Do you have sweet dreams of your children going to sleep with no troubles? Well, consider it a dream come true when you follow these tried-and-true tips that will help shut-eye without the usual headaches associated with bedtime. Following this guide will definitely make the process a whole lot simpler. The first step is figuring out a window for sleeping so that you can set up a schedule that you'll follow consistently. {relatedarticles}Most children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep every night. Depending on how your child seems during the day - overtired or well-rested - you'll be able to determine if he or she is getting enough Zzzzzs. Once you've nailed down a bed "time," put together a plan. Set up a routine. How about the 3-B approach? Give your child a bath.
Allow your child to play and relax in the bathtub. Once your child is in his or her pajamas, read a book or two. Once you've completed book time, take a few minutes to bond with your child until he or she appears sleepy. Following these activities, the lights should go out without any further discussion. This routine should be followed every night and eventually your child will know what to expect. Keep it simple. Keep the activities quiet. Consider this the time for winding down.{relatedarticles} As it gets closer to bedtime, dim the lights. Try to keep toys and animals out of the bed. The last thing you want is your child sitting in bed playing instead of falling asleep. If older children have trouble falling asleep at night, give these hints a try. Cut out caffeine, especially late in the afternoon or at night. Make sure he or she is getting plenty of physical activity during the day-exercise and fresh air will help your child sleep better.