If you’re a toddler’s parent, you know that getting a good night’s sleep is often easier said than done. Whether it’s due to teething, separation anxiety, or simply a bad dream, there are plenty of reasons why toddlers wake up in the middle of the night. And while it can be tempting just to let them cry it out, there are gentler (and more effective) ways to get your toddler to sleep through the night. Here are four tips to help you and your little one get much-needed rest.
One of the best ways to help your toddler settle down for the night is to establish a bedtime routine. This could include reading a book together, singing a lullaby, or taking a bath. The key is to do the same thing(s) in the same order every night, so your child knows what to expect and can start winding down for bed.
Make Sure Their Bedroom is Conducive to Sleep
Another critical factor in getting your toddler to sleep through the night is ensuring their bedroom is set up to promote restful sleep. This means keeping noise and light levels low and providing their sleeping environment is comfortable (not too hot or cold). You might also want to consider investing in a white noise machine which can help block out any outside noise and further encourage relaxation.
Put Them Down Awake
It may seem counterintuitive, but putting your child down when they’re already asleep can make it harder for them to stay asleep through the night. So instead, try putting them down while they’re still awake but drowsy. This will allow them to drift off independently and hopefully stay asleep until morning.
Don’t Respond to Every Little Noise
If your child does happen to wake up in the middle of the night, it’s important not to jump to their rescue immediately. Unless they’re crying or in distress, try letting them fuss for a few minutes to see if they’ll settle back down. If they start crying, you can go in and offer some reassurance. But if you respond to every little noise, you risk training your child to expect attention every time they wake up, making it that much harder to get them (and you) a good night’s sleep.
Make Sure They Are Comfortable
The next thing you need to consider when helping your toddler sleep is comfort. You want to ensure they are as comfortable as possible when asleep. This means having the right pillow for their head and body.
– It should be soft yet firm. A pillow that is too soft will not provide the support with your child needs, but one that is too firm can be uncomfortable
– The pillow should be the correct size. A pillow that is too big or too small can also be uncomfortable for your child
– Make sure the pillow has a hypoallergenic filling. This is important if your child has allergies
– Look for a pillow with a removable and washable cover. This will help keep the pillow clean
Establish a Relaxing Environment
The environment in which your child sleeps is vital for helping them get a good night’s sleep. You want to ensure their bedroom is dark, quiet, and calm. This can be accomplished by
– Investing in blackout curtains
– Putting a white noise machine in their room
– Making sure the temperature in their room is not too hot or too cold
Implement a No screens Before Bed Policy
This one might be hard for some families to stick to, but it’s essential to implement a no-screens-before-bed policy. This means no TV, phones, or tablets at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep, so it’s important to cut off screen time well before your child’s bedtime.
Don’t Forget About Yourself!
Getting your toddler to sleep through the night is important, but it’s also important to remember to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy meals, and take breaks when needed. After all, parenting is hard work, and you deserve some time to recharge too!
In conclusion, There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to helping your toddler sleep through the night. But by following these tips, you can encourage healthy sleep habits that will benefit you and your child. Remember to be patient; consistency is key, and don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process!
Seeing that Comic Con and Halloween are just a few weeks away, why not prepare with some of these fanboy favorites? All under $35.99.
The Star Trek Spok oven mitt seems like a clever replacement for the ubiquitous foam finger at sports events, although it probably won’t protect you from the wrath of a confused alpha male. Or you could just use it for baking cookies, I suppose.
ThinkGeek Star Trek Spock Oven Mitt, $14.99
As if the Spok Mitt weren’t enough, get a load of this iPhone case from Retroplanet. It’s all the fun of having Spok ears without the commitment.
Male Ears iPhone Case, $12
Welcome to the future: The Snuggie is now cosplay-friendly. I love how the faces in this Amazon customer image are pixelated to avoid maximum humiliation. Choose from Batman, Superman (the cheapest one, why?), and Wonder Woman to keep you nice and cozy this winter. Nerd.
DC Comic Adult Comfy Throw with Sleeves by The Northwest Company, $10-26
Contemplating The Club for your Batmobile? Who needs it when you could have this convincing Star Wars sunshade on your dashboard!
Plasticolor 003700R01 Star Wars Accordion Sunshade , $21
How about a Slutty Dalek costume for Halloween? You can even sort of get away with wearing this Doctor Who dress on normal days.
Doctor Who Blue Dalek costume Dress from eBay (other sizes available), $35.99
Ever since I saw the James Turrell show at the Guggenheim in New York last Fall, I’ve had lighting on the brain. Turrell’s masterful shaping of light has made me look at the possibilities of art and design in a whole new way. Wowed by his light installations, I started looking into alternative lighting for the home.
James Turrell reminds me that light can be 3-dimensional, so I’ve found some amazing Turrell-inspired lighting below.
Thanks to updated designs, we no longer need to settle for generic Christmas lights. I previously posted about the Restoration Hardware fab-orific light garland in my Double Duty Holiday Décor Guide, but bulb string lights are also a fave of mine. I’m sure you’ve seen these pop up a lot lately, from restaurants to outdoor events to rooftop terraces, the bulb string lights add vintage romance instantly. It’s like Paris in a box (of lights).
PartyLights.com Bulb String Lights, $25-35
The dioder LED light set from Ikea offers the most versatility when it comes to designing with light. Position these color-changing light strips virtually anywhere – under the bed, above cabinets, under a desk, behind a tv, for a futuristic look.
Dioder LED Light Set, $40
Designed by Peter Bristol, the Corner Light is the perfect embodiment of multi-dimensional lighting. Although a pricier alternative, it’s such a minimalist statement piece that you won’t need much else to complete a room.
Peter Bristol Corner Light, $550
Sconces are often overlooked when it comes to lighting, yet there are a boatload of sconce light designs just waiting to be noticed. I like this Caged Edison Sconce. Screw in a different light style whenever you feel like it for a whole new look.
Overstock Caged Edison Sconce, $90
Neon signs are the perfect choice for 3-dimensional décor, they provide a unique source of light while doubling as wall art. Search “neon sign” on ebay to see a hearty selection of affordable neon delights, or get one custom made.
eBay Neon Signs, from $20
For the commitment-phobe, fake it with this color changing dvd. Just hit play to transform your TV into a James Turrell light installation.
Furnishing a space is always first priority, but choosing what artwork to display is equally important. Switching out your art is also one of the easiest ways to change the feel of a room. Sculpture takes that one step further, a bonus design element that adds another dimension to any space.
I must admit I thought I had enough with the taxidermy trend, but then I discovered the White Faux Taxidermy shop on Etsy. I could spend hours looking through their whimsical (and reasonably priced) designs. Unconventional animals in an endless array of colors make for the ultimate wall sculpture.
Hang this jackalope in white and gold over an entryway.
Jackalope with Gold Glitter Antlers, $65
Go nuts with this hot pink unicorn.
Magical Pink Unicorn Head, $100
Or go with the black resin faux bison head for a totally cool look.
Black Resin Buffalo/Bison Skull Head, $60
Your lonely desk is begging for this pair of sleek black onyx obelisk sculptures. They remind me of the object in Led Zeppelin’s Presence, if you’re into that sorta thing.
I’m partial to the Futura Mobile, designed by Ole Flenstead in 1970 to “resemble sick black planets in harmony with their smaller, orbiting red moons.”
Futura Mobile by Flensted @ GuggenheimStore, $75
The kid at heart will love the LED Prey Model construction toy. With 16 buildable bug models in one kit, have a blast rebuilding your light up sculpture whenever you feel like it. This thing looks like fun for all ages, but displays like a piece of art suitable for grownups.
LED Prey Model Kit, $40
If you have a sculpture you’re especially proud of, maybe it deserves its own pedestal. I like this Reflection Pedestal from ZGallerie (they also happen to have a nice selection of sculptural pieces). Place it in an empty corner for instant pizazz and an interior design-y feel.
Reflection Pedestal, $130
No matter your taste or style, there is a sculpture out there for you. Get creative, don’t be afraid to get a little weird, and most of all, have fun!
As I’ve been scanning the street style blogs I’ve been noticing an interesting trend outside of the tents. Whether it be New York and London or Milan and Paris, everyone who’s anyone is wearing the statement tee. Pioneered by fashion editors and fashion bloggers alike this trend is a no fuss easy way of looking high fashion without making your wallet cry. While most of us aren’t able to afford the Givenchy “Rottweiler” tee or the Balenciaga “Skyline Vegas” tee ($300 for a t-shirt?! I don’t think so..), we at the Frugal Materialist have some affordable options.
1. Bartman Pullover19.80 (Forever 21): This french terry pullover is the leading contender against the Jeremy Scott BARTMAN Sweater, pair this with a distressed leather jacket, dark washed jeans and ankle boots for a more mature look and you’ll be doing the Bartman in no time!
2. Zara Graphic Print T-shirt 19.90 (ZARA): I noticed that many stores are doing the “rabid dog” or hungry panther print (their take on the Givenchy “Rottweiler” tee) so if you’re more of an individual who likes to stay on trend this tee is for you. I like this ZARA tee because I love the subdued jungle cat print, cuff the sleeves and wear with a waxed denim or leather pant for a more Parisian feel.
3. River Island New York T-shirt 26.39 (ASOS): This tee reminds me very much of the Balenciaga “Skyline Vegas” tee, with its faded neons and bold type. I love the burnout effect and of course the price! I’d say its a awesome alternative; wear with sweatpants and a suede heel for a classic rocker effect.
