Bedtime for Preschoolers

Sleep is an important part of the child's life. Sleep disorders are common in young children and although most cases are not serious if they upset the families. It is useful to know some characteristics of infant sleep, establish criteria for which there are no changes and recognize when you should consult a doctor.

NORMAL SLEEP

The newborn has a rhythm of sleep shorter than the older child or adult. That is, the sleep-wake cycles occur several times a day until 4-6 months after the sleep-wake rhythm is done every 24 hours (circadian rhythm). The child's first few months is an active sleep (eye movements, a little noise, mouth gestures, movements of limbs) and this is followed by a peaceful sleep. From 4-6 months sleep stages are similar to those of older children and adults where first four stages of sleep and quiet sleep equivalent to a phase of rapid eye movements that correspond to the dream, ie , we can remember the dream if we wake up on those occasions.

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DREAM OF CHILDREN

Establish routines ever since the child is small bathroom, making dinner or night, continuing a period of exchange of affection and play outside the bedroom and put the boy to sleep. You should not lie down to sleep, cradling her, allowing touch the hair of the mother or staying with him or her to sleep. (It should be remembered that the child will claim these links, dependent on the presence of an adult, usually the mother, to stay asleep again if you have prolonged awakenings). Once placed in its cradle lay the child should be briefly and completely normal. It is desirable to have mobile in her crib, stuffed animals and other objects that pose no risk to children and to serve as a link to go to sleep again if you have prolonged awakening.
Do not worry if your child falls asleep a few months after shooting. Lay him normally, it almost certainly will not have sleep disorders as a result. If more than three or four months old, wakes up often at night and very little breast or bottle takes just may have set the nipple sucking or nipple as links to fall asleep. If you suspect this, see your pediatrician.
 is not advisable for children to sleep with parents in the same bed as there is risk of death by suffocation.

  From 3-4 months the child should sleep in your room if possible. If not, it is advisable to establish by a space separating the child in the parents room.

Getting enough sleep is important for your child’s mental and physical development. A sleepy child is more irritable, more accident prone, and less able to pay attention than a well-rested child. Children vary, but most preschoolers need to sleep about 10 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period. Although there isn't one sure way to raise a good sleeper, the key is to try from early on to establish healthy bedtime habits.

How can I help my child develop good sleeping habits?• Set fixed times for going to bed, waking up, and taking naps.
• Set aside some quiet time during the day for a nap. Explain that you want your child to start out in bed, but that it's OK to play in the bedroom quietly if he can't sleep.
• Stick to a regular bedtime, alerting your child both 30 minutes and 10 minutes beforehand.
• Include a winding-down period a half hour or so before bedtime. Offer a small, healthy snack. (Remember tooth brushing afterward!) Avoid stimulating games or television. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine that ends in the room where he sleeps.
• Let your child choose which pajamas to wear, which soft toy to take to bed, etc.
• Put him to sleep in the same quiet, cozy, sleep environment every night.
• Use the bed for sleeping only. Keep televisions and computers out of the bedroom.
• Play soft, soothing music if it helps your child relax.
• Tuck your child into bed for a feeling of affection and security.
• Kiss him goodnight and leave the room.

What if my child has difficulty falling asleep or gets up during the night?• Keep things quiet at bedtime to ease the transition. If your child can hear talking, laughing, or sounds from a computer or TV, it's easy to see how she might feel left out.
• Let her have a night-light or leave a door slightly open if she dislikes the dark.
• Encourage your child to fall asleep alone. Lying down with a child until she falls asleep can be a hard habit to change. If your child gets up, reassure her that she is safe and return her to her bed.

What can I do if my child isn't tired at bedtime? • Increase active, outdoor play (though not within 3 hours of bedtime).
• Scale back daytime naps.
• Wake her earlier in the morning.
Bedtime battles can test a parent's resolve. If your child is pushing the limits, state your expectations clearly but calmly and stick to the routine. Eventually, your consistency should pay off in a good night's sleep for everyone. If it doesn’t and you're worried about your child's sleeping patterns, talk with your doctor.