Tips to Help Your Little One Go To Sleep Faster 

As a family-owned and operated company associated with high-quality mattresses, we pride ourselves on handcrafted mattresses using new materials and technologies to support good sleep habits. While we would love to think that finding the perfect mattress can help our customers get a better night’s sleep, other factors often impact the quality of sleep they experience. From stress at work to health conditions, there are a host of causes for poor sleep. 

Customers often ask us questions about children, hoping to help their little ones go to bed faster and get a better night’s rest. We do not have magic dust that could do the job, but we do have some advice about sleep habits and mattress knowledge that could help. 

Establish Bedtime Routines

We are all creatures of habit, often thriving with routines that cue us as to what is coming next in our day. Children are no different. If your little one is struggling to go to bed and fall asleep, establishing a solid bedtime routine may help. 

Create a predictable routine, such as winding down with a bath, getting in jammies, and a calming activity such as reading or coloring. Try to avoid physical activity that could get your child amped up. 

One key to this suggestion is staying consistent, including possibly playing the same music or white noise every evening, saying the exact phrases, and keeping an order to wind down, such as drawing the shades, dimming the lights, turning on a night light, fluffing the pillows, or curling up to read a favorite book. 

Create a Cozy Sleep Environment 

Most of us sleep best when our bedroom is at a comfortable temperature and there is little to no light disturbing us. 

Create an environment for your child that makes them feel safe (think night light) and comfortable in temperature and sound. Try a noise machine that can lull a child to sleep while blocking out noises from the rest of the house and outdoors. Make sure the temperature is cool enough to encourage sleep. Additionally, some families find that soothing smells such as lavender can help nurture a sleep environment. 

Eliminate Distractions 

If your child’s bedroom is a smorgasbord of toys and games, it may be hard to settle down and sleep. When surrounded by things they want to do more than sleep, it may lead to nighttime playing. Eliminate this temptation by putting away toys and keeping them out of sight at bedtime. 

Eliminate other distractions by avoiding video games, television programs, and sweets right before bed. Blue light can over-activate the brain, and sugar can make it challenging to calm your body down and fall asleep. 

A New Mattress 

An uncomfortable mattress or one passed down from an older sibling may make it difficult for some children to sleep. When using a mattress that isn’t right for the firmness and comfort we need, getting a restful night’s sleep can be challenging. Consider a new handcrafted Gardner Mattress that can encourage sleep.