What Helps Toddlers Sleep?

Getting a toddler to sleep often proves to be a challenge for many parents. But if your toddler doesn’t  get enough sleep, they may become irritable and cranky. Sleep deprivation can also cause your kid to suffer from behavioural problems. That is why you have to ensure that your kid sleeps well through the night and wakes up refreshed.

Bedtime won’t turn into a struggle between you and your toddler if you know what makes your  little one fall asleep.

Read on to know what helps toddlers sleep.

Set Bedtime Hours

Making your toddler stick to the same bedtimes every day is essential. What helps toddlers sleep is not just a fixed time to hit the bed but a fixed waking hour as well. If you allow your child to stay awake past the set bedtime or wake up late, your toddler may have trouble falling into sleep on time the following night.

Consistent Bedtime Routine

Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine will help your toddler understand when it’s time to sleep. You have to make sure that your toddler’s bedtime routine involves calming activities that will help your child unwind down and get them feeling sleepy. For instance, you can give a soothing bath to your toddler before bedtime and read bedtime stories as your little one lies down in bed.

Sleep-Inducing Environment

A comfortable environment is what helps toddlers sleep well. You need to set the tone for the bedtime hour by switching off the TV, phone, laptop, or any other screen at least two hours before putting your toddler to bed. Dimming of the lights in the bedroom and playing soft music can make it easier for your toddler to fall asleep.

Protection from Fears

Some toddlers suffer from bedtime fears that can often cause them to have sleeplessness. Many parents tend to overlook this aspect even as they try to figure out what helps toddlers sleep. Instead of neglecting or overlooking such fears, you need to acknowledge them. This will help your child to get over any bedtime insecurity. An easy way to address bedtime fears and reassure your toddler is to put them to bed with their favourite stuffed toy or a blanket for security. When your child knows that they have a companion in bed, they will feel more relaxed.

No Last-Minute Requests

Toddlers often make last-minute requests to extend the bedtime routine. If you grant their request once, they can make it a habit and this can disrupt their sleep routine every other night. That is why you have to make it clear from the very beginning that you won’t entertain any last minute requests.

What to Do If Your Toddler Doesn’t Fall Asleep Despite These Efforts?

If your toddler finds it difficult to sleep even after taking such steps, you need to consult a paediatrician. The paediatrician will be able to decide if your child is suffering from any type of sleep disorder and suggest appropriate remedies to overcome the problem.

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