Infants and sleep

Infants sleep 16 to 20 hours per day, and as time goes on, they outgrow sleeping all day long and only take two naps — one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Consistency

Children need time to calm down and prepare for sleep. Having a consistent bedtime routine can be useful in giving the child cues that sleep time is coming.

Getting ready for bed

Thirty minutes to an hour before bedtime, start a calming ritual that may include giving a bath and reading a story or two.

Putting infants to bed while dozing

When infants are put to bed drowsy but not asleep, they are more likely to become “self- soothers” which enables them to fall asleep independently at bedtime and put themselves back to sleep during the night.

Getting used to new surroundings

Before your trip, place your infant in her pack’n’play for sleeping so she gets used to the new sleep space. You can do this for naps or nights or both.

Toddler waking issues

Many toddlers get disoriented and upset when they wake up at night in a dark room and can’t see anything they recognize. A night-light will reassure your child that he’s in familiar surroundings and help him settle himself back to sleep.

Getting kids to sleep longer

If your child gets up too early try darkening her room. The body’s most sensitive time to light is in the early morning hours and these beautiful summer sunrises can be anything but beautiful if your baby or toddler is up with the sun every day.

Bad habits for bed time

If your child will to go to bed only if you’re around, he’s forming bad habits that will be hard to break later. The best lesson you can teach him is how to soothe himself to sleep.

Bed time is bed time

Stand your ground even if your child cries or pleads for an exception to the going-to-bed rule. If you’re frustrated, try not to engage in a power struggle. Speak calmly and quietly but insist that when time’s up, time’s up.

Transiton from toddler to big bed

Nobody wants to be kicked out of bed, especially a toddler who craves consistency and familiarity. When you decide it is time to transition your toddler into her very own big girl bed, start slowly.

Toddler bed time

Most toddlers need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night. Is he tired or irritable when he wakes up? If he is, then he needs more sleep. If he wakes up happy and alert, then he is getting the right amount of sleep.

Sleep rituals

Children need time to calm down and prepare for sleep. Having a consistent bedtime routine can be useful in giving the child cues that sleep time is coming.

Establishing naptime patterns in tots

As soon as a child has established a biological rhythm of waking and sleeping – usually by 3 months of age – parents and caregivers can start encouraging a naptime pattern.

Determining when your tot is ready for a big bed

Most baby experts agree that a toddler will be ready to move from a cot to a "big girl" bed between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Physically, it’s recommended that your toddler has reached a height of three feet (90 cm) tall.

Scheduling naps

To make the most of toddler naps, try to settle down at the same time and in the same place each day; try not to let him sleep in the car or stroller, which could disrupt his nap schedule.

Nap time todder

Stay firm but calm. Although it’s frustrating having to deal with a toddler who won’t nap, the best thing you can do is not show her that she’s getting to you.

Naps evolving in second year

At some point during your toddler’s 2nd year, he’ll go from taking 2 naps to 1 and during his 3rd year, he’ll give up that nap, too.

Where naps go

As a baby, your child probably napped 2-3 times a day, but now that she’s a toddler, she’s going to move gradually to 1 nap.

Sleeping when traveling tip

Toddlers are often used to their normal bedtime routine and may have difficulty sleeping in a new place. Don’t be afraid to bring a port-a-crib if you have room for it.

Falling asleep easily

Drinking a glass of warm milk before bed is a time-tested way to fall asleep. The amino acid l-Tryptophan is thought to play a role in making you sleepy.