How do I get the television (and other electronics!) out of my child’s room without causing a week-long meltdown? In general, toddlers who have electronics in their room and use them right before bedtime get less sleep and have more sleep problems than ones who don’t. It may appear that the [...]
What should I know about toddler sleep? 1. It is normal for toddlers (and everyone else!) to wake several times during the night. 2. Most toddlers (over 80 %) stop taking naps between the ages of 3 and 4 years, but some will still need a nap at age 5 years and a few may even need a nap at age 6 [...]
My child has ADHD. What are some strategies I can use to make sure he gets the best sleep possible. Sleep problems – such as coming in and out of the room at the start of the night or wanting mom or dad next to them as they fall asleep at the start of the night – are very common in children [...]
My partner is about to deploy and usually does bedtime. Help! Many parents in military families act as a single parent at one time or another, if they are not single parents all of the time. Preparing for a deployment can be a real challenge with a multitude of things to plan for – and, frankly, [...]
What are some examples of how a routine might be changed for my child with autism or other developmental needs? In general, we recommend a similar approach for children who are typically developing and those with special needs: a regular bedtime and a consistent, calming, short (20-30 minutes) [...]
Should he play games on my phone before bed? Typically, using electronics – or anything with a screen – before bed is not recommended. This is because light from those devices temporarily prevents our brains (and your little one’s brain) from making melatonin. Melatonin is typically [...]
How can my active toddler settle at bedtime? First, avoid caffeine such as soda, iced tea, or dark chocolate. Second, avoid electronics for about an hour before bed. Finally, having a consistent bedtime and a consistent bedtime routine will help your little one settle a bit and know it is time for [...]
Should I put a night light in his room? You can absolutely put a nightlight in your baby’s room. This may be particularly helpful as he grows up and common nighttime fears may develop. When considering a nightlight, first, make sure that it does not involve the use of any electronics. For [...]
What is melatonin and what does it do? Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain that helps regulate our internal clock (circadian clock) and may induce sleep. Melatonin is commonly used to help people become sleepy, but it does not have this effect in everyone; only the body clock effect occurs [...]
My toddler falls asleep while watching a movie every night. How do I get her to fall asleep without it? Separating children from electronics or something like a movie or television show can be a tough task, regardless of the time of day! Helping little ones learn to fall asleep without electronics [...]