Creating a good sleep routine often involves a consistent, repetitive set of activities that are carried out before bed every night. They prepare your child for sleep by helping them relax and wind down. Here are a few top tips on what to and what not include to help your little one drift off.
Suggested things to include:
A warm drink e.g. milk, camomile tea
Bath or shower
Talking about their day
Reading a book
Lullaby or singing a song together
Massage, cuddling, and rocking
Brushing teeth and going to the toilet
Suggestions to avoid:
Using electronic devices right up to bedtime
Giving sweet drinks or caffeine
Reading scary stories
Playing loud excitable music
Following sleep hygiene advice can also aid the process. Ensuring that bedrooms are dark, cool, and quiet enables good sleep. Toddlers and younger children may also benefit from having a dim nightlight if they report being scared of the dark.
Sleep routines don’t always have to feel dictated to children; we can listen to them and involve them, by giving them specific roles in their routine e.g. picking out their bedtime story or pyjamas.
As well as being helpful for children, parents/guardians of adolescents and teens often see their child’s sleep improve when they themselves model a good sleep routine that they can follow.
So, good luck! Creating a consistent sleep routine just needs you to take the first step by implementing some helpful habits tonight.
Comments