Putting the kids to bed is never an easy task. Babies and young children do not understand the importance of sleep and are unlikely to communicate their needs to their parents. This means you have to establish a good bedtime routine on their behalf, and while you know what is best for your little one, they don’t always see it this way.
For many parents, bedtime is one of the most stressful times of the day.
You may find yourself constantly coming up and down from the nursery as you try to soothe your little one to sleep or forcing yourself to stay awake long enough for your child to start snoring first.
Whatever the case may be, all families have their own issues when it comes to bedtime, but there are ways around this. In this guide, we are sharing some of the best tips to make bedtime easier and ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.
Why Bedtime Routines Matter
Many parents are grateful to get any amount of sleep, so a bedtime routine may seem redundant.
However, no matter what kind of issues you may have dealt with in the past regarding bedtime, it is a good idea to start a routine early. The earlier that your child gets used to having a bedtime and can recognize the routine that leads up to this, the easier things will be in the long run.
As well as making things easier for you in the future, having a good bedtime routine is vital for your child’s health. We all know that sleep is important and that having a good bedtime routine can aid children’s development and is vital for their overall cognitive improvement.
With a good bedtime routine, it is easier for your child to regulate their emotions, and they will have overall better well-being.
There are many reasons why you need to develop a good bedtime routine as a new parent, but getting your child to comply is another story.
How To Make Bedtime Easier
As you cannot explain to your baby that sleep is important, you instead need to make this time of day fun and soothing for them, so they comply.
A big factor to consider when it comes to creating a bedtime routine is the environment. You want your child to feel safe and comfortable in their own cot, which is why you will have spent a lot of time making the nursery perfect.
However, setting the scene should also continue right through until they are sleeping.
To set the scene for bedtime, ensure the lights are low. Night lights come in very useful here, as they have a gentle glow that makes the room cozy and inviting.
You can also create a calming atmosphere using a baby sound machine which will give your little ones something to focus on as they drift off to dreamland.
Keep things calm, dark, and quiet to ensure a peaceful bedtime.
