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 [...]
Is lack of sleep causing my child to act up during the day? If your child is not getting enough sleep, it is likely impacting his or her behavior during the day. Likewise, children with daytime behavior problems are more likely to develop certain sleep problems. When it comes to sleep and [...]
My toddler has a lot of trouble separating from me at bedtime and during the day. What can I do to help him sleep better? Separation distress usually emerges around 6 months when infants develop a strong attachment to their primary caregivers. It typically peaks between 18 and 24 months, but can [...]
What’s a bedtime pass and can I use it with my toddler? The bedtime pass (BP) is a great option for older toddlers and children who are disruptive after lights out, and sometimes do things like calling out, making multiple requests, or coming out of the bedroom after bedtime (or during [...]
What should I do if my child strips off her clothes and diaper in her crib? Removing clothing is a common behavior that often starts for no other reason than your child has learned a new skill. If you notice it is occurring more and more frequently, it may be time to figure out why the behavior [...]
I’m about to have a baby and have had depression in the past. Am I at risk for postpartum depression? A history of depression is a known risk factor for postpartum disorder. However, it is important to remember that the meaning of a risk factor is that it statistically increases the probability [...]
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) [...]
My child has autism. Who can help me with his sleep? Many children with autism have a team of people including occupational therapists, behavior therapists, and speech therapists. All of the people on a child’s team can play a role in helping with sleep. Most families have a person who [...]
I have young foster children in the home who have been maltreated in the past. How might that affect their sleep? The scientific literature suggests that children who have been maltreated are at risk of long term sleep difficulties, such as difficulty sleeping and experiencing nightmares. Of [...]
I have postpartum depression. What can you tell me about how this might affect my little one’s sleep? Links between postpartum depression and infant sleep problems have been reported. It is important that you realize that this does not necessarily mean that your depression is leading to [...]