Who is ready for a simpler (and quicker, less stressful) bedtime routine?? Check out our tips for a great sleep and the *magical* sleep technique that has worked for every one of my own kids. The steps are easy to follow and typically only takes a couple of days to set in – even for the hardest-to-put-to-bed kids.
Tips for preparing for an easy bedtime:
- A healthy balanced dinner: Avoid high sugar treats at night as they can lead to a sugar crash, which means irritable, restless kiddos.
- Consistent routines: kids thrive on routine & schedules. Keep as much as you can the same every single night when getting ready for bed.
- A relaxing bath & cozy pjs go a long way!
- Limited screen time right before bed – screens (and any bright lights) fool the brain into thinking it is day-time and prevent the body from releasing it’s sleep hormone – Melatonin.
- Reading before bed – this is a great bonding time for parents + kids, will help improve their literacy and comprehension skills, helps nourish a lifelong love of books and is a great relaxing activity for kids before going to sleep.
- Turn the heat down a notch before bedtime – a room that is hot and stuffy will be difficult to fall asleep in (and turning it down saves on the heating bill!) – In suitable weather, open a window to get fresh air moving around.
- Lots of Love – hugs, kisses, and don’t forget to say I love you 🙂
SuperNanny Stay in Bed Technique:
This is the SuperNanny stay-in-bed sleep technique. Small details can vary slightly depending on the age of the child, but the main steps are the same.
- You are teaching your child that when they come out of their bed after they have been tucked in, they need to go straight back into it. It is bed time and this is their safe space to sleep for the night.
- Eventually, your little one will stop getting up and fall asleep. The first night will be the hardest. It can take hours- be ready to commit your time.
- Consistency is KEY. Keep the technique the same on all subsequent nights after you have started (see the last video below for why) – and remember – this will all be worth it – this method WORKS.
Instruction Videos
2 year old child, still in crib: this method does require allowing your child to “cry it out” – in a safe environment, with one parent IN the room.
2.5 year old in toddler bed, has always co-slept with mom:
4 year old twins used to co-sleeping:
4 year old twins fearful of being separated from parents at bedtime:
5 year old with baby sibling; used to co-sleeping:
6 year old who has never spent a full night in her own bed:
Family with three children of different ages, different bedtimes (older toddler to child)
Why consistency is key – two parents taking turns putting their 2 year old to bed – check out the difference:
Have a great bedtime tip for other parents? Comment on our post with it! Follow Edmonton Mama on Instagram for more parenting tips and fun things to do with the kids.
Photo credit: Pampers.com