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 are some things I can do to help my children sleep around the holidays? It is so common for children to have sleep disruptions during the holiday period! Evening events, traveling, spending time with extended family, and excitement of the season can all contribute to inconsistent schedules and [...]
How can I help my child with autism settle down and get ready for bed? Many children with autism and other developmental conditions have difficulty calming down and preparing for sleep. The first goal is to help them understand the elements of the bedtime routine. A visual schedule and consistent [...]
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 [...]
My child has autism. What can I expect about her sleep? Children with autism and autism spectrum disorders often experience sleep difficulties. These can include difficulties falling asleep, maintaining sleep and experiencing short sleep duration. As with other disorders, the reasons for the [...]
When should I wean my child’s pacifier? Generally, this topic is best for your child’s dentist. In the meantime, from a sleep perspective, know that there are a few times when it might be easier to wean the pacifier than others. First, it will be easier before your little one is 4-months-old. [...]
What do I do when he climbs out of the crib? The easiest way to manage climbing is to prevent it as best as possible. Depending on the toddler’s age, you can have him sleep in a safe sleep sack, which can sometimes help to prevent climbing. The other thing to think about are the circumstances [...]
How can she sleep if I work late? Many families struggle with this. The most important thing is that your little one is getting enough sleep overall, even if her bedtime needs to be a bit later. If she has a later bedtime and then can sleep a bit later, then she will be able to get the right amount [...]