As the first week of 2012 draws to an end, many of us are looking forward, wondering what the year has in store.
We have packed up the holiday decorations, filled our fridges with healthy foods and are now trying to get back into the routine of things.For many parents, finding a New Year's resolution wasn't hard. They resolved to get their child sleeping through the night - hopefully before 2013 arrives. Below are my five tips for having a restful year and making that resolution a reality.1. It's all about routine for you and your baby. Both young and old like the predictability of knowing what's coming next. An easy routine for your little one could include having a last feed followed by a fun bath, a relaxing massage, a book or two and then a wish for sweet dreams.2. Ensure your child's sleep environment is conducive for sleep. First, make sure there are no loose blankets and pillows, which ensures a safe space to sleep. Then, close the drapes or blinds. Keeping the room dark will help prevent those early morning wake ups. 3. Encourage healthy sleep associations. Give your children their own tools to put themselves to sleep instead of being dependent on you. A transitional item such as a small facecloth-size blanket, may help make the transition easier.4. Remember consistency is the key to a healthy bedtime. Tools you offer your child at the beginning of the evening will be expected throughout the rest of the night. A white noise machine that can be kept on all night is an example of a consistent tool. 5. Make your child's sleep a priority in 2012. Imagine if your child wasn't eating. Wouldn't you try different options to make sure their nutritional needs were being met? So why is sleep any different? So many people think "it will get better on its own". But that is not always the case and sleep is an essential part of a child's growth and development. Make their sleep your priority this year.
Tracey Ruiz aka The Sleep Doula, a mother of two, offers sleep solutions for babies, toddlers and children. Working in the trenches with thousands of families over the last nine years, Tracey has seen it all. Through Tracey's extensive experience, she knows there's never a "one size fits all" solution and provides the essential support families need. Visit www.sleepdoula.com for details. People with children's sleep questions can email letters@insidetoronto.com. Emails will be forwarded to Tracey who may answer them in future columns. Tracey's column will appear the first Friday of every month at insidetoronto.com