Milestonesforlife

Young children require 10-12 hours of sleep every night to give their bodies a chance to grow and their brains an opportunity to organize all the important information they learn during the day. Developing good habits at bedtime will help your child to do their best. Start by winding down activities 1-2 hours before bedtime. Quiet activities such as reading, coloring or puzzles are a good bet, followed by a warm, relaxing bath & P.J’s . Avoid heavy foods, sugary treats, and caffeine-and instead offer a high protein snack such as crackers and cheese or peanut butter, and cut back on liquids. While many parents may use television or videos in the bedtime routine, studies show that these media actually disrupt sleep because the lights they emit “trick” the brain into thinking that morning has come. Spend up to 20 minutes with your child before bed, sharing in bedtime rituals, such as reading, praying, and tucking in covers. If you follow this routine consistently, your child will be comfortably settled down and ready for a good night’s sleep.

Please share other strategies that you have found to help your child settle into a good sleep.

Dr. Kathi