15 Tips to Better Baby Sleep

One of the most rewarding things as a new parent is to hear the sweet sounds of silence; that is, your baby peacefully sleeping! Every baby is unique in their sleeping habits, and it can be a tough rough for parents to navigate.

To help you achieve better baby sleep, consider these 15 tips to improve your baby's snooze sessions.

1. Consistency is Key

A bedtime routine can help a child to wind down before bed, and can also help them prepare mentally and physically for the end of the day. Pre-bedtime activities might include a bottle, a bedtime story, and pajamas.

When these things appear, children will know what is expected of them, and that playtime is over. Try to keep the room a little quieter when this routine begins.

2. Make Sleep Time Enjoyable

Sleep should never be seen as a bad thing in the eyes of a child. Make bedtime a soothing, relaxing experience for them by incorporating a soothing nightlight, some natural music sounds, and their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Nighttime should be a comforting experience for them.

As an extension of that, bedtime shouldn't always be a punishment for children. This makes sleeping, by association, a thing that children will want to avoid. If they're in trouble, a time-out might be more helpful.

3. Swaddle Your Baby

Especially in their first few years, children will still prefer a warm, protective space similar to what the womb provided. Sleepsuits and swaddles are great for keeping the baby warm and wrapped in a comfortable position.

Swaddles can also stop babies from waking themselves up with sudden movements and jolts, and it can even halt jumpy babies from hitting or scratching themselves.

4. Give Children Time to Fall Asleep

The key to good sleep is to put your baby down while they're still awake. This way, they associate their bed with the thing that makes them cozy and sleepy.

While it is gratifying to have your child fall asleep in your arms, this can teach them lousy sleeping habits as they get older. Having them fall asleep in their crib will help them to become more independent sleepers, and it will be much easier for you.

5. Give Kids a Moment

It's hard to hear a baby's cries and not tend to them-but this is precisely what you should do! If you hear your baby crying in their crib, stop and wait for a few minutes. You do not necessarily need to help them; they may already be in the habit of crying just because they don't want to go to bed yet.

Instead, wait a little while. If children need a change or have lost their soother, you can go in. However, he or she may be able to put themselves back to sleep after a few minutes, which is a huge win.

6. Don't Make Eye Contact

If your child makes eye contact with you during sleep time, they might think that it's time to wake up. If you need to go into the room for any reason, try to soothe them without looking at then, and put them back down without too much interaction.

Sooth them, but do not talk to them. Keep the room dark, so it's clear this isn't the time to be awake.

7. Refuse the Fun

Kids can easily switch off their tired mode and head back into playtime. As a parent, it's essential to try to stay calm and collected when bedtime rolls around.

Kids will try to entice you to have a giggle fest but now isn't the time. Even if you feel guilty for not playing with them, this will make both of your mornings so much more manageable!

8. Avoid or Prepare for Diaper Changes

Even if you know there is going to be a mess in the morning, it is helpful to skip diaper changes. These movements might trick your baby into thinking it's time to wake up and play.

If it's unavoidable, have all of the necessary changing items you need in a location outside of the bedroom. This practice will help you to avoid spending too much time in the room looking for the items, and you won't have to turn on the light to find anything.

9. Create a Soothing Environment

Soothing music can help to drown out other sounds around the house and helps to put babies to sleep faster. Choose a music player that has a few different sound options, so that you can find out what your child likes the most.

It might be white noise, water sounds, or even a lullaby. Once they've found something they like, have that noise playing in their bedroom before they lie down.

10. Block Out the Light

A dark room is the best way to tell your baby that it's time to go to sleep. Additionally, if they do happen to wake up in the middle of the night, they'll know by the darkness that it's not time to get up yet.

Find some light-canceling curtains that will block out the light. As they get older, you may slowly open these curtains so that they don't get too accustomed to complete darkness.

This will help them to stay asleep when they're in new environments that don't have the same light-canceling curtains.

11. Recognize a Tired Baby

If you see any sign of your baby feeling tired, whether it's a yawn or rosy cheeks, take action right away. Timing is critical when it comes to a baby's sleep, and if you miss your window, there's a good chance you're in for a fussy night.

These little signs show that the body is ready for sleep, and taking action right away will improve the chances that they easily drift off to sleep. Waiting too long will make your baby over-tired, and wakefulness hormones will start to kick in.

At this point, it may be too late for your baby to go to sleep without fighting. You'll get to know the signs of your baby quickly; just be sure both parents know the signs.

12. Lower the Temperature

People of all ages tend to get better rest when they sleep in colder temperatures. The thermostat should be between 68 and 72 Fahrenheit so that your child can experience their most comfortable rest.

Not sure if they're too cold? Lots of parents tend to feel their baby's fingers or toes when they're checking their temperature. In most cases, these body parts will feel chilly, but it doesn't mean your baby is cold.

Instead, check the temperature of your baby's chest. This part of the body is the area that will tell you if they're comfortable or not.

13. Have Necessities Ready

A full diaper might mean a massive mess in your baby's crib, but turning on the lights and trying to do a total sheet change is game over for a good sleep. Instead, be prepared with necessities always at-the-ready. To do this, you might consider putting extra sheets and swaddles in a cabinet outside of the bedroom.

You might also consider adding a waterproof pad between two sheets. If a mess does occur, you can peel off the sheet and pad and still have a dry layer waiting underneath. Preparation will make the sheet change a quick, simple process, and your baby will be back in bed in no time.

14. Tag Team

Partners who can get a solid 5 hours of sleep each night is critical to their overall health and their performance as parents. To do this, partners must work as a team each night, even though the nursing job is a one-person show.

Partners can wait their turn, changing or soothing the baby, or whatever else is needed. Depending on work schedules, you might have varied "night shifts" so that everyone still feels rested in the morning.

15. Lead Children to the Pacifier

Lots of babies wake up in the night simply because they cannot find their pacifiers. You can fix this issue by teaching your child to learn where they can find a pacifier on their own!

Simply put pacifiers in each corner of the crib, then spend each night guiding your baby's arm to reach for the pacifiers in any corner. This practice will ensure that no matter how they twist and turn, they'll be able to locate an edge of the crib.

After about a week, they should know to reach for the corners and find the pacifier themselves. This will alleviate the need for parents to go into the bedroom at all.

A Better Sleep for All

By following these tips, not only will the baby get a night of better sleep, but her parents will, too! Consider incorporating these suggestions so that everyone gets to bed on time and wake up feeling happy and refreshed.

Not every tip will work with your child, but it's all about patience and consistency. Work on an agreed routine and sleep schedule that works for everyone in the family.

Ten Rules for Children to Be Educated About

The ten rules for children to be educated about.

1. Showing Respect

The topic of respect is a vast one; however, it is one of the most important things that children will learn in their young life. As a parent, it is essential that you explain and also show your children what it means to show respect, and how they will know when they are being respected themselves.

Respect is an umbrella term that includes many things, including manners, kindness, and politeness. Of course, it is also essential that children understand that everyone deserves to be respected, no matter where they are from or how they look.

2. Authenticity

Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to a parent and their child. Honesty can be a wonderful and valuable thing if it is genuinely practiced and never taken advantage of.

Parents should remember that they, too, need to practice honesty with their children, so that they might encourage them to find value in telling the truth. Additionally, encouraging children to be honest can also help to open up the lines of communication in a family and elicit a higher level of trust.

3. The Value of Responsibilities

Young children won't learn about responsibility for a few years, but it only takes some simple lessons to introduce it into their vocabulary and behaviors. Giving your children responsibilities such as chores, schoolwork, or a pet can help them to value their duties, and the feeling of a job well done.

Additionally, lessons of responsibility should also encourage kids to ask for help when they need it and to solve any problems they come across.

4. Understanding the Importance of Gratitude

Many children are unaware of how beautiful life is and how blessed they are to be in their unique situation. It is, therefore, important to highlight these blessings and to encourage gratitude towards them every day.

5. Showing Kindness to All People and Things

Kindness never goes out of style, and it helps to make the world a better place. If you teach your children anything in life, always teach them to be kind to others.

Children must understand that there are other people in this world and that we must all share this planet with kindness and respect. Be sure to encourage them to be kind to friends, family, and even people you meet on the street together. Positivity can be infectious.

6. Practicing Fairness

Not everything will go your child's way, and they will probably figure this out pretty quickly in life.

However, it is crucial that children understand the concept of fairness and that they comprehend how to practice equality in all of the social situations they find themselves in. Everyone should be treated equally, and rules should be followed to ensure everyone gets a turn or a time to speak.

7. Being a Good Winner

Winning is always fun, but it is possible to experience a "bad win." Those who rejoice or who take delight in the failure of others are bad winners.

It's great to encourage your children to work hard and be the very best they can be, but they should also know that winning comes with responsibility. Being a good winner means shaking hands, speaking with opponents, and finding ways to improve for next time.

8. Being a Good Loser

On the other hand, children should also be educated about being a good loser. Children must experience the feeling of losing since it helps to keep them humble and encourages a healthy dose of humility.

A lousy loser often finds excuses for their failures and never champions their opponent. In sports, it might not seem like a big deal; however, these behaviors can translate into real-life situations that won't be so forgiving.

A good loser will take what they have learned from their mistakes and get back to work on improving them.

9. Encouraging Curiosity

There is nothing wrong with asking questions about the world. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to learn more or to strive to learn more than what a child has been presented with.

Children should be stimulated to ask questions and push boundaries both at home and in outside environments. There is no such thing as a wrong question, and encouraging curiosity gives children the confidence to speak their minds.

10. Valuing Self-Awareness

In today's day and age, the topic of mental health is discussed now more than ever. It's hard to think that even children can struggle with feeling positive, but it is a harsh truth that parents should be aware of.

Help your children as much as you can by encouraging them to be self-aware. Teach them to listen to themselves and their feelings, and to share how they feel when something isn't right.

Our children don't have to be happy all of the time. However, it's vital that they are in tune with their emotions and that they feel safe expressing them to others.

Children who are aware of their feelings and who are not ashamed of how they feel may have an easier time coping with them and finding ways to feel better.

Rules to Live By

As a parent, it's hard to stick to any rules; sometimes, you have to take it day-by-day. If you're looking for some guidelines, these ten lessons are some of the essential aspects that children need to learn about.

When they can grasp these essential concepts, children are then able to more effectively go out into the world and apply them more effectively.

15 Things Kids Want From Their Parents

15 Things Kids Want from Their Parents

Although they might seem like it, children aren't too complicated. There are very few things that they request of us in their first years; however, these requests are essential in helping them grow up to be kind, respectful additions to society.

As parents, there are 15 main things that children will want from you as much as possible. If you can do your best to provide these things to the best of your ability, your child's future will be brighter than ever.

Here are the top 15 things kids want from their parents:

1. A Good Goodnight

Going to bed is so much better when parents spend some quality time with their children. Take time out of your day to tuck them in, sing them a song, or read them a bedtime story.

If you don't have any books, you might consider making up a story yourself, or telling them about your childhood. Children are very receptive to parents who use their imaginations, too!

2. Affection

Showing affection is one of the essential experiences that children have while growing up. Parents should always remember to give lots of praise, cuddles, and love, even after a long day.

Even a friendly conversation one-on-one can be a tremendous help to a child who wants to be heard. Share some time asking your child about their day and what they enjoyed most.

3. Private Time

Having a good connection with your children means giving them your full and undivided attention as much as you can. Children will benefit from feeling like their time is valued, especially if it's planned out and isn't rushed.

With more than one child, it's essential to provide each one with their time with you. It's hard to connect when things are busy and loud, so let them choose a place and activity that you can enjoy together.

4. Positive Food Advocates

Lots of children are picky, but that's no reason to throw in the towel and serve up pizza every night. Children need to learn that healthy foods can also be delicious and satisfying, and that starts at home in the kitchen.

Work together on meals, or even help them to grow some vegetables in the garden. Children should learn early on that dessert is not the only delicious meal, so that they're set up for success in the long-run.

5. Plans to Look Forward To

Show your children that you love hanging out with them, and give them fun things to look forward to with you. You might plan fun events on the weekend, or surprise them with weekday activities if they've been well-behaved.

Showing your children that you're excited about quality time will make them feel good about themselves and their relationship with you.

6. Conversations Before Bedtime

Bedtime means winding down, but this is also a great time to take advantage of beneficial conversations. Set aside time before they go to sleep to talk about their day, their friends, or anything else they can think of.

Allow them to lead the conversation; kids like to feel heard.

7. Time to Play Outside

Studies have shown just how beneficial and vital outdoor play can be for children. Not only children, either; people at every age benefit from being outside!

Encourage kids to stay off screens and televisions and to explore the world outside instead. Allow them to spend as much time as they want outdoors, either playing games, going for walks, or socializing with neighborhood children.

8. Time to Watch Their Favorite Show

The only thing better than getting to watch their favorite show is watching is with a loved one! Grab a blanket and settle in for a good cuddle while your child enjoys their most preferred shows.

You can let this be a quiet time, or you might ask them questions to engage them.

9. Discipline When Necessary

Children need guidance when it comes to learning about appropriate behaviors and responses. Showing discipline might not be a parent's favorite thing to do, but it does teach a child that they are invested in them and want the best for them.

Even though they might not show it, children do find value in being disciplined.

10. Leave Special Messages

Surprises are always pleasant, even if it's a little note or present 'just because.' Consider putting notes in your child's lunch bag or backpack, especially if they're having a bit of a rough day.

Having that little jolt of happiness is always lovely when its unexpected.

11. To Be Silly

Sometimes children are looking for approval to be silly, but the best way to give them permission is for parents to be silly themselves!

Playing dress-up with your kids and acting out stories will help them to come out of their shell and work on their imagination. Kids can be wildly creative when they don't feel like they have to hold back or act a certain way.

Surprise them with costumes, crafts, or a pillow fight! The options are endless.

12. To Be Less Stressed

Surprisingly, children are very observant and receptive. They will often notice when their parents are stressed or upset, and it takes a toll on them as well.

Many children want to see their parents happy and relaxed, which in turn makes them feel more positive as well. Regardless of what's bothering you, try to keep things simple.

If you're short for time, don't feel bad about ordering dinner. If the house is messy, invite your kids to help you get things done faster. Don't let anything take longer than it should; work together now, play together after.

13. Play Dates

Adult time is fun, but it can also be beneficial for everyone to have play dates with other parents, too! Children can socialize together, or they can hang out with the adults and become comfortable with your friends.

14. Guidance

Children don't have all the answers; in fact, adults rarely have all of them either! Children will look to their parents for guidance, though, in all kinds of situations.

They might look to you when they meet a stranger, face a new experience, or are unsure how to express their feelings. If you've established a level of trust in your relationship, your child will feel safe enough to be set in the right direction by you.

15. Approval

Parents sometimes don't realize it, but their children are always looking to them for approval for all kinds of things. More than anything, they want to make their parents proud!

Keep an eye out for opportunities to champion them, even if it's the smallest achievement. Doing so can boost their self-confidence and their willingness to try new things.

Essential Things to Keep in Mind

Parenting is tough and covering all of these things every day isn't always possible. However, keep these 15 things kids want from their parents in mind and practice them as often as you can.