This means they'll fall asleep within 30 minutes, rather than fighting sleep.
The University of Colorado researchers believe that putting your child to bed too early can leave unable to sleep as their body clock just isn’t ready.
Choosing a bedtime which is out of sync with your child’s body clock is what causes sleepless nights, for both you and your child, they also claim.
The study, which was published in the Mind, Brain and Education journal, said a good night’s sleep depends on when toddlers experience a rise in the body’s levels of the melatonin hormone.
Melatonin levels increase during the evening to rule the internal body clock.
We have to warn you that the ideal time to put your little one to sleep might need to be adjusted around when the clocks change!
How much sleep do toddlers need?
Experts recommend toddlers get about 10 to 12 hours of sleep a night, plus one or two naps during the day.
But, every child is unique, so your toddler may need a little more or less depending on factors like genetics and temperament.
Instead of going by the clock, it might be more beneficial to pay attention to your toddler’s behaviour.
Bedtime routines
When it comes to your toddler getting a good night’s sleep, a bedtime routine can really help.
You can start a bedtime routine as early as 4 to 6 months, and the key is to keep things calm and consistent.
Some ideas for what you can include in your toddler’s bedtime routine:
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A warm bath
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A bedtime story
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Singing a lullaby together
It’s also recommended to
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ban screen time in the hour before bed
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stop any active play and running around
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dim the lights in your toddler’s bedroom, or turn on a night-light if you have one
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close the curtains
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play soothing music or white noise
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check that the room temperature is comfortable for your toddler
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check to see if anything is bothering your toddler — if so, moving objects that cause scary shadows, shutting the closet doors, or closing the curtains can all be ways to help your toddler feel safe.
