In my last blog post, I wrote about the importance of a routine and how having a regular bedtime routine is vital towards better quality sleep in young children up to 6 years of age.
So here are the 5 tips on how to implement the best routine for your child!
-
Keep it short and sweet
- A recommended bedtime routine should last between 20-30mins only, otherwise it can feel like it lasts forever to a child! They’ll be unsure of when it’ll end and will have trouble associating that with bedtime.
-
Start your routine around the same time every night
- Same time = only 10-15mins deviation. It is only ‘routine’, if it is consistent every night!
-
Have your routine in the same sequence every night
- Pattern recognition is important and a positive bedtime routine will involve the institution of a set sequence of pleasurable and calming activity. You can start the first part of the routine outside of the bedroom, then end it in your child’s bedroom.
-
Have a special ending
- Giving the routine a definite end makes it easier for your child to recognise that it’s now time for him/her to settle in and fall asleep. It can be in the form of a final good night kiss, a lullaby, a stroke on the head… then exit the room.
-
Start introducing a bedtime routine to your newborn
- Yup, never too early to start. The younger the routine is started, the better the child will sleep. Of course the routine will evolve as your child grows, and you should keep to having routines all the way till their toddler years!
Already have a good bedtime routine, but child still not sleeping well? Contact me for a free 15mins consultation. Email at wingyan@precioussleep.my or call me at +60123542010.