 |
Three Tips to Get Children with Sleeping Problems Asleep
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies and infants at one time or another suffer from sleeping difficulties. So if bed time is a difficult time for you and your baby you are in good company. Rest assured that there is probably nothing wrong but of course when you are in doubt seek professional care. Jodi Mindell, a researcher and sleep expert at the Institute, has 3 tips for worried parents.
Put your baby to bed when he/she is sleepy but not yet asleep.
That way you teach your infant to fall a sleep by himself. When baby is able to do that around bedtime chances are he or she will wake up once or twice per night. But because the baby is trained or used to falling asleep in his own bed you don't have to "rock or swing" him to sleep. Going back to sleep comes naturally. And you will be much fitter the next day.
Define a strict bedtime regimen.
That way your child learns to get "tired" every afternoon and evening at about the same time. Also it's a good idea to extend this predictability to other areas of the baby's life. Certainty and safety will make the baby more relaxed and will help him to grow to be a healthy adult. Make sure your baby does go to bed early enough. Exhausted babies have trouble falling asleep.
Make strict use sleep rituals
Start at a young age with a bed time routine. Use a specific system in which three or four activities are always done in the same order. For example, wash first, then put on pajamas, and last but not least a bedtime story or song. That way you create a predictable order of activities that make the change from daytime activity to the slower pace of going to bed more gradual.
If you want to know more about this interesting topic read Jodi Mindell's book "Sleeping through the Night". In my opinion this book is a must-read for parents who worry about the sleeping habits of their little one. The book is very readable and is packed with tips, tricks and explanations.
One warning never give young children a sleeping pill unless you really have discussed this deeply with your general practioner.Linda is an inspired author of the
Baby Strollers Guide and the
Baby Products Guide she is a
mother of two and spend a lot of time next to her child's bed.
MORE RESOURCES:
Should you monitor your child's music choices?
My mother spent her formative years in a convent boarding school in India where, when it came to popular music, anything other than Pat Boone was off limits. When I was a tween, my mom allowed me to buy Madonna's...
Parenting chat transcript
Barbara Meltz took your parenting and child-caring questions on Monday. Click the "Replay" button below to read a transcript of the chat. Parenting chat with Barbara Meltz...
Treating autism: Diet, ABA, and other interventions
No one really knows what causes autism. A recent article in Science Direct indicates that children living near toxic waste seem more likely to have autism. Though the thimerosal/MMR vaccine theory has been debunked, many parents feel that the mercury-laced...
Interviewing a new babysitter? 15 questions to ask
I ran into a problem recently, when my youngest kids' school and day care were closed, my husband was away, I had to work, and I had no backup childcare. Yeah, it made for a tough day....
Inside the mind of a child with autism
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 out of 150 kids have autism, an increase from previous estimates. With autism now more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined, if your child isn't on the...
A birthday party dilemma: Invite the whole class, or not?
My 4-year-old has become a bit of a social butterfly, flitting from playdate to birthday party to after-school adventure in the cul-de-sac with the neighbors. Which is great, except now I'm faced with a birthday party dilemma: Invite the whole...
Autism Awareness: Resources that can help
Kent and Angie Potter's oldest son, Sam, was born prematurely, and from the very beginning they had a swirl of doctors and specialists around them, helping them navigate the world of preemie development. So when Sam started exhibiting severe developmental...
Frosty Soap Painting
Laundry soap and food coloring make a stiff, sudsy paint for your toddler.
Salad Spinner Art
Spin art is a little messy, but it's a fun painting activity for older toddlers.
Color Cards
Your child will enjoy matching cards of the same color in this cooperative activity.
Fishy Beanbag
This easy-to-make beanbag has a real fish shape, complete with open mouth and gills.
Artwork Display
This magnetic ruler will let you display your child's artwork on the refrigerator.
Wax Paper Art
This tempera paint art project is a safe alternative to grated crayons and an iron.
Smashing Towers
Toddlers love to build things and then knock them down.
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
|
