What natural way can I get my 3 year old daughter to go to sleep easier at night

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   theryanprideposted 10 years ago

   What natural way can I get my 3 year old daughter to go to sleep easier at night?

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   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   I assume if this is being asked then all the normal get her on a schedule, bath, reading, have already been attempted. Melatonin is a chemical naturally produced in the body that helps tell the body to go to sleep. You can get melatonin in chewable and pill form for your daughter. I was highly against it for quite a while, but my daughter is 2 and a half and up until last week she had never slept through the night and had been a handful to get to sleep. I don't mind helping her get to sleep but I desperately needed her to sleep through the night at least once in a while. We started on 1 mg last week and she has fell asleep easier and has slept through twice.

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      theryanprideposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Does melatonin cause sleep problems later in life? Thank you for the advice.

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We had a genetics doctor suggest it. Since Melatonin is already produced in the body there is usually no issue with it. Very few have sleep problems right after starting it, but that is usually a sign they don't need it.

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   artist101posted 10 years ago

   
   
   Keeping a routine is key. Down time before bedtime is very helpful. Warm milk, bath with lavender added are also helpful. A light snack, with trytophan in it. Say turkey, milk, whole grains, peanut butter, what ever they like. No juice, no chocolate, no stimulants, 2 hours before a set bedtime. Calcium, and magnesium are both relaxing to the body, and mind. http://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Rainfo … e+for+kids
    
   Start turning down lights, and noise. Nothing "stimulating" before bedtime. Meaning, caffeine, sugar, or activities. my oldest son knew it was time for bed when the theme from MASH came on. Before that we would watch regular television, not scary movies, or "action packed" Tv. I set them on a regular schedule early on in their childhood, a set routine, that I did not change or veir from. Especially during the school year.

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Never give amino acids to children under the age of 16-18. Not a good idea. Better to obtain aminos in their foods, whole grains, proteins, are good sources.

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      theryanprideposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the rainforest animals I am going to order some and try it thank you for great advice!

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome. Cal/mag works for adults too. Both nutrients are very helpful for night time leg cramps, or restless legs, usually a sign of a magnesium deficiency. i know how frustrating it can be, as mothers we want the best for our children.

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   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   As frustrating as this is, it will pass so stay calm and realize it is inconvenient but not really a serious problem.
   
   About an hour before bed, keep things quiet and calm. It is tempting, especially for dads, to rough house and tease before bedtime but it ramps them up too much.  There are a lot of things to try and once the routine is set, you shouldn't vary from it.  A nice warm bath, a favorite, quiet, TV show, stories etc.
   
   Be sure that she has no sugar, anything with Red 40, sodium benzoate or caffeine before bed (or anytime during the day really - poison for kids!)  Once in bed, if she needs a night light or the door open, let her have that control. Check on her every 15 minutes or so to be sure she is not anxious or upset.
   
   And stay patient, she will out grow it.

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Forgot about the red dye. My youngest had this problem, and of course Hawain punch was his favorite. Trial and error, made him hyped, dont know if it was the sugar, or the dye. Certain antihistamines would also make him nuts. Dallergy, and atarax.

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      duffsmomposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We were really worried about my granddaughter when she was tiny, she would just get mean... her mom change her diet and took out all red 40 and she became a different child. Amazing. Even some white icings have red 40!

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I know its crazy what they put in our food, and medicine. Is it really necessary? When I worked in the pharmacy, it was so you could identify meds, but later they just stamp the pills now. Makes it hard to identify allergy, is it the med, or carrier?

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      theryanprideposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your advice.we try to stay away from dyes and processed food but may be I could cut down the sugar.

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      artist101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hang in there, it will get better. it's just trial and error, trust your instincts. You know her better than anyone, and as mothers we always want the best for our children.

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