Getting your child into a bedtime routine can be hard, but it’s an important part of good sleep hygiene. Establishing a consistent and predictable routine before bed can help your child wind down and prepare for sleep, which can lead to better sleep quality and a more restful night’s sleep. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, children with a consistent bedtime routine have better sleep patterns and are more likely to get the recommended amount of sleep each night.
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The first step in making a bedtime routine for your child is to set a regular bedtime. It is essential to set a bedtime that allows your child to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following guidelines for children’s sleep:
- Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours, including naps
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours, including naps
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School-aged children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
- Teens (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
Once you have established a consistent bedtime, you can begin to build a routine around it. A bedtime routine should include activities that help your child relax and unwind before bed. Some examples of activities that can be included in a bedtime routine are:
- A warm bath or shower
- Reading a book
- Listening to calming music
- Saying prayers or meditating
- Writing in a journal
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It’s essential to stick to the same routine every night, so your child knows what to expect and can start to associate these activities with sleep.
Another important aspect of a bedtime routine is creating a comfortable sleeping environment. This includes making sure your child’s room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Use blackout curtains or blinds to keep the room dark, and consider using a white noise machine or earplugs to block out any outside noise. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping the room temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep.
Along with a bedtime routine, it’s important to set up a tech-free zone before going to sleep. The blue light that comes from phones, tablets, and TVs can stop the body from making its own melatonin, which makes it harder to fall asleep. It’s recommended to keep electronic devices out of the bedroom and to establish a no-technology rule at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Finally, it’s important to be patient and understanding when implementing a bedtime routine. It may take time for your child to adjust to the new routine, and there may be nights where the routine doesn’t go as planned. Be consistent with the routine and encourage your child to follow it, but also be flexible and understanding if your child needs extra time to fall asleep.
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Basically, making a routine for your child’s bedtime is an important part of good sleep hygiene. Setting up a consistent routine before bed can help your child wind down and get ready for sleep, which can lead to a better night’s sleep and a more restful day. Your child’s bedtime routine should include things like reading a book or taking a warm bath that help them calm down and get ready for sleep. It’s also important to create a comfortable sleeping environment and to establish a technology-free zone before bedtime. With patience and consistency, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.