Before electricity, people went up and down with the world’s natural light source, which matched our natural biological clock; back then, many people got the sleep they needed. Today, in our fast-paced 24-hour society, our ability to maintain adequate quality sleep is suffering. Ask yourself where sleep is on your priority list.

This is true for children and babies, with so many classes and activities to participate in, many babies, toddlers and moms are too scheduled. Some of these classes clash with the natural decline in a child’s alertness, so regular naps become increasingly difficult to establish. More sleep is needed in infancy than in any other age group, and a lack of healthy sleep for infants and children is detrimental to physical and mental health; should not be underestimated.

The biggest challenge for most parents, of course, is how to get this quality of sleep for their children. If the habits are already ingrained, the idea of ​​making changes can seem overwhelming with so many current schools of thought, combine this with your own sleep deprivation and the whole concept becomes extremely overwhelming.

First, you need to decide what you and your family perceive as encompassing a healthy sleep regimen: what you are comfortable with and what you are not. Don’t feel pressured to make changes because of outside sources. Do what is right for your family.

Changes are possible with the right knowledge and guidance, but don’t expect fantastic results right away, be realistic. For children who already have associations or have a multi-level problem, sleep training is a learning process and is done in stages to make the transition easy for everyone. It takes time, persistence, and most importantly, consistency. Imagine trying to learn how to play a game if someone was always changing the rules. I would never learn to play the game, would I?

Here is a list of questions and tips to consider before making changes to your family’s sleep.

Do you have a daily routine? Children thrive on predictability. If you never knew what would happen or when you would eat or sleep again, how would you feel?

How does your baby or child fall asleep? If your baby uses a crutch (rocking chair, mommy or daddy’s breast, breast, bottle, etc.) once your baby is a light sleeper, they will have brief awakenings and will constantly need the same conditions to get back to sleep and this results in no sleep for all parties involved. How would you feel if you went to sleep in your warm and cozy bed with your duvet and pillow and woke up in the front garden?

Where does your baby sleep? Choose a place where your baby can sleep, preferably a crib, this is where she should take most naps and sleep through the night. Would she feel well rested if her sleeping place varied: car, stroller, sofa, harnesses, swing?

What time does your son go to bed? Missing your child’s natural calm is essential if he wants an easy transition. An overtired child often acts like a wire and once nervous it is very difficult to calm down. Does he feel sleepy after dinner and then have a second wind later in the evening?

Does your son take a nap every day? Don’t underestimate the importance of daytime sleep. If your child constantly skips naps, then his ability to cope with his surroundings diminishes and he then breaks down easily. How do you manage when you’re tired after a long and hectic day and you’re making dinner, with the phone ringing, the TV on, planning the next day and trying to take care of the kids? I’m sure you feel like screaming, like a child.

Changes to your baby or child’s sleep should be done when there are no other major life changes so that you can focus and provide dedication. It’s not fair to your baby or child to constantly change tactics or methods; this will only cause confusion. Please visit my website for a chart of your baby’s or child’s sleep and nap requirements per 24 hours and feel free to ask me any questions about your baby’s or child’s sleep habits if you have any concerns.