Every parent with a toddler 1 to 3 years old knows that getting the little one to sleep each night can be a major battle. Toddlers can usually sleep through the night but will continue to wake up during brief intervals. A toddler who can fall asleep on his own will usually be able to get himself back to sleep without intervention from mom or dad. With this in mind, there are several things that parents can do to help their toddlers get a better night's sleep.
A Regular Sleep Schedule
Set a regular sleep schedule. This is probably the most important thing that you can do for your toddler. Children need routine, and this includes not only feeding times, but napping and bedtime as well. Establishing a nap and bedtime routine will program your child's internal clock so that she anticipates sleep. Once the body is programmed to anticipate this sleep time, her body will automatically start showing signs of being tired. When toddlers are tired, they usually give several clues, such as rubbing their eyes, pulling on their ears, or staring off into space. Be aware of these signs and put your child to bed when she first lets you know she is tired. Toddlers usually need a two-hour nap each day. Ideally, this nap should be at the same time each day, usually after lunch and not in the late afternoon.
Bedtime Routines
Establish a calming, consistent bedtime ritual; it's essential in readying your child for sleep. The routine can consist of many things, but keeping it simple is important. Giving him a bath before bed can be calming, as can a glass of warm milk. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is thought to play a role in making you sleepy by raising the level of serotonin in the brain. Helping your child into his pajamas, reading him a bedtime story or two, singing a lullaby or giving him a kiss goodnight can be added to a bedtime routine. The important thing with bedtime routines is that they need to remain consistent to establish good sleep habits.
Soothing Surroundings
Make the bedroom environment one that promotes sleep. The bedroom should be dark, cool and quiet. A night light is fine, so long as it does not shine directly on your child's sleeping area. A night light will reassure your child that she is in familiar surroundings if she wakes up during the night. Making sure this area is consistent night after night is also important. Lighting should remain the same each night, as should the noise level. Some parents like to play soothing music while their child is getting to sleep. This is fine, so long as the music is quiet and soft. A disc full of lullabies or classical music is a useful tool. A television is not a good sleep aid, as the noise and lights are too stimulating.
Setting Limits
Set clear limits, such as how many books you will read to him or how many drinks of water you will allow. Toddlers will try their hardest to stall at bedtime, no matter how tired they are. They want to stay with you and play their little hearts out! Getting into a battle of wills with your toddler is not going to help the situation. Be firm in telling him he needs to go to bed, and don't give in to tears.
Herbal Sleep Remedies
Be cautious before giving your toddler any herbal sleep remedies. Just because something is considered "natural" doesn't mean it's safe. Herbal remedies aren't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and therefore there is no regulation of what exactly is contained within any herbal supplement. Medications can have negative side effects. Before contacting your doctor about any medications that might help your child sleep, it is recommended that you try all drug-free remedies.
Tags: your child, your toddler, bedtime routine, child sleep, each night, fine long, good sleep