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