When was the last time your 'little angel's' went to bed and actually slept through the night?  With younger children, difficulties with settling and sleeping can be quite common.  So what can you as a parent do, to help your toddler or young child to slip into, and stay comfortably in 'the Land of Nod'?

 With very young children, the way you get them to sleep will set them up in a routine where they expect the same experience every night.  If you find yourself rocking, feeding and cuddling your baby to sleep, and then doing silent acrobatics to manuvere yourself from around them, they will continue to need that routine nightly and won't learn to self-settle.

 A few tips:

• With young infants, implementing a routine like "feed, cuddle, nappy change, bed and goodnight" may help teach him (or her) to gently fall asleep.  When a baby falls asleep in your arms or at the breast/bottle, when they stir in between sleep cycles, they could wake up as they are not how they were when originally falling asleep. By feeding and then changing their nappy, they will not fall asleep feeding, and will be very comfortable to learn to go to sleep independantly.
• Young toddlers could also benefit from a similar but age appropriate routine, with plenty of 'quiet time' before bed.

All children thrive when in a predictable routine. When a toddler or child can know what will 'happen next', it can help them to feel secure as well as settle effectively.

Perhaps take into consideration a few of the following ideas when preparing your 'going to sleep routine'.

1. Make sure you give yourself and you baby/toddler/child plenty of time to settle down and go through the process.
2. Look at putting your child down long enough after dinner that they're not in full swing digestion process, but not so long after that they could become hungry and be more unsettled.
3. A bath before bed can make a big difference, as it can be soothing and relaxing for your child (thus encouraging restful sleep), as well as making sure they are clean from the days activities. It is a clear signal that your bedtime routine is being followed, and sleep is imminent.
4. Although is sounds cliche, a story being read is a good way to help those lively minds calm down. It helps their language/reading skills and inspires bonding and discussions with your child.
5. Talking with a loving yet firm voice, in a way that shows that you expect your child to do as asked, rather than pleading or demanding.
6. If they hop out of bed, firmly but lovingly escort them back to bed and resettle them.
7. Be consistent. It may take alot of time and patience, but the rewards are well worth it when your child sleeps soundly (as do you and the rest of the family!)

 Note: Please consult your child health nurse/midwife or family health practitioner if you have any concerns at all.

In conclusion, sleep issues are common with babies and children, but with some good advice, love and consistency, you have a good chance of helping your child get a great nights sleep.