It is a blessing to handle your bundle of joy. A child often uplifts a family and develops bonds amongst members. Parents and carers ensure that their child has a productive day to take their much-needed rest at night. It is essential to keep your child sleeping to maximise this rest time. Comfortable baby sleepsuits are only one way of ensuring this happens. However, various factors affect your child’s sleep. This article discusses the best tips for keeping your child sleeping overnight.
1. Set up a bedtime routine
It is essential to encourage your child to have a regular bedtime for sufficient sleep and be awake on time. The routine is most beneficial for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. An effective routine is comforting and relaxing to build into the bedtime atmosphere. Some of these include having a bath, brushing teeth, bedtime story, and getting to bed for the younger children. Consistency in the routine will automatically adjust the baby’s body to be sleepy at the onset of the routine.
2. Eating dinner at the right time
Your child must eat dinner at a reasonable time and in the right quantity. Do not overfeed them to become too full and grumpy just before bedtime or inadequately that they are hungry by bedtime. Both of these instances make them uncomfortable and more alert. Most importantly, they will find it harder to sleep. A satisfying and adequate meal is critical for sleep.
3. Avoid screen time hours before bedtime
The blue light from televisions, computers, and phones interferes with the hormone Melatonin production that serves in the sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to these devices before bedtime delays your child’s sleep by over an hour. You must put away the devices an hour before bedtime and ensure they are not in your child’s room. Dim the lights in their bedroom. Instead of screen time, you can read them bedtime stories or books to relax their minds.
4. Comfortable Dressing for Sleep
It is essential to have your child comfortable as they are sensitive to temperature. You can help regulate the external temperature with comfortable baby sleepsuits. Also, avoid overdressing them and having them in too much heat. You may want to look at getting them a new mattress as well that will support a comfortable sleep. Check out this Koala vs Sleeping Duck 2023 post to see if this can help you make the right decision for your baby.
5. Assist your child feel safe at night
It is no surprise when children get scared of the dark. Do not dismiss these fears as it affects their willingness to sleep. You can find time to address it with them. They may need the reassurance of their safety and alleviate whatever fears they have. It is recommendable to have the conversation during the day and avoid bedtime to address it. You do not want to stall their bedtime by having a conversation.
6. Check noise and light exposure in your child’s room
The surroundings of your child are critical for continuous sleep overnight. Ensure your child is not exposed to external noise during their sleep. You can input room darkening shades and soft sheets to make it easier to fall asleep. A sleep-inducing environment is critical for overnight sleep.
7. Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine in tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks inhibits sleep. Avoid these during bedtime. If possible, avoid it from their diet entirely to encourage naps and overnight sleep.