co-sleeping

Co-sleeping isn’t for everyone, but for a lot of families, it is the best way for everyone to get a good night’s rest.

Thumb sucking at bedtime

Thumb sucking is a perfectly acceptable way for your child to comfort himself, although it can lead to dental problems in older children.

Foods can cause sleep problems

Food can contribute to sleep problems. Some babies on formula have sensitivities to certain types of formula.

Practice consistency in bed time

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.

Sleep sacks for babies

Sleep sacks have been popular with European parents for a long time because they minimize the risk of baby suffocating.

Baby and baby blankets

Babies love the warmth and security of their own blanket. Choose one that is small enough that they can carry it around as a toddler.

Time to leave the crib

Once your child is able to climb out of his crib (and you have already lowered the mattress and removed the bumper pads), it is time to move him into a toddler bed.

 

How to signal children it’s time to sleep

Kids often nap on small cots at daycare with their favorite blanket. It’s the arrival of the blankie that signals “nap” – not where they are.

Try to associate nap time with a portable object, rather than with a place.

From: ehow.com.

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Toddlers and nap time

At 18mos most toddlers take at least 1 nap (usually 1-1 1/2 hours long) during the day and are able to sleep all night (for 11-12 hours)

Pillow safety

A toddler pillow is one that’s the right size for child of 2yrs+. Prior to age 2, any pillow is considered dangerous & is not recommended

Morning start up tip

Mornings can be tough with kids. Try taking 5-10 min with your 2-year-old when he first wakes up to snuggle and talk quietly about the day

Preschoolers and naps

Most preschoolers do still need naps during the day. They tend to be very active — running around, playing, going to school, and exploring their surroundings — so it’s a good idea to give them a special opportunity to slow down.

Mattress warnings

Use a snug fitting mattress in a crib. You shouldn’t be able to fit more than 2 fingers between edge of mattress and crib.

Child beds

Involve your child in selection of her new bed. It’s best to allow her to choose new bedding with some of her favorite characters.

Sleep for preschoolers

Preschoolers should get about 11-13 hours of sleep a night, not always the easiest task. But a good night’s sleep will help him concentrate, feel less cranky and put him in an overall good mood.

From: preschoolers.about.com Opens in new window

Co-sleeping safety tip

When co-sleeping make sure your mattress fits snugly in the bed frame so that your baby won’t become trapped in between the frame and the mattress.

Co-sleeping

Co-Sleeping helps babies get more nighttime sleep (because they awaken more frequently with shorter duration of feeds, which can add up to a greater amount of sleep throughout the night).

Toddler Bed Location

Choose the location of your toddler’s bed with care. Keep away from extremes of temperature such as windows, doors or radiators and strangling hazards such as blind cords. Make sure that your toddler cannot become trapped between the side of the bed and the wall.

Sleep Tip

If your baby seems sensitive to household sounds, try running a white-noise machine or a fan in her room.

Thumb Sucking and Teeth

Despite popular belief, young children who obsessively suck their thumbs will generally not develop dental problems due to the thumb sucking. However, if they continue to suck their thumbs when their second teeth start growing in, there’s a risk for developing dental abnormalities.