| If you are having problems, getting your little one | | | | 4. When you create your routine, be sure you |
| to sleep while you enjoy sleeping then you will | | | | can stick to it no matter where you might be |
| enjoy these tips on what to do and what not to | | | | such as your parent's home. |
| do to teach your child good sleep habits. Not only | | | | 5. You may wish to use sound to help lull them to |
| will your child benefit from getting a good nights | | | | sleep such as a vaporizer or a CD with ocean |
| sleep but also you will enjoy a less cranky child | | | | sounds, etc... this helps block out other distractive |
| during the day. | | | | sounds that might keep them awake. |
| On the list of the things to do are: | | | | 6. Try using dimmer lights in the evening prior to |
| 1. Made bedtime quality time. This should be a | | | | bedtime and then use bright lights in the morning. |
| special time for you to interact with your child. | | | | On the list of the things not to do are: |
| You can read a story, say prayers, or some | | | | 1. Never give your baby or toddler a bottle of |
| other "special" routine you would like to use | | | | juice or milk to help soothe them to sleep. If you |
| before you turn off the lights and say goodnight. | | | | must give them a bottle, give them one with |
| 2. Figure out the best bedtime for your child. Not | | | | water. |
| every child needs the same amount of sleep as | | | | 2. Solid food should not be given to a child until |
| another. This applies to naptime as well. Some | | | | they reach at least 6 months of age. If their |
| two years old no longer need naps while others | | | | bodies are not ready for solid food, it can cause |
| still need that afternoon resting period. Notice | | | | them to have a stomachache and they are less |
| when your child is beginning to run down in the | | | | likely to sleep well. |
| evening, this would be the perfect time for bed. If | | | | 3. Do not keep toys in your childs bed. It is okay |
| you wait past this time, they will soon get | | | | to have one to sleep with but that is enough. The |
| another burst of energy and then will not want to | | | | more toys they have at their disposal the more |
| go to bed. | | | | likely they are to stay awake and play. |
| 3. Stay on a routine. Yes, routines are very | | | | 4. Do not use bedtime as a punishment. |
| important. They should wake up at the same | | | | Remember, you want them to enjoy getting rest |
| time each day, eat meals at the same time and | | | | if they look at it as punishment they are never |
| of course go to bed at the same time each | | | | going to want to go bed. |
| evening. This includes babies. Children like to know | | | | 5. Prior to bedtime, do not give your child drinks |
| what to expect and this will help them understand | | | | such as tea, sodas, or hot chocolate. These have |
| that bedtime is bedtime. | | | | caffeine in them and this can keep them awake. |