Bedtime struggles are a common challenge for many families. If you're finding it difficult to get your little one to drift off to dreamland peacefully, Dr. Kyle Pruett, a clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a member of The Goddard School Educational Advisory Board, offers these helpful tips:
Begin establishing a consistent bedtime routine when your child is between 4 and 6 months old. This helps them learn to associate certain cues with sleep. However, be patient! Just like adults, children need time to fall asleep, even with a good routine. It may take weeks for them to master the skill of self-soothing.
While it might be tempting to put your child down when they're already asleep, this can actually hinder their ability to fall back asleep independently when they wake up during the night.
Some crying at bedtime is normal and expected. It's your child's way of communicating their needs and expressing frustration. The key is to respond in a comforting and reassuring way without giving in and creating unhelpful sleep associations.
A consistent bedtime routine provides comfort and predictability. Here's how to make it work:
Start with calming activities like a bath, reading a book, or quiet playtime.
Put your child down when they're drowsy but still awake.
Stay near your child, offering occasional gentle touch and soothing words if needed.
Encourage them to find their pacifier on their own, building self-soothing skills.
Say goodnight softly and leave the room.
If crying continues, wait a few moments, then return briefly to offer comfort and reassurance in a calm voice.
By following these expert tips and remaining consistent, you can help your child learn to fall asleep independently and develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come.