Techniques For Busy Parents can be a lifesaver when juggling the endless demands of parenting. Whether you’re balancing a career or focusing full-time on your little ones at home, being a parent is a round-the-clock job. The challenge only grows when your toddler decides bedtime is optional! With the right strategies, you can create a smoother routine and get everyone—yourself included—a much-needed rest. That is where the sleep techniques come in. From camping out to bedtime fading and everything in between, there are various steps you can take to send your little ones into the land of nod.
The result?
You get a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed, clear-minded, and fit for the day. In this helpful guide, we delve into time-tested techniques. Read on to learn more.
1. The 40-Second Technique
Ever wondered how to put toddlers to sleep instantly?
Described by some as a parent's best friend, the 40-second technique is a secret weapon that can make all the difference as to whether you and your toddler embrace dreamland or not. Firstly, pick up a tissue and stroke your little one's forehead with a calming movement. This unique technique promises to relax your toddler. It sends them into a deep sleep in no time, leaving you free to get on with any unfinished chore, catch up with your partner, or settle down for a movie.
However, in the cases of toddlers with autism, you must take a different approach. Since kids with autism often find comfort in predictability and routine, it would be ideal for you, as a parent, to introduce a visual schedule autism to keep the child informed of what’s to come next.
2. Camping Out
Similar to the technique of parental presence, is for the parents who can't stand to see their kids crying, yet, wish not to sleep in their room. This can be achieved in a span of one to three weeks. Your toddler will feel comfortable enough to go to sleep by themselves eventually.
This approach operates via ritual. In other words, set a bedtime and stick to it. Just before bed, give your baby a warm bath, a book, and quiet play — anything that usually calms them. As your toddler falls asleep, put them in their crib or cot when drowsy. Do this the same way until they no longer cry.
The camping-out method also includes a few more steps:
- Sit by your toddler's cot and wait for your toddler to go to sleep before you leave the room.
- Stroke or pat them in their cot, again waiting for them to drift off.
- Start to gradually increase the distance between you and the cot, waiting until your toddler is asleep.
- Finally, stand outside the door.
These steps will enable your toddler to achieve self-settling.
3. Bedtime Fading
This is suitable for children aged two to three. It utilizes the physiological aspect of sleep drive. How? By limiting how long they stay in bed. Let your toddler learn to go to sleep independently only when they are sleepy or tired. This means they will be less likely to wake up in the middle of the night and avoid a broken sleep.
Long-term effects of sleep disturbance in healthy persons include hypertension, dyslipidemia, CVD, and weight-related problems. The steps for introducing bedtime fading are as follows:
- Record when your toddler goes to bed every night for a week.
- Find what is the latest bedtime and make this the bedtime.
- Every alternate night, keep on following this bedtime by 15 minutes every two alternate nights
- If your toddler's bedtime is too late, repeat the same procedure, only in the opposite direction.
- Every time your toddler has started adjusting to falling asleep easily and in a shorter time, add 15 minutes to your current bedtime.
- Continue with this process until you begin to notice positive changes.
4. Bedtime Tantrums
Bedtime tantrums are not surprisingly extremely uncommon, particularly with toddlers. From separation anxiety to problems with toddler independence – there is no end to the reasons that your little one may battle going to bed.
But the biggest reason?
They're having fun and don't want the day to end. The other most common reason? They're just plain tired.
Setting the same bedtime each night and embracing a wind-down routine. This involves letting them know that bedtime is on route so that it doesn't come as a shock.
For best results, never let them win when they ask for extra time, even if they seem full of energy. This will only result in bad habits and more tantrums in the future. Instead, embrace a nightly routine. A nighttime routine will encourage a deep, restful sleep.
5. Preventing Your Child from Climbing Out of Bed
Aside from disrupting sleep, an Energetic toddler in and out of bed throughout the night can be a safety risk. You can't watch over your child round the clock and must get the rest you need! This often occurs because of separation anxiety or simply because your little one isn't interested in going to sleep. If your toddler has recently discovered that they can get themselves out of the crib, it can be something they find fascinating! Another good reason for a consistent bedtime routine.
Establish an hour of quiet before bedtime. This may include cuddling, reading, lullabies, an affectionate meditation app, and a bath.
The Bottom Line
Parenting, while a rewarding endeavor, is challenging, especially for new parents. Making your baby embrace the idea of bedtime can become a nightly wrestling match. But really, sleep also plays a role in your mental and physical well-being. It boosts mood and brain performance and prevents poor health. A lack of sleep results in everything from heart disease to obesity, dementia, and much more.
These handy tips, among others, enable you to say goodbye to bedtime battles. You can wake up refreshed and ready to face everything life, and your toddler has to throw at you.
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