Sleepless nights are part of parenthood. During the infant stage, you expect to lose sleep. After all, that tiny bundle of joy hasn't figured out life yet or the value of a well-rested parent. However, when those slumberless evenings drag on into the later years, your tolerance may change.
When they're sick, you know to turn to Wellements cough syrup to help comfort those problematic nights. What do you do on the other days, though, when it's just them and you facing off about staying under the covers? Use the following tips to reclaim your sleep and get your kiddos into a solid bedtime routine.
1. Construct a Successful Bedtime Routine
Bedtime is a perfect time to focus on building healthy habits and processes. Don't change bedtime except on rare occasions such as vacations or holidays. Train the body to want to go to bed.
In addition, build in some evening activities that lead up to the event. Take a shower or bath. Play quietly in the room for 30 minutes. Then read a story. Develop an enjoyable process.
2. Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night
The next major hurdle is keeping them there if you've mastered getting to bed! Are they asking for water? Are they waking up at midnight, unable to get back to sleep? Don't indulge these whims. Uncover why they happen and find a way to ease the concerns.
Mid-night wake-up happens. Some kids use this to come into their parents' room. Soothe fears, and walk those little feet back to their bed. Sit a second, and encourage them to close their eyes.
Explain that drinks and food stop after a certain point, or consider keeping a glass of water by the bed (just in case).
3. Ease Physical Discomforts
Solid sleepers may develop unusual patterns when they don't feel 100%. Ask your loved ones if they have something bothering them. During these relapses, they may require products to ease their pain. For instance, rub Wellements tooth oil over inflamed gums when your toddler's molars begin to break through.
4. Include Reading Time
Along with exposing your child to language, reading has sleep benefits. It can soothe the mind and body, reducing stimulation. Pick out several books to go through before turning off the lights.
5. Use Soothing Scents
Aromas such as lavender and chamomile assist in relaxation. For children on high alert, the scents could help them relax. Use a timed diffuser with a few drops to keep the smell throughout the night.
6. Consider a Child Sleep Clock
As kids get older, they can learn rules. Buy a children's clock that shows time, images and colors. Set it for wakeup in the morning. The color shifts to green, signaling them it's okay to leave the room.
7. Check the Room Conditions
It's hard to rest when the room is too hot or humid. Lower the temperature to keep the room cooler. Also, ensure that lights are out (except for a clock and night light).
If bedtime isn't easy, then make a change. You deserve quiet nights, and your little one needs good sleep. Rely on the Ferber method to develop early sleep training and keep a consistent bedtime routine in the years after.
