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Tick-Tock


Most parents will tell anyone that listens about the tales of tantrums and terribleness, tears and trauma that can accompany bedtime for tiny tots. In fact, sometimes it lasts way past infancy and well into primary school. Of course, there are always going to special occasions when the kids are just too excited to go to sleep when it’s bedtime. The night before Christmas, their birthday, a holiday or even favoured relatives coming to visit, all these add up to more night’s than a parent would like to have to get into a wrestling match at bedtime!

One key point in helping your child trot happily off to bed, is to NEVER alter their nightly routine unless it is absolutely necessary. Same time to bed and same time to wake up in the morning is said to be they key to setting a child’s body clock and keeping a beneficial balance to their sleep/wake cycle. Even a lie-in on a weekend can damage their internal body clock, so trying to stick to a regular routine is important.

Bed Time

A comfortable bed that supports a child’s body is also in good condition, for example, no lumpy mattresses or broken coiled springs, and a good solid frame. Many parents opt for novelty beds, which are fantastic fun and for toddlers work very well in a budget and don’t want to have to change the bed every time your child grows a few more inches, take a look at the winter sales online such as http://www.bedstar.co.uk.A solid well-made frame should last for years, with only the mattress in need of more regular replacement.

Nothing can beat a
regular bedtime routine for a small child. A relaxing bath taken a good hour before sleepy time will be more beneficial as the body temperature will cool once out of the bath, then slowly rise again, helping the child feel sleepy.
No toys an hour before bed, just snuggles and a story, the CD’s
that read nursery stories are useful, but beware they don’t get your child too excited about the plot! Some may find a CD of children’s relaxing music may well calm them down enough to nod off peacefully.

A Piece of Quiet

Just before bedtime playing in the bedroom is not a good idea. Unplug anything electrical and snuggle together for a story before lights out. Once the light is off and a night-light is lit, it’s your time and time for the little ones to sleep.

Of course this won’t always happen. When a child gets up, lead them back to bed, but do not engage in conversation, just a quick kiss and back into bed. Repeat until daylight, when the little angel finally drops off!



Image courtesy of http://www.organicsoul.com/






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