Bed time can often be a trying time for parents of little ones. But with just a little bit of planning it really needn’t be.
Here are five really simple but effective tips to getting your child into bed and asleep!
First and foremost you should set a routine for your little one
It really does make everything so much simpler.
Children love routines. It makes them feel secure and happy and they like knowing what’s going to happen next. It enables them to get their little heads around things before they happen.
Sure they may still whimper and whine a bit but and try for little extras, this is normal. But once they know exactly what is going to happen because it happens every night, it doesn’t give them much room for manoeuvre.
For our little one for example the routine is 15 minutes of tv time, milk, bath, brush teeth, toilet, change clothes, 2 or 3 stories (usually 3 because we haven’t set a limit properly), and then into bed and lights off.
It may sound like a lot of things but really only takes 45 mins or so.
Give your child some choice in how things happen
This might sound a little strange after we’ve talked about the importance of establishing a routine, but it’s not really.
You see, it’s not really a choice because they are going to bed! But it’s a great little trick to make them feel like they have some control.
For example if they say they don’t want to get into bed let them decide which toy is going to sleep with them, “Do you want elephant or tiger in your bed tonight? It’s up to you”
Or if they won’t sit down properly for their story, “Do you want to sit on the bed or on the floor?” I’m sure you can think of many more applicable to your child.
It really is a fantastic trick, and it works! If you don’t do this already, try it.
A nice relaxing bath before they cuddle up
Bath time needn’t be a chore. In fact it can be a very pleasurable time and often one of the only times that a working partner may get to spend some quality time with the little one.
Kids love splashing around, playing with their toy duck or whatever and the warm water relaxes them, ready for their sleep.
A nice story before they go to sleep
It’s so important for bedtime to be fun and little ones love hearing a story before they go to sleep.
Of course they keep asking for “one more, one more please mummy.” But if you’ve established the rules before hand, say two stories then lights of, then they understand because it happens every night.
You’ll soon find them yawning as you reach the end of their last one. At least that’s the plan…..
Something fun and cosy to sleep in
By this I mean something they love cuddling up in, be it pooh bear bed sheets, or a jungle animals blanket. If they like their baby bedding then you’ll find it a lot easier to get them into them!
If you are looking for some good children’s bed linen then you could try quilted baby bedding. It comes in many different styles and price ranges, looks good and most importantly the little one will love something just a little bit special for sleepy time.
Bed time can be good quality time for you and your child. With a routine and things that they look forwards to, such as a story, a bath and their cuddly quilted baby bedding, every thing is so much easier.
Good luck!