The Struggle of Putting a Child to Bed

If you are a parent, you have probably experienced on more than one occasion the epic battle that is trying to get your little ones to bed.

Research has shown that children who fail to get enough sleep on a night are more likely to be restless, agitated and less motivated. In addition, your child’s lack of sleep can have a knock on effect on you too, leaving you feeling tired and with little time to complete essential tasks that you would have done while they were sleeping.

If the regular bedtime battles are getting too much for you to handle, follow these top tips and regulate your routine…

Remove distractions

Most of the time when children are refusing to go to sleep, it is because they do not want to miss what is going on around them. It can be especially difficult to get your child to sleep if they have an older sibling who is allowed to stay up later than them.

If your child has an older sibling, you should clearly explain to them that the reason their brother or sister is allowed to stay up later is because they are older, and that when they reach that age, they will be able to as well.

In order to try and get your child to bed at a reasonable hour, you should remove all distractions from their bedrooms. Televisions, electronic toys and other gadgets, can be simply too tempting for your child when they should be sleeping.

Try to have a quiet house when you put them to bed. Keep distracting noise, like the television or radio, to a minimum to keep them from hearing and wanting to know what’s going on.

Use their own bed

For some children, the reason why they don’t want to go to bed is because they don’t want to be separated from their parents in their own room. As tempting as it is to give in and let your child sleep in your bed, this will only produce a routine where your child’s bed is constantly empty.

If your child attempts to get into your bed during the night, keep returning them to their own bed until they realise it is a pointless activity. You may experience a few sleepless nights using this technique, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Decorate their bedroom in a way that makes it seem more appealing to sleep in. Go for bedding with their favourite characters on, and remove any toys that could produce any scary shadows at night. If your child is scared of the dark, a nightlight is a great addition that will ensure your child’s peace of mind and confidence in sleeping.

Ensure their comfort

Another factor that may affect your child’s sleeping is how comfortable their bed is. Just like with adults, an uncomfortable mattress can produce a hellish night sleep. Mattresses should be replaced every 5 to 7 years, so if your child’s mattress is a bit on the old side you should consider investing in a new one.

If your little ones wriggle about and lie in odd positions in their sleep, it may be worth buying a memory foam mattress. This special technology works to adjust to your body shape, providing the upmost comfort and support.

A good set of pillows and fluffy quilt will finish off your child’s bed, providing them with everything they need for an excellent night’s sleep.   

Give these tips a try, and give you and your child the perfect rest you need.