Good sleep is just as important to a baby as food, drink, and overall safety. Best quality sleep helps in brain development and increases brain power. Missing sleep or a nap may seem like it’s no big deal at first, but many experts advise that it has dire consequences.
When your little one sleeps well, their attention span is increased, which directly impacts temperament, learning and social behaviour in the child’s future. For this reason, as a parent ensuring that your little one gets healthy quality sleep is very central in their overall growth and development.
So, after knowing that sleep is crucial for your little one, what should you do to achieve it?
Below are some tips on helping your child get a good, restful sleep according to experts
- Establish a Solid Plan
Having a bedtime ritual is very key. The best way to go about this is to involve the child in drafting the plan. When they internalize the bedtime script, you will have to problem having to convince them to stick to it. You can have a plan that goes like put on pyjamas, brush teeth, read books, hug, and then lights out. With an infant, just start early to ensure their brains register the difference between day time and night time. You can do this by ensuring their room at night is dark, and at day time let in as much light as possible.
- Time Together
In this world where parents work over time, kids are sometimes left longing for more attention. Spend some times with your child in the evening asking them questions about how their day was and complimenting them for things they have done. This is a good and comforting ritual that can give them peace for the night.
- Respect the Routine
Predictability introduces a sense of security for the child, which can help in a restful sleep. Therefore its important when you stick to the routine, this helps the circadian rhythm to remain undisturbed.
- Power Down
Electronics should be turned off hours before bedtime. This will help the brain begin to gradually produce melatonin and serotonin, which are the bedtime hormones. The electronic keeps the brain wired and stimulated making it harder to fall asleep.
- Practice Makes Perfect
It is of great benefit to practice healthy sleep routines. Ensure that there are no toys at bedtime, so that the child’s brain connects the bedroom and the bed to sleep. This applies to all ages, even babies who still sleep in the bassinet mattresses and protectors. Don’t allow your child to demand for something during bedtime that will disrupt the normal routine. This will cause their brain to disconnect from the routine making it harder to follow again.
- Be Positive
Help your child adapt to the new routines gradually. Make them understand why it is important to respects sleep time and wake time. You can use clocks with alarms so that they understand when it’s time to get out of bed and when it’s not time to do so. This kind of routine makes their brain easily adjust to the laid down plans.
