bedtime routine which includes telling or reading your child’s favorite story. Familiarity makes them feel safe and secure and induces peaceful sleep.
6 . Ensure your child is comfortable while sleeping. They should be wearing comfortable, loose, clothes of their size and soft fabric. Temperature of the room should be comfortable.
7 . If your child has fears, you can make him/her sleep with his/her favorite toys, which can make him/her feel comfortable and safe.
8 . You can also encourage regular bedtime by a reward system by giving stars for going to bed on time and rewarding with a small gift or extended play hours over the weekend.
So, go ahead and try these effective ways to help your child get a good night’s sleep. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!