Child sleep: Put preschool bedtime problems to rest
The problem: Your child won't stay in his or her bed
The problem: Your child wakes up during the night
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The problem: Bedtime is chaos
The problem: Your child doesn't want to go to bed
The problem: Your child stays up too late
The problem: Your child won't fall asleep alone
The problem: Your child won't stay in bed
The problem: Your child has a bad dream
The problem: You're frustrated with your child's bedtime problems
The problem: Bedtime is chaos
The scenario: You feel rushed or stressed when you put your child to bed.
The solution: Set up a calming bedtime routine for you and your child. The routine could include anything that calms down your child. Some ideas are to:
- Give your child a bath.
- Read stories.
- Talk about the day.
- Play soothing bedtime music.
About an hour before bedtime, it helps to turn off any electronic devices that you let your child use during the day. That includes tablets, TVs and other devices with screens. It's a good idea to keep these devices out of the bedroom too.
Also, you might want to put off any playtime before bed. Active play, such as running around, can boost a child's energy.
Tuck your child into bed drowsy but awake. Then say good night.
Try different things to find a routine that works best for you. Once you choose a routine, follow it every night. Try to keep the bedtime at the same time each night too. This will help your child know what to expect and set up healthy sleep patterns.
