Baby sleep is a big problem in my house. I can honestly say that this is the area that I've made mistakes with my baby. That is correct, I made a big mistake by allowing my son to sleep in our bed. He is 3 now and it's still in our bed. I'm sorry immensely. When was a child who never wanted the crib. I literally walked around looking like a zombie because I kept all night long. He hated the crib. I have tried so many different things. When she was 12 months I finally put him in our bed to sleep.
It was amazing, because he finally slept through the night. Thereafter one could say that I got lazy. It was easier to just allow him to sleep in our bed. I realize now that it will be a huge obstacle transition him in his bed. We know what needs to be done. Everything else was a breeze, breaking, breaking the pacifier and potty even bottled. I take full possession and realize that I made a mistake.
Baby's sleep is very important. Again , I'm not a doctor or Professional license. I am a work from home mom who offers advice and personal advice. I think in this area I need suggestions and advice from all of you. LOL. I decided to write this page to mention the fundamental facts about sleep for your baby. I don't want others to do some of my mistakes.
Amount of sleep
Depending on their age, toddlers require anywhere from 12-16 hours of sleep per day. This is the total sleep including NAPs. Really depends on the child and the program you put them when they were babies. My 3 year old sleeps 12 hours. He sleeps from 20:30 to 8:30. He doesn't take any NAPs.
Some children require 1 or 2 NAPs a day. My son didn't do well with Pan. Want to stay up later and later. I took the Pan off at the age of 2 years and did great. Every child is different. If you have a child who wants to be a "night owl" then try removing the Pan. You may be pleasantly surprised. This means that you don't get that little pause during the day, but you can get during the night.
Bedtime routines
This is critical to your child's sleep good. Their little bodies get used to the same routine that helps them fall asleep on his own. A routine will help them become more relaxed. Believe it or not it helps to get into a rhythm and stay with it. I'll give you some great examples of some things that you can try.
Bath Time
Pajama time
Teeth brushing time/potty time
Story time
Prayer time
Sleep time
These are the steps to begin your own personal routine. The routine is going to change naturally. These are just a few areas that I feel are important and you can start with. Take your relaxation time and have fun. Remember is a process and it will take time to become automatic. Before you know it, you're bed time routine will work like clockwork. So let's get started.
Bath Time
Bathing is very important. Especially if you buy Lavender soothing baby wash. I'll make some bubbles with washing. It is important to establish good eating habits even when it comes to bathing.
Pajama time
After the bath tub then put on their favorite PJ 's. I allow my son to take her before bed. He loves to have the choice. He looks forward to this. I think that makes it ready for baby's sleep. My son loves his Spiderman Pajamas with webs. Makes it really feel like Spidey. "Pj" s "makes it exciting to go to bed for your baby. So keep stocked up to faves!!
Brushing teeth/potty time
This is the time to brush your teeth and going to the potty. (If they are potty-trained). You may need to change their diapers etc if not potty-trained. This is the time to follow the same routine every night doing the basics of bathroom is what I like to call them. My son loves to brush your teeth and comb your hair. Are more relaxed for sleep knowing what is coming next. This helps prepare them for baby's sleep.
Story time
Remember to determine how many books and set the limit immediately. For example, I tell my son I will read a book and me reading a book. That is, after we both finished it is time to go to sleep. Children will get to move around and get more reading off of you. Don't give in.
Toddlers will try to prolong the inevitable ... sleep. They fight and fight. Set limits and be firm. Eventually you will get because my 3 years not even ask anymore. Allow them to choose the books and still give them choices when possible.
Prayer time
Prayer time is a must in my family before the baby's sleep or sleep period. We pray as a family together as much as possible. However, when my son goes to sleep, says his personal prayer that says every night. He is so cute when she says that it knows that this is the last step before bed time. as a family we can do on this prayer. may be the classic "now I lay me down to sleep", or your own personal prayer. Here is my little boy's prayer: Dear God, thank you for blessing us and protects us.
In Jesus ' name, Amen
My baby is 3 so as to get an understanding. It says everything by itself. I wanted to start at an early age, knowing the importance of prayer. As we get older we need to incorporate more naturally in his prayers.
Sleep time
Baby sleep is a wonderful magical time where can drift off to dreamland. Usually by this time takes maybe 5 minutes and my son is sleeping. We went through all the steps of our routine, and he is off. During their sleep are growing and getting healthy.
It's amazing the power of sleep and how our bodies need. As adults we get cranky and Crabby when we sleep. Toddlers are like us, they need to sleep and enough of it. I know it's not perfect every night. A sick child can get out of their routine.
All we can do as parents is to do our best. I said before that I also made a lot of mistakes, especially when it came to the sleeping child. We can only learn from them and try again. That is the best part we can wake up tomorrow and do it all over again. Until then ... Have a good night!