Three tips to help your little one sleep well.
Sleep! It must one of the most regular conversations between parents but also one of the trickiest things for parents (and their children) to achieve. As a mum of three young children myself I feel incredibly passionate about the health benefits of sleep for children and young people.
I know how hard it can be to not get enough sleep and suspect I might have an idea about how desperate you are starting to feel. Having undertaken the journey to get my children to sleep and settle well, I want to be able to share my knowledge and expertise with other families, allowing them to get a better night’s sleep and to enjoy the time they spend together.
I am a qualified Sleep Sense consultant but have also undertaken the Children’s Sleep Charity’s sleep practitioners course. The Children’s Sleep Charity work within the NHS in order to assist children, and their families, get more sleep. Prior to qualifying as a sleep consultant I practised as a specialist solicitor in childcare law for over a decade.
The methods I use allow me to work with you, and your family, to create a customised sleep plan on the basis of what is right for you and your little one. I don’t ask you to leave your little one to cry alone but, instead, will tailor make a plan addressing your child’s specific problems and needs. Once we have met and discussed the plan I will support you, as you implement the plan, every step of the way by phone calls and emails.
Of course you may not need one-on-one support, you may just need a few tips on how to get your little one to settle and sleep well, if so, read on:
Top Three Tips for Sleep!
Children of different ages require different types of help but my top tips for all children (older than newborns) would be the same:
1. Allow or teach your little one, to develop self-soothing strategies. If your child depends on a prop to fall asleep like feeding, dummies, patting, rocking or even mummy or daddy they will find it difficult to get back to sleep without their prop. It’s important we teach our children these skills so they can do it themselves and begin to sleep more peacefully.
2. Consistency is vital! However you choose to help your little one learn their independent sleep skills, ensure you remain consistent. Children thrive on boundaries and therefore it is vital to be consistent with children so they know what is, and what is not, going to happen.
3. The importance of a good routine should not be underestimated. This does not mean you have to watch the clock for certain times but definitely watch your little one for sleep signs at bedtime and around naptime. Making sure your child’s bedtime routine is the same every night, and involves some wind down time, is also really helpful and will allow their body to become ready for sleep.
If you need any support with your consistency, or you’re struggling to figure out the timings with your little one, just get in touch. Imagine how much happier your house will be with well rested children (and adults) so contact us at The Insomnia Clinic and we will give you a call to discuss how we can help.
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