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.
Via Pexels
Establish a Bedtime Routine
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.
There are a few features to look for in a toddler pillow:
– 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!