Children need proper sleep for their physical growth, brain development, immune system etc. But, the sad fact is that it is really difficult to get your child to sleep and moreover they get easily disturbed while sleeping. While putting their child to bed, parents need to be really patient and clever!
Develop consistent bedtime and naptime routines
There are many parents who change the bedtime or naptime on a daily basis as they are really busy with work and household chores. There are also children who are extremely energetic and/or start crying when they feel that their parents are trying to slow them down and get them ready for bedtime. It is very difficult to develop a consistent sleep time routine for children. But, if you could achieve it somehow, you would not have to struggle too much to make your baby sleep every day. Settling into a routine can take a few days but maintain consistency is key for this.
Develop sleep cues
Try some activities that might make your child sleepy each night (or during naptime). These activities will act as sleep signals for your child over time and she will become sleepy when you do it. You can play soft music, give a bath, dim your bedroom lights, feed a cup of milk, change diaper etc as a regular activity before sleep time.
Good sleeping environment
If you try to make your child sleep in a noisy room, then the chances o failure are much higher. The environment should be safe and calm so that your child can easily settle into sleep and continue sleeping without getting distracted. The room should be darkened and free from noise. It is better not to share the bed with your baby as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) but you can keep your baby’s bed close to yours if you want to sleep in the same room.
Soothe your baby
Make your baby relaxed and comfortable by soothing her. Some babies love to be swayed whereas others calm down when they listen to music. Many babies like to be walked around the room whereas some others wish to be fed. Understand the soothing method that works best for your baby and soothe her before bedtime. Very few babies go to sleep by themselves.
Lay your baby down while she is drowsy, but awake
If you put your baby down on bed after she sleeps, then there are more chances for her to wake up when the body's position changes. But, when you lay your baby down while still drowsy, then they will have the habit of associating the bed with the process of sleeping. Moreover, it will teach them to fall asleep on their own.
Allow your baby to settle down
Even after lying on the bed, the baby might cry until she is positioned comfortably and fall asleep. Just stroke her back or sing softly to make her understand that you are with her.
About The Author
Mike is a father of 2 children in a young age. Over the last 4 years, Mike has started blogging and has written numerous articles on child development and education. Mike is also a regular baby toys reviewer.
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