Establish Healthy Sleep Habits Early - It is important to start setting sleep-times for your baby once they reach about 4 months, and don't wait until they are asleep to put them in their crib, putting them down when they are drowsy helps them learn to soothe themselves to sleep.
Set a Routine - Come up with a bedtime routine. Many parents rely on the bath, book, bottle approach. Give your child a bath, read a book together, then feed him or her a bottle. Doing these activites every night will help teach your child that bedtime is approaching.
Create a Calming Environment - We don't like sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress or in a room that is too hot/cold, why would children be any different? Make sure their room or sleeping area is a comfortable place.
Happy Tummy = Happy Sleep - Babies sleep well with a full stomach, it is a good idea for babies to be breastfed or bottle-fed before bedtime.
Limit Distractions - About 30 minutes before bedtime, it is a good idea to turn off the TV, turn down loud music and start relaxing. With older children, you could ask them about their plans for the next day and then head off to bed.
Naps Are Necessary - Many people believe that if a child misses a nap during the day, they will just sleep better at night. Unfortunately, a cranky tired child doesn't usually sleep well at night. Make sure your child gets a nap every day.
Don't Make Sleep Time Stressful - The saying "go to bed" is a command, and a child who is overstimulated or awake could experience anxiety when they cannot just make themselves go to sleep on cue. A less stressful way to say "go to bed" is "it's time for night night!"
Be Consistent - Keep bedtime consistent. Try to have your children go to bed at the same time every night. This establishes a routine, which is good for you and for your child!
Taken from Parents.com
Set a Routine - Come up with a bedtime routine. Many parents rely on the bath, book, bottle approach. Give your child a bath, read a book together, then feed him or her a bottle. Doing these activites every night will help teach your child that bedtime is approaching.
Create a Calming Environment - We don't like sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress or in a room that is too hot/cold, why would children be any different? Make sure their room or sleeping area is a comfortable place.
Happy Tummy = Happy Sleep - Babies sleep well with a full stomach, it is a good idea for babies to be breastfed or bottle-fed before bedtime.
Limit Distractions - About 30 minutes before bedtime, it is a good idea to turn off the TV, turn down loud music and start relaxing. With older children, you could ask them about their plans for the next day and then head off to bed.
Naps Are Necessary - Many people believe that if a child misses a nap during the day, they will just sleep better at night. Unfortunately, a cranky tired child doesn't usually sleep well at night. Make sure your child gets a nap every day.
Don't Make Sleep Time Stressful - The saying "go to bed" is a command, and a child who is overstimulated or awake could experience anxiety when they cannot just make themselves go to sleep on cue. A less stressful way to say "go to bed" is "it's time for night night!"
Be Consistent - Keep bedtime consistent. Try to have your children go to bed at the same time every night. This establishes a routine, which is good for you and for your child!
Taken from Parents.com
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