It's Bed Time - Tips

Bed time can be a special time for you and your family. It is a lovely opportunity at the end of a busy day to snuggle up together and enjoy the many benefits of sharing books and songs.

Ensuring your baby, toddler or preschooler has enough sleep is extremely important in terms of their development and, just as important,for your wellbeing.

The most effective way of easing bed time stress is to develop a routine and, wherever possible, sticking to it.

Between half an hour to an hour before bed, choose a series of calming activities that your baby or child enjoys.

Dependent on their age, these activities may include:

• A bath
• Brushing teeth
• Choosing a book or two for you to read aloud
• Singing rhymes or lullabies
• Playing a CD of gentle music
• Turning on a night light
• Selecting a favourite soft toy
• A kiss, a cuddle and telling them how much you love them

Whatever bed time routine you and your family have we hope that it gives you and your child the chance to enjoy time together.