Sleep tips for children: how to make the evening a success

Does your child find it difficult to calm down in the evening and fall asleep quickly? We have some helpful tips and tricks for you to make the evenings more pleasant and peaceful and to make the journey to bed and the realm of dreams easier.

1. In the first 6 months, babies have not yet internalized the difference between day and night and cannot distinguish between these times. It is only from around 6 months that babies start to adapt their sleep rhythm to the change from day to night.

When this time comes, it is particularly important to offer your child a regular daily routine with a stable rhythm. This helps your child to realize that exciting things happen during the day and that the night is for resting and sleeping. This helps the child to recognize the day-night rhythm.

 

2. Even if the regular and reliable daily routine just mentioned is important, it should not be pursued too frantically. If there are slight deviations, simply remain calm, as a parent who is too tense will have an effect on the sensitive baby/child.

3. Especially if the child has difficulty falling asleep alone, a nap is a good way to practise. An afternoon nap also prevents the child from having difficulty falling asleep in the evening due to overtiredness. However, do not plan the nap too late in the day so that the child has enough time to get tired again by the evening. There should be at least 4 hours between nap and night-time sleep.

4. Get your child used to the idea that bed is a place of rest and sleep. This way, the child associates this place with sleep and security and knows that it is time to sleep when you put them to bed.

5. A consistent evening routine, which should ideally begin at least one hour before bedtime, gives the child stability and security. During this time, the child should already have settled down a little. This helps to ensure that the child is no longer so wound up when going to bed.

 6. The room and its surroundings should invite your child to sleep. In other words, the room should be a pleasant temperature and not too warm. It is also helpful if the light is already dimmed.

7. Before going to bed, make sure your child is full and comfortable. The diaper should be fresh and dry. Your child must also be able to move freely. So make sure that they are not restricted by unnecessary blankets, extra pillows or soft toys

 

The most important things summarized:

- A regular daily routine with a stable rhythm

- Keep calm in the event of deviations from the daily routine

- Practicing sleeping alone during an afternoon nap

- Do not nap too long and with a 4-hour gap to the night's sleep

- Establish the bed as a place of rest

- Introduce a fixed evening routine

- Calm down in the hour before going to bed

- Pleasant temperature and dimmed light

- The child should be full and comfortable

 

The Little Who team wishes you good luck trying out the ideas.

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