Between adjusting to Daylight Savings Time and their new homeschooling schedules, your child’s daily routine has been turned upside down lately. As a result, you’ve probably noticed he or she is now having trouble getting to sleep, too. Whether it’s something you’ve been dealing with for a while or something totally new for them, childhood sleep issues are no laughing matter. According to the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, studies have shown that, “Kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression.” To make sure your child gets the sleep they need, we rounded up the seven best bedtime tips and tricks that actually work. Sweet dreams await!
7 Ways to Help Kids Get to Sleep Faster
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1. Best Baby Lotion: Johnson's Moisturizing Bedtime Baby Lotion
For decades now, Johnson’s Moisturizing Bedtime Baby Lotion has been a staple in most nurseries. Made with a special aromatic blend designed to calm and soothe your little one before bed, this lotion is a gentle, hypoallergenic choice that’s pediatrician and mom-approved. “What I look forward to most at the end of the day is giving my son a nice warm bath and following it up with a little massage with this Johnson's baby lotion,” one New Jersey mom told us. “I always lay him next to me, rub his back with the lotion, and sing him to sleep—it's our special time to both wind down.”
2. Best Kids Alarm Clock: Littlehippo Mella Ready To Rise Children's Trainer
A good night’s sleep starts with good habits and that's easier with a little help from the LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise clock. This sleep trainer uses an adorable smiley face to teach your kids when it’s time for bed and time to wake up. Complete with a colorful nightlight and soothing sleep sounds, this clock will quickly become your kiddo’s best bedside friend.
3. Best Weighted Blanket For Kids: Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket
The benefits of weighted blankets for kids have been a buzzy topic in the world of parenting for a couple of years now. But by far the most popular reason parents turn to these throws is to help their kids get some restful sleep. Providing the same comfort as a calming hug, these blankets help to soothe and relax for a more peaceful slumber. To find the right blanket for your kid, make sure to choose a weight that is around 10 percent of your child's body weight.
4. Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Pure Enrichment Mistaire Cloud
If your child is having trouble falling and staying asleep, it might be time to consider the humidity level of their room. Dry air can lead to a whole host of breathing problems, which could lead to inadequate sleep (and a grumpy kiddo). Having a humidifier on hand, like the MistAire Cloud, will help you both breathe a little easier. Emitting a soothing cool-mist, this humidifier also features a night light with eight color options.
5. Best Portable Blackout Curtains: Amazonbasics Travel Blackout Shades
Ask any mom and she’ll tell you, nap time is one of the most important times of the day. However, getting your tiny tot to catch some midday zzz’s can be hard, especially on bright, sunny days. That's where a good portable blackout curtain comes in handy. A favorite of our own SVP of content Jillian Quint, blackout curtains block sunlight, reduce outside noise and help create a calming sleep space, no matter where you end up putting your little one down.
6. Best Bedtime Stuffed Animals: Bedtime Sensor Sleep Pal
For some kids, sleep can be scary because of one thing: the dark. What better way to take care of those bedtime scaries than with a cuddly companion? The Bedtime Sensor Sleep Pal (available in Orbit the dragon and Starry the unicorn) is an all-in-one stuffed animal and nightlight. These plushies light up when your little ones wake, making them comforting and a welcome partner during midnight trips to the potty.
7. Best Bedtime Story: Goodnight Moon
When in doubt, read it out. For many kids, the best way to turn down for the night is with a classic bedtime story. Grab their favorite story or pick up a classic like Goodnight Moon, curl up together and create some peaceful, lasting memories.