The Holidays are nearing the end… you are busy packing the holidays away, getting your home back to normal, prepping to send your kids back to school, get back to a normal routine, or maybe… you are just sitting in the chaos and still enjoying the simpleness of the week between Christmas and New Year.

As you either put the holidays away or keep it up for another month I want to share with you ways and steps to ensure better sleep is found for your little ones in year 2023.

Maybe you have never had an, “amazing” sleeper or maybe things got chaotic over the holidays… If either of these sound like you, read closely!

Sleep is about to be a part of your NEW YEAR.

Tips For a Better Sleeper:

Implementing Age Appropriate Schedules:

Expecting a four year old and ten week old to have the same sleep habits, is a bit insane. so, first thing to do is ensure that your four year old and ten week old are both on age appropriate schedules, and follow them out.

Age appropriate schedules look a lot like:

Wake Windows: Download the Wake Window guide for understanding the best age appropriate schedule. Three months olds should not be awake for 3.5 hours where 6 month olds are capable with staying up that long before becoming overtired.
Nap Lengths: It is okay if newborns and five month olds take 45-60 min naps but your 8 month old takes 1.5 hour long naps.
Amount of daytime and nighttime sleep: Your newborn needs to sleep 9 hours out of the 12 hour day, but your nine-month old should never sleep that long.
Feedings: Ensuring to feed your two-month old every two hours but understanding your eight-month old can last longer between feedings.

Implementing a Bedtime Routine:

A great way to cue your little ones brain that bedtime is approaching is to begin a bedtime routine from day ONE. Yes, the first night of their life.

Ensure that you know the bedtime routine is a great way to cue their brains bedtime is coming, but also, a great way to begin implementing routines with your kids that can be fun and memorable.

Bath: I love to tell my parents to start with a bath. If you do not do baths every night then, wipe bath, washcloth bath… anything that cues their brain.
Potty: After the bath immediately potty or place them in a diaper (age appropriate).
Feedings: Always offer feedings before they are lathered in their lotion and cozy pajamas. Keep them awake. (NO BEDTIME ROUTINE FEEDINGS AFTER 12- MONTHS. Move it to0 before bedtime).
Play: Dance party, charades, blocks.
Read Book: 1-2 books.
Light out: Sound machine on and light out.

Getting Outside

The great sunshine, natural light and natural melatonin from the sunshine sets us all up for a better nights sleep.

Maybe it is cold where you are or maybe it is HOT. Whether the temperature is your favorite or not, get outside. Even if it is for 8-minute tops. The fresh air does wonders, and the natural sun-setting kicks in natural melatonin.

Tips on getting outside when the temperature is not your favorite:

TOO COLD:

Bundle up.
- Walk to the mailbox, take a trip around the block, look for things that may be in a nature book.
- do short 8-10 min long trips outside.
Have something warm when you get back inside or steam up the bathroom and feel the heat.

TOO HOT:

Lots of water intake/feedings
cool washcloths
Waterplay

Wanting and needing consistent sleep is not anything that should make you feel guilty. Wanting to begin the New Year with amazing sleep habits and routines can be a part of your families goals.

I would love to be a part of that planning and programming. Book a FREE call with me.

Happy New Year,

Brooke