Parenting

Easy Ways to Get Kids to Sleep All Night

In our house, musical beds are a popular nocturnal activity. In the beginning, both of my children are in their beds. But by morning, at least one is in mine and I’m usually on the couch or in another of their beds.

Can you get the children to sleep in their rooms, in their beds and for the whole night?

Yes. There are easy ways to get kids to sleep all night. Here’s what you need to do.

When everything is going smoothly, tucking in your toddler at night can be a real pleasure. The I Love You and kisses are a delight, as they go to sleep. When toddler bedtime problems arise – running after your wild child, wrestling him into his PJs, closing the bedroom door as they scream on the other side – it’s natural that parents fear the sunset.

Does this sound familiar? Many toddlers, including your personal Energizer bunny, resist going to bed. They don’t want to leave the excitement of climbing, running, and touching. They are so excited by the world! When your toddler is around 18 months, they begin to experience a phase of independence, and “No!” becomes their favourite word. When it’s time to go to bed, they don’t hesitate to use their favourite word. Toddlers become tired. The more tired toddlers become, the more rigid and hyperactive they are. One poll reported that a third of toddlers–and half of preschoolers–regularly stall at bedtime…and many downright fight it.

This type of toddler resistance is normal, but toddler bedtime can be improved. Here are some common reasons why toddlers resist bedtime. How to help them sleep through these years.

Why Toddlers Do Not Sleep Through The Night

Remember the first time your child went to sleep in his or her bed and slept through the night? Bliss! Good news! That dream can be re-lived. Before we get to the bedtime solution for your toddler, let’s find out why he’s resisting it.

They are going through a scary stage.

It is normal for toddlers, especially at bedtime, to have some anxiety about being left alone. They may become anxious when the lights are turned off and worry that monsters lurk under the bed. Toddlers also have a variety of worries, from strangers to dogs and thunder.

Mother making her children go to sleep
Mother making her children go to sleep

Somebody is bugging the person.

You may experience discomfort, bright lights or loud noises. Your toddler may be teething. You may find that your toddler is suffering from a cold or a heat-related illness.

They’re over-excited.

Children can get irritated by TV or roughhousing. They may also be irritated because of something they have consumed. This could include sugary drinks or sweet snacks.

Your help is a magnet for them.

Some toddlers never learn how to fall asleep by themselves. They rely on you to rock them, feed them and hold them so that they can go to sleep.

The timing of their bedtime is wrong.

It is not possible to have a standard bedtime for every toddler. You may be putting them to bed too soon (so that they are not tired), or too late (so that they are overtired and wired).

There are many ways to get your children to sleep in their rooms. One way is to let them pick out the bedding so that they’re excited about their bed. Another great idea is to create a chart that rewards them with a small gift or sticker each night they sleep on their bed. There’s also the tired, bleary-eyed walk back to your bed.

We like these new ideas much more.

How can I help my child sleep better at night?

1. The LEGO landmine

You can decorate the entrance of your bedroom by putting LEGO pieces on it. As soon as your children step on a LEGO piece, they should turn around and go back to bed.

2. Wig out

Purchase a wig that looks like your hair and place it next to your child’s pillow. This will make him think that you are sleeping next to him.

3. Door dilemmas

Tape maths equations on the front of your bedroom. Tell your children that they must get their equations correct in order to enter.

You can also tape a list of chores on the doorway, which the children will have to remove. Only if the kids promise to complete the chores in the morning can they enter. This only works for kids who are able to read.

Easy Ways to Get Kids to Sleep All Night
Easy Ways to Get Kids to Sleep All Night

4. Sleep Wars

Wear a Darth Vader Mask to sleep. The loud noises and creepy mask could be enough for them to decide to stay in their rooms.

5. Comfortable obstacle course

Create a soft obstacle course with pillows, blankets and cushions in the corridor from their bedroom to yours. They may fall asleep on their way to your bedroom if the area is soft. You may find them sleeping in the hallway, but at least you have an empty bed!

6. Sleep with your partner in style

Think about a DIY cosleeping mattress as the clever family did. The family managed to squeeze five children and two adults into the same bed. Co-sleeping may seem crazy, but it’s the only way for some people to get a good night’s sleep.

7. Individualize your bedtime

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), children of school age need between nine and eleven hours of sleep every night. There is a wide range of sleep patterns and needs. No matter what, most kids’ sleep patterns don’t vary much.

Even if they are put to bed later, early risers still get up at the same time. Night owls will not fall asleep until they feel ready.

It’s therefore important that parents work with their kids to set a bedtime for them which allows them to sleep well and wake up on time.

Mother And Kids Sleeping Together
Mother And Kids Sleeping Together

8. Develop a consistent routine for bedtime

Routines are important, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Woods suggests that the rest of the evening after dinner should include light playtime, bathing, brushing your teeth, reading a story and going to bed.

Set the perfect bedtime mood with a soothing and relaxing routine. Your child may start to feel sleepy as soon as you begin the routine.

9. Reduce stress before going to bed

Cortisol is another hormone that affects sleep. When levels of cortisol are high, the body cannot shut down or go to sleep.

Calm down before bedtime. It can prevent your child from accumulating too much cortisol. “Reduce stress to help you fall asleep easier,” Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a chiropractor and sleep consultant.

10. Create an environment that induces sleep

Your child will be able to differentiate between night and day with the help of soft sheets, darkened shades and relative silence.

Mitchell says that creating a sleep-inducing atmosphere is crucial because it reduces distractions and sets the stage for sleeping. When you’re calm, you won’t be distracted and you can fall asleep faster and easier.

Little boy sleeping in his bed
Little boy sleeping in his bed

What is the normal sleep amount for a newborn and infant?

The average newborn sleeps 16-17 hours per day. They sleep between one and four hours each time. They are awake from one to two hours before they fall back asleep.

  • In the first four to six months of life, babies sleep on average 14 hours per day.
  • Children aged 1 to 3 should receive 12 hours of sleep per day.

As children age, they need less sleep. As adolescents, children should sleep nine hours per night.

Individuals have different sleep needs. The average child’s sleep may not be the best for them. The temperament of a child can affect their sleep.

Why is good sleeping so important?

  • Your child will grow big and strong if you give them a good night’s sleep.
  • Sleep is important for your child’s weight. According to studies, sleep-deprived kids don’t produce as much of the hormone which tells the brain to stop eating. This makes them more likely to become obese.
  • Sleep is important for building a strong immunity system. During sleep, your child can produce proteins that fight germs and help to prevent common infections.
  • Sleep increases brainpower. Enough sleep improves attention span and helps your child focus in school.

According to a 2013 study, even an extra hour of sleep can improve children’s abilities to complete tasks and answer questions based on memory.

How much sleep is needed by a child?

Here is a guide if you’re not sure when your child should go to bed.

  • Infants between the ages of 4 and 12 months are recommended to sleep 12-16 hours per day, including naps.
  • Regularly, children aged between 1 and 2 years old should sleep from 11 to 14 hours per day (including naps).
  • Children aged between 3 and 5 years old should sleep for 10 to 13 hours per day, including naps.
  • Children aged 6-12 years old should sleep between 9 and 12 hours per day.
  • Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 should sleep for 8 to 10 hours per day.

Conclusion

Its normal for children to awaken throughout the night. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your children frequent wake-ups or feel something is wrong.

It is possible that your baby will wake up at night for reasons other than those listed above. You should learn your baby’s different cries, and how they communicate their needs to you.

 

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