While the holiday season is about enjoying quality time with friends and family, it is also a disruptive period which can throw off your child’s sleeping pattern.
Early starts, late-night festivities and travelling are among the main challenges which inevitably lead to a restless child at Christmas time.
But here to help is The Sleep Coach Cheryl Fingleson, who has shared her top tips to help ease your baby or toddler through the busy period.
Australian sleep coach Cheryl Fingleson told FEMAIL her top tips to help ease your baby or toddler through the busy holiday period without disturbing their sleeping pattern (stock image)
INSTITUTE CALM AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
Scheduling a relaxing afternoon nap – or at least a low-key activity – will better prepare your child for a later bed time, Ms Fingleson said.
She added: ‘A well-rested child will cope far better with the hustle and bustle.
‘Children thrive on routine, so allowing for some late nights, make sure that for the majority of nights the routine is kept close to normal.’
DON’T FORGET COMFORT ITEMS
Christmas time will often introduce babies and toddlers to new places or over-stimulating environments.
Ms Fingleson said this can be scary for small children, so parents should be sure to provide comfort items to help them sleep.
‘Familiar items can help create a safe and relaxing space,’ she said.
‘These may include a nightlight, white noise machine, blanket or favourite toy.’
Ms Fingleson said new environments can be scary for children, so parents should be sure to provide comfort items to help them sleep (stock image)
PLAY HOST TO PREVENT TRAVEL
Those with a young child on their hands may want to consider hosting Christmas to keep them more settled.
Travelling can be a major disturbance to a young child’s sleeping pattern, and so it may be best for visitors to come to you, Ms Fingleson said.
Those with a young child may want to consider hosting Christmas to keep them more settled, Ms Fingleson (pictured) said
She added: ‘A consistent sleep space helps the child to recognise that sleep-time is immanent, and also provides a reason to leave parties or activities in time for an agreeable bedtime.’
…AND IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL, PREPARE
For those with family interstate or overseas, travelling is inevitable at Christmas time.
Ms Fingleson warned that parents should prepare accordingly if travelling across time-zones, otherwise they run the risk of having a restless child on their hands.
‘Create a plan to navigate the travel, sleeping arrangements, increased stimuli and visiting demands,’ she said.
Ms Fingleson suggested setting out scheduled meal, snack, nap and bed times during periods of travel to assist a smoother transition.