Bedtime Struggles with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Is your child difficult to arouse in the morning, cranky during the day, falling asleep during evening drives, or does he think he is a night owl?  Sleep is essential for behavior, learning, memory, attention span, emotional health, mental & physical health and quality of life! 

bedtime struggles

How much sleep a child needs is unique, but the American Academy of Pediatrics gives us the following guidelines to help us determine whether our child is getting enough sleep. 

  • Infants need 12-16 hours of sleep (includes naps)
  • Children ages 1-2 need 11-14 hours of sleep (includes naps)
  • Children 3-5 need 10-13 hours of sleep (includes naps)
  • Children age 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep

Read on for some tips on helping your child get the sleep he or she needs!

  • Observe your child’s patterns and set a bedtime. What time do they start to become drowsy? Start the bedtime routine 30 minutes before.
  • On holidays and weekends, if you deviate from your child’s normal bedtime, try to do so by no more than 1-2 hours.
  • Turn off screens and dim lights 30-60 minutes before bedtime
  • Establish a doable bedtime routine, for example, Brush, Book & Bed!
  • Eliminate caffeine after 12pm; stay away from food dyes
  • Do at least an hour of physical activity with your child during the day (at least 3 hours before bedtime)
  • Use tools such as a night light, “OK to Wake” clock, “monster spray”, security blanket or stuffed animal
  • If your child wakes up in the night, a drink of cold ice water can help them settle back to bed
  • Consider eliminating day time naps if your child is ready
  • Temperature – is it too hot or too cool in your child’s room?
  • If your child wakes during the night, keep the lights dim and the environment quiet. A sip of cool water, a snuggle, and a reassuring touch can help him or her go back to sleep

 

As always, talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s sleep habits!

Share:

Like
Tweet
Share
Pin It