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Top parenting stories this week
Changing from Two Naps to One
Is your child ready to drop his morning nap? Here’s how to make the transition from two naps to one.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Dropping a Nap
- Most children switch to one nap between ages 12 and 24 months.
- Your baby’s temperament can be affected by dropping a nap too soon.
- If he naps well for one of his naps, but totally resists the other, he may be ready to switch to one a day.
- Choose a single naptime that is later than the usual morning nap, but not as late as the afternoon nap.
- Keep your child active until about 30 minutes before the naptime you have chosen.
ost children switch from two naps to one between ages 12 and 24 months. Here’s how to tell if your child is ready to drop his morning nap: To view the full story click here.
Summer Sleep Solutions
Long sunny days and busy summer schedules can wreck havoc on sleep routines. Here's how to get back on track.
by: Sydney Loney
Summer Sleep
- Many kids don’t get enough sleep in the summer and it can completely change their personalities.
- Kids who go to bed later at night will often wake at the same time they normally would, or sometimes even earlier.
- Napping on the go in a car seat or stroller is not as restorative as motionless sleep in a crib.
- If you’re embarking on a summer excursion, leave first thing in the morning when your child wakes up, or right after a nap so you don’t disrupt his sleep schedule.
- Maintain your nap and bedtime routines no matter where you go so your child knows what to expect and will have less trouble falling asleep.
hether you’re spending the day at the beach or heading off to yet another summer BBQ, chances are your child is no longer on a regular sleep schedule. Here’s how to maintain nap and bedtime routines so your child gets enough sleep in the summer.
To view the full story click here.
Naptime Solutions
Naptime is important–for both mom and baby. Here’s how to make sure your child is getting sufficient daytime sleep.
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Naptime
- Naps are crucial to a child's growth and development.
- You can tell your child needs more naptime if she seems to have more patience earlier in the day, cries more easily in the evening or has temper tantrums during her bedtime routine at night.
- A three-month old needs to nap for five to six hours a day; a two-year-old should nap for one to two hours.
- Watch for cues that your child is ready for a nap (such as losing interest in playtime, becoming fussy or rubbing her eyes) - if you miss those cues she may become overtired and unable to fall asleep.
- Tips for better naps include: keeping the room dark, playing soft music and dressing your child in comfortable clothes.
aps are important for your child's health and development. A nap refreshes a child so she can maintain her energy for the rest of the day. Studies show that children who nap are more adaptable, have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those who don't nap. Here's how to help your child get the rest she needs: To view the full story click here.
Moving from Crib to Bed
How to make the transition from crib to bed go more smoothly for your child
by: Elizabeth Pantley
Transition to Big Bed
- A child typically moves from crib to bed between ages one and three.
- If the crib rail is at nipple height when your child stands up, there is a possibility he could climb out of his crib.
- A mattress on the floor, toddler bed or regular bed with rails are all good options for his first real bed.
- Move the new bed into his room and do your bedtime reading in it, but allow him to have nighttime sleeps in the crib to help him get used to the bed gradually.
- Make an event out of introducing the "big kid" bed. You may even want to throw a mini party.
- Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed.
oving from crib to bed is a milestone in your life as well as your child's. There is no precise time for making the transition, though typically it's between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change. To view the full story click here.
Help your Toddler Stay in his Bed
The move from crib to bed can be challenging. Here's how to encourage your little one to stay in bed when it's time to sleep.
by: Nancy Ripton
Stay in Bed Techniques
- Most children make the transition from crib to bed between ages one and three.
- Send a clear, consistent message that sleeping is to be done in your child's bed and keep the bedtime routine the same as it was when he was in his crib.
- When your child wakes, be as "boring" as possible and lead him back to his bed.
- Put a gate across your child's doorway to keep him safe in case he does get up in the night.
- Make sure your child's room is safe because nighttime wanderings will happen.
he patter of little feet on the floor is never a welcome sound after lights out. "It's natural for a toddler or preschooler to search out his parents in the middle of the night for comfort and security," says sleep expert Elizabeth Pantley. But if nighttime wanderings are getting in the way of your toddler's sleep (not to mention your own), here are a 10 ways to encourage him to stay in bed:
1. Make the transition between ages one and three: Most children make the
