If you have a baby, toddler or preschool aged child who is not sleeping well, please do not hesitate to reach out to Tracie of Rest Well Baby at: [email protected] to learn how she can help your family can get the gift of sleep!
As adults we all sleep better when we sleep in a quiet, dark, temperate environment. Babies are no different. During the day when your baby is awake turn on the lights and open the blinds, but when it is sleep time it's best to opt for a dark, quiet sleep space. If you find that your baby is more sensitive to sound you can use a white noise machine, which not only can block the sound of common household and/or street noises, but since it is a familiar sound (similar to what a baby heard in the womb) it can also be comforting.
If you have a baby, toddler or preschool aged child who is not sleeping well, please do not hesitate to reach out to Tracie of Rest Well Baby at: [email protected] to learn how she can help your family can get the gift of sleep! It is not uncommon for young children, particularly those between 12-18 months of age, to resist taking naps or going to bed. More often than not, this resistance is due to the fact that your little one is too busy to slow his/her body down. Separation anxiety and the desire to be with mom or dad can also contribute to this sleep resistance. Furthermore, limit testing - where children will go to great lengths to stall going to sleep, can also appear at this stage. So what can you do? Here are a few suggestions on how to handle sleep resistance:
*Implement a bedtime routine and stick with it. Having a calm, predictable and consistent bedtime routine (which you can modify and also do before nap time) can really be beneficial. *Keep stimulation before nap & bedtime to a minimum. Watching TV, participating in active games, or playing with loud toys right before nap or bed can be very stimulating to young children and can cause them to have difficultly settling down to sleep. *Set clear, but loving boundaries with your child. Having consistent sleep boundaries will actually help your young child to feel safe and secure. *Help your child shift gears between activities. Prepare your child that you will be helping him/her transition from one activity (playing) to the next (going to sleep). Longer, gentle transitions can really help little ones feel more comfortable. If your family needs individualized pediatric sleep support, please do not hesitate to contact Tracie at Rest Well Baby (www.restwellbaby.com) to schedule a FREE 15 minute introductory phone call to learn how she can help your family get the gift of sleep. 1. Make sleep a family priority. Create and follow a (flexible) sleep schedule 7 days a week. The predictability will help your little one have an easier time at bedtime.
2. Pay attention to possible underlying medical conditions. Ailments such as reflux, allergies, eczema, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic ear infections, etc... can all impact sleep. If you suspect your little one may have something going on, then it's important that your talk to your pediatrician. 3. Make sure all caregivers are on the same page. It's challenging to have consistent, healthy sleep habits if your family is not working as a team. 4. Create a sleep friendly environment. We all sleep better in a cool, dark, quiet space. Make sure your child's sleep environment is a safe space that is conducive to sleep. Dim night lights and sound machines (to help drown out outside noise) are fine to use, if needed/desired. 5. Give your child a security object. It can sometimes be difficult for older babies, toddlers and young children to separate from their loved ones at bedtime. As long as your pediatrician says it is safe, a security object such as a lovey, small teddy bear or soft doll can help your child feel more secure and comforted at night. 6. Implement a nightly bedtime routine. Babies, toddlers and young children all thrive with routine. Structure and consistency help them feel safe and secure. A bedtime routine helps your child wind down from the day and helps cue her body that it is time to sleep. If your baby, toddler or young child is not getting the sleep he/she needs and you are interested in learning more about the supportive sleep solutions that Rest Well Baby offers, please contact Tracie at: [email protected] to schedule a FREE 15 minute introductory phone call to learn how she can help your family get the gift of sleep! |
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