I went to the Pediatrician the other day and while there read that half of all babies sleep through the night. That made me feel sad that mine didn't and also elated that I wasn't alone. While we are no sleep experts we feel like we have tried it all, read it all, and are starting to see some success so from one set of tired moms to another here are a few tips we have picked up over the years that work for US.
1-A good bedtime routine is key. You read about it everywhere but really sticking with it is another story. Once you establish a routine stick to it and the littles will at least know that bed is coming. Just don't feel like a bad parent when you have a routine in place and some nights are still so so hard. It happens to everyone just keep moving forward. So routine. Do WHAT works for you WHEN it works for you. Bath, PJs, Story, Teeth Brush, Prayers, Song, Bed. (Just an example)
2- Lotion those kiddies up. Use a lavender scented one to help send them into dreamland hopefully a bit sooner. Use this one in the tub it doubles as a body and hair wash and smells like heaven in a bottle.
3-Just like adults, kids have an internal clock that will set itself to sleep and wake so try and be as consistent with a bedtime as you can each night. Even on weekends when possible.
4-Let older toddlers choose their own bedding. They will be more likely to be excited about bedtime and going to bed if they are surrounded by items they chose themselves.
5-A good white noise machine is worth more than its weight in gold. We both swear by the Dohm Sound Conditioner. It has several different settings and is easy to transport should you need to take it on vacation or to Grandmas house for nap time.
6-Leave the temperature slightly cooler and make sure they are in warm pjs, don't forget socks, as most little ones don't keep a blanket on as they move around all night.
7-Blackout curtains are a real life saver especially in the summertime when it is light well until 9pm. Don't want to lay down serious cash for curtains? Take the cheap way out and hang black or navy blue flat bed sheets on the windows for the summer months. $5 at Walmart and you can hang them with Command Hooks so they come down easily during the day and when you are done with them.
8-Use dim night lights in bedroom and hallway if they are scared of the dark or need to make bathroom runs during the night. It will help them see just enough without becoming fully awake using lights. These Green LED Night Lights have done the trick for years in our bedrooms.
9-If you child is of napping age, try and make sure they nap earlier in the day as late naps will definitely equal a later than normal bedtime and your routine that you worked so hard to keep will take a few nights or more to get back into.
10- Right before bed give yourself time for the little last minute things. Bathroom break if they are potty trained. Snuggle time with you to calm down and drift happily off to sleep and of course a goodnight kiss.
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Good luck and we hope some of these tips help!!
XO, Megyn & Jordyn
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