There’s no easy answer, but there are some clever tips such as taking away phones, tablets and screens, avoiding high sugar snacks and sweets before bed, and settling down to a good bedtime story, as our top bedtime tips without tears blog explains.
We’ve all been there as parents - dinner’s been served, the children have had their baths and they’re now winding down for the day. But, as bed time draws closer, so does the overwhelming dread of trying to get them to hit the hay without any tears or tantrums. Ensuring your little ones get a well rested, good night’s sleep can be a challenge, so we’ve decided to reveal our top tips on how to help ensure a stress-free, seamless night time routine to get them to drift off into a peaceful slumber…
Splish splash, it’s time for a bath
Whilst it isn’t a necessity to bathe your little ones every day, many parents feel as though it’s a great way to get them to relax and often integrate a bath as part of their bedtime routine. A good soak in the tub is a great way to create a calming atmosphere and set them up for a brilliant night’s sleep.
Screens away at the end of the day
It’s recommended to avoid tablets, TV’s and phones within two hours of bedtime as it can disrupt your child’s sleep. Read this Guardian article to learn more. Whilst it can be tempting to put Fireman Sam or the Teletubbies on as we unwind for the day, this can actually overstimulate your child, making it difficult for them to peacefully drift off come bedtime.
It’s all fun and games
If you find bed time a challenge for your child, doing some quiet play time with them, letting them pick out which pyjamas they want to wear or putting on new bed sheets can be a fun and interactive way to get your little one involved in their bedtime routine, making it feel less of a big event.
Float off on cloud nine
The better they sleep, the better you do too. A good night’s sleep starts with a comfortable mattress, which is why we offer a selection of memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers that are perfect for your little one’s slumber. Available in a range of sizes, made in the UK and at a variety of price points, there’s something to suit every budget.
Storytime
A bedtime staple for many households. Some of our fondest memories from being a child are all of the fabulous and brilliant bedtime stories that were read to us at the end of the day. Reading a bedtime story to your little one isn’t just a soothing way to get them to unwind but also creates some wonderful, unforgettable memories. Some of our favourite bedtime stories include the Wind in the Willows, the Magic Far Away Tree and Goodnight Moon. This link from Good Housekeeping lists some familiar, and less familiar books:
The best bedtime stories for kids according to experts
Sing away the day
We all know the struggle, getting them to put their pyjamas on, the tantrums when trying to get them to brush their teeth. However, if you sing interactive songs about getting ready for bed or teeth brushing, it makes it a fun and creative environment for children to enjoy instead of a stressful atmosphere.
Consistency is key
Children thrive off of routine, so the key is to ensure whatever your bedtime routine is, to try and stick to it and keep it as consistent as possible.
A quick summary for bedtime success
- Remove any devices that will tempt them to get excited
- Focus on their imaginations with a story or two
- Stick to a routine
Now we’ve revealed our top bedtime tips, why not look at changing the way you sleep for good? So, whether you’re looking for a mattress for yourself, your little one or for your guest room, we have a large selection of memory foam mattresses available! All of our mattresses are made in the UK, come in a variety of sizes and ensure a heavenly night’s sleep. Plus, now is the perfect time to bag a bargain as our January sale is still on where you can save up to 50% off selected products. Hurry though, these prices won’t be around forever!