1. Put your child to bed around the same time every night. If your child’s bedtime varies greatly from night-to-night, then his/her overall quality of sleep can suffer. Children thrive with consistency and routine. Your little one’s bedtime does not need to be exact (ex: 7pm on the dot) every night, but it should fall within a reasonably short bedtime window (say between 7-7:30, depending on naps).
2. Have a regular wake up time. Just like having a regular bedtime window is important, having a morning wake up time is important too. If you start your day too early or too late, then your child’s entire schedule (eating and sleeping) can get thrown off track, which can lead to a little one who is not sleeping (or eating) well.
3. Have fairly consistent nap times. Babies and toddlers need daytime sleep. Just like the timing of night sleep is important, the timing of day sleep is important too. Little ones will nap better when they are on a predictable nap schedule – meaning that they nap around the same times every day. While nap times do not need to be exact, they should fall within an age appropriate nap window.
If your family needs individualized pediatric sleep support, please do not hesitate to contact Tracie at Rest Well Baby to schedule a FREE 15 minute initial phone call to learn more about her supportive sleep coaching services.
--Follow Rest Well Baby on Facebook for more pediatric sleep information and tips!--
Wishing you all a restful night's sleep! www.restwellbaby.com