Steer clear of sugar
Avoiding sugary treats in the hours leading up to bedtime can significantly improve your toddler's sleep quality. Sugar causes a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to increased energy and difficulty winding down. This can make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
The power of bathtime
As adults, we all know how relaxing a soak in the bath can be, and toddlers are no different (although there may be a few more toy sharks and boats floating around).
You can make your toddler’s pre-bed bath times as relaxing as possible by keeping the water warm, not hot, and using gentle, tear-free products, singing soothing songs, telling a calming story, or just talking about your day. After their bath, gently pat them dry with a soft towel, massage them with a light layer of child-safe lotion, and dress them in soft lightweight sleepwear.
Limit screen time
Dimming the lights and switching off electronics like TVs, tablets, and phones about an hour before bedtime is crucial for creating a relaxing sleep environment. The blue light emitted from devices like these can trick your child's brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder for them to fall asleep. By powering down and creating a calmer atmosphere, you can help your toddler wind down and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
Try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a grounding technique that can help calm your toddler's mind and body before bed.
It involves having them identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. This can help shift their focus from racing thoughts to the present moment, making it easier for them to fall asleep.
