Babies 4-11 months and toddlers 1-2 years old are highly active due to the many developmental stages they go through. It’s when they begin to discover different sights, smells, and sounds, so they’re naturally more curious of their environments. Milestones are also reached by kids these ages, such as learning how to walk and to speak. However, these may also be the things that keep them from sleeping.
As parents, it can very frustrating when our little ones keep on refusing to go to bed. And we all know where lack of sleep leads: temper tantrums, and possibly a weakened immune system. If by some reason, you still can’t make your child sleep at night even with a nighttime routine, here are some hacks to help you overcome that ordeal.
1. Keep Them Active During the Day
Babies and toddlers also benefit from lots of exercises. Let them play during the day, preferably outside the house. If you have a pet, let your kids join you as you walk your furry babies. Go to the park where children can play happily and safely.
At least 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended for children by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, so ensure that your kid is getting that much playtime every day. They’ll surely be tired and drowsy by their bedtime!
2. Keep Electronics Away
People using smartphones are getting younger and younger, and if your toddler plays with it too, then it could be the culprit for their sleepless nights. The light from electronic devices hinders the production of sleepy hormones, called melatonin and serotonin, keeping your kids awake past their bedtimes. Take away the smartphones two hours before their sleeping time to make them fall asleep faster.
It would even be better to discourage them from using electronics altogether and instead make them play with real toys or outside. This helps them burn off their energies faster and more effectively.
3. Check Their Bedroom
Your kid’s bedroom is a big contributor to their sleeping experience. Are all the lights on when they doze off? If they are, turn them off and use a lamp instead if you need some illumination. What about the noise? Is their fan or A/C generating a lot of sounds? If so, it could be responsible for their unpleasant sleep. A white noise machine may help kids sensitive to noise fall asleep faster and better.
Check the temperature of the room as well. Your kid wouldn’t sleep well if it’s too cold or too hot, so ensure that the room temperature is comfortable for them.
4. Use the Right Blanket
Blankets do more than keep us warm when we sleep. It also makes us feel snug and safe. Babies and toddlers aren’t too young to feel the benefits of a blanket, so giving them the right type is important for their slumber.
Tag blankets are known to be used by babies, although they aren’t exactly for the purpose of keeping them warm. They’re small, about a 16″ x 16″ square, with pretty details like ribbons. You can buy them in stores or sew them yourself. Tag blankets are a simple way to introduce your baby to textures, and having your baby play with it in bed at night may help them fall asleep faster.
Another excellent type of blanket for babies are minky blankets. Minky is a very soft fabric that people of all ages love. With it to comfort your kid at night, their sleep will be much more peaceful and pleasant. You can also sew them yourself, but buying a high-quality and cute minky blanket will save you time, effort, and energy.
With these sleep tips to help you, you’d soon be successful in making your little one sleep soundly. In turn, you can enjoy some time for yourself and do the things you like.
