How To Get Two Year Old To Sleep?
There is nothing worse than a tired, cranky two year old.
They seem to have boundless energy when you're trying to get them to bed,
and when you finally do they wake up at the crack of dawn.
If you're struggling to get your two year old to sleep through the night,
here are a few tips to help.
First, try to establish a bedtime routine.
A bath, a story, and a cuddle can help signal to your child that it's time to wind down for the night.
Make sure their bedroom is dark and quiet, and consider investing in a white noise machine to help them drift off.
If your child is still resisting bedtime, there's no need to get frustrated.
Try to stay calm and be patient.
Offer encouragement and praise when they do finally settle down,
and they'll be more likely to stick with it next time.
Establish a Routine
One of the most important things you can do is to establish a bedtime routine. This should be a short, simple series of activities that help your child wind down and prepare for sleep. Try to stick to the same routine every night so that your child knows what to expect.
Limit Caffeine and Sugar
Caffeine and sugar can both interfere with sleep, so it's important to limit them in the hours leading up to bedtime. This means cutting out sugary snacks and drinks, as well as limiting screen time.
Create a Calm Environment
Your child's bedroom should be a calm and relaxing place. Keep the lights low and try to avoid noise in the lead-up to bedtime. You might also want to consider using a white noise machine to help your child fall asleep more easily.
< Get Your Child Moving During the Day
Make sure your child is getting plenty of exercise during the day. This will help them burn off energy and be ready for sleep at night. Just make sure not to wear them out too close to bedtime or they might have trouble falling asleep.
Establish A Routine
One of the best ways to get a two year old to sleep is by establishing a routine. This means having a specific time when they go to bed every night. If they know that they need to sleep at a certain time, they will be more likely to follow through with it.
Make The Bedroom Comfortable
You should also make sure that the bedroom is comfortable for your child. This means keeping the room dark and at a comfortable temperature. If the room is too bright or too warm, it will be difficult for your child to fall asleep.
Give Them A Bedtime Snack
Giving your child a bedtime snack can also help them sleep. A light, healthy snack will help them stay full and avoid waking up in the middle of the night. Avoid sugary snacks that will give them an energy boost and keep them up longer.
Put Them To Bed Awake
One mistake that many parents make is putting their child to bed while they are still awake. This can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep. Instead, put them in bed when they are drowsy but still awake. This way, they can drift off to sleep on their own.
Follow Through With Consequences
If your child does not want to go to bed, it is important that you follow through with consequences. This could mean no television or sweets the following day. If they know that there will be repercussions for not sleeping, they will be more likely to comply.