From the moment babies are born, parents respond quickly to every cry or wail at every need. Teaching toddlers how to put themselves back to sleep is not a process that can be taught in just a week's time. Some days will be easier than others but these training methods can help your toddler become a sound sleeper.
Here are five ways to help toddlers learn how to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake up.
1. Follow A Routine
Start by slowing down your child early in the evening to make it easy to wind down for bedtime. Limit the use of electronic devices at least three hours before bedtime. Instead, encourage quiet activities such as listening to a story or drawing.
Follow the same bedtime routine every night so the toddler can predict when it's time to go to bed. A nightly ritual could be activities such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, combing hair and singing a lullaby. As kids get more used to a routine, they will get to anticipate each activity without needing too much help for their parents, according to Livestrong.
2. Set Their Biological Clock
Aside from putting little ones to sleep at the same time every day, it would also help to wake them up at a certain time daily as well. Setting their biological clock will help to get them sleepy at a more predictable time to avoid any sleep disturbances.
3. Get Them Fresh Air, Sunshine And Exercise
Often times, toddlers who have a hard time sleeping are filled with energy and emotions not expelled throughout the day. Kids sleep a lot more soundly when they get to play outdoors and empty all that stress before bedtime.
4. Make It Comfortable
Room-darkening shades, comfortable sleeping temperatures and warm pajamas can all make comfortable sleeping environments. The goal is to ensure that any discomforts would not wake your toddler during slight disturbances, according to Aha! Parenting.
5. Allow Time
Instead of running into a kid's room at the first cry for help, hold off and see if they can figure out how to get back to sleep themselves. Teaching toddlers how to put themselves to sleep takes time as some kids take a little longer than others.
