Sleep is so important for all of us.  It can be challenging with babies and young children to find their rhythm for sleeping.  We feel like they are finally get the hang of it and then, suddenly, it changes!  We can help our children restore their bodies with a gentle, consistent routine for rest and sleep to keep their bodies feeling refreshed and equipped for the day. 

Research tells us that sleep is important for healthy brain development. It supports growth and movement of the body. It has a strong influence on happiness, attention, resiliency, and memory.

It can take time and patience to help your child build a healthy sleep routine, but in time the foundation you create will support their sleep habits as they grow. 

Play & Learn At Home
Here are some positive ways to support sleep for children:

🥱 Set a regular bedtime, including the weekends.

🕰️ Start your child's bedtime routine about 30–60 minutes before their bedtime. This allows your child to recognize its time for bed and for you to spend quiet time together.

🧸 Pick out clothes and other things your child may need.

🛏️ Provide an area that is safe, comfortable, and mainly used for sleep so there will be fewer interruptions.

📚 Offer quiet activities. Reading a book or listening to soft music helps if your child is struggling to fall asleep.

📺 Turn off the TV or video games. These make it harder for your child to fall and stay asleep.

🥤 Limit drinks. Beverages high in sugar or caffeine, such as juice, tea, and soft drinks, should be avoided before bed.

👨‍👦 Offer time that allows for quiet conversation. Talk about your child's day, favorite things, or sing a quiet song together. 

• Looking for more inspiration at home? We love these resources:

  Building healthy sleep routines
  ttps://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/sleep-your-child-how-you-can-build-healthy-sleep-routines
  
  Creating a healthy bedtime routine for your child
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt_TnKhL-Yg
  
  Building an evening routine for kids of different ages
  https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/building-an-evening-routine-for-kids-of-different-ages
  
  The importance of building a sleep routine for your child
  https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/sleepless-nights-discover-the-importance-of-establishing-a-bedtime-routine-for-your-child/
  
  Positive bedtime routines
  https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/sleep/better-sleep-settling/bedtime-routines