It's the night before a special day, and your child bounces off the walls with excitement.
You know they need to get to sleep to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the big event, but trying to get them to calm down and drift off to sleep seems like an impossible task.
Here are a few tips to help you get your child to sleep before special events:
What mattress is good for children?
Getting a good night's sleep is vital for children, as it helps them feel refreshed and energized for the special day ahead.
A comfortable, supportive mattress that provides adequate support for growing bodies can go a long way in helping your child get the rest they need before special events like Christmas or birthdays.
When choosing a mattress for your child, there are several key factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to look for one that is comfortable and provides sufficient support. Other tips include:
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Does it have good edge support? Children are adventurous (cough...jumping on their beds), so this is really important
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Is the mattress softer than an adult mattress? Children are considered 'lightweight' sleepers, so they need a softer than usual mattress.
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Is the mattress child size, or is it adult size?
How do I make my child's bedtime less of a battle?
One of the most important factors to consider when putting your child to sleep is how to get them in the right mindset to sleep?
1. Start winding down earlier in the evening.
If your child has sleep apnea then this is a really important tip. A few hours before bedtime, start dimming the lights, turning off screens, and doing quiet activities. This will help signal to your child's body that it's time to start preparing for sleep.
2. Give them a relaxing bath.
A warm bath with calming essential oils or bubble bath can help relax your child's body and mind, preparing them for sleep. We have a useful guide on bedtimes for various ages so make sure to check that out.
3. Use positive language and reassuring touch.
Let your child know that it's natural to be excited before a special day, but reassure them that they will get plenty of sleep in the coming hours. You can also use gentle touches like hand-holding or back rubs to help soothe them into slumber.
4. Offer comfort objects like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.
If your child has a particular object or toy that helps them feel calm and secure at bedtime, try letting them take this item to bed on special days, so they have something familiar to help ease their anxiety about sleeping through the excitement.
5. Consider using sleep aids like white noise or a sound machine.
Suppose your child is having a tough time falling asleep. In that case, you may want to try using white noise or a sound machine to help them relax and focus on sleeping rather than the excitement of the day ahead.
You can help ensure that your child gets plenty of rest by following these tips. They'll be able to fully enjoy their special day without feeling too overwhelmed or stressed about getting enough sleep.
With some patience and persistence, you can get your little one ready for bed and help them have the best possible experience on their big day!
What special days should you plan for?
Whilst the pandemic wasn’t a ‘special day’ in any way shape or form, it did provide us with various studies on how children are affected by events. Children can get excited about special days, whether it's their birthday, Christmas, or another holiday. Here's a list we put together to help you plan for these days using the tips above - all so they can enjoy their big day even more!
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Christmas
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Birthday
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Other holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July
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First day of school
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Last day of school
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Field trips
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Recitals or performances
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Sports games or competitions
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Any other special event or occasion that your child is looking forward to!
Are children benefitted by building anticipation for special events?
Yes, building anticipation for special events can be beneficial to them in terms of creating excitement and joy. However it's important that a balance be struck when doing this. Gradually introducing an event and discussing what they can anticipate can help manage emotions and keep excitement levels manageable. Overselling may result in unmet expectations, therefore it is important that positive feelings be encouraged while giving your child room to express themselves freely. Engaging them in planning activities related to an event, like selecting decorations or picking out a cake, can also create a sense of ownership, helping ensure they feel involved without being overly stressed or anxious.
If 4th of July is approaching, take your child shopping for red, white and blue decorations or plan a BBQ menu together. Watch some holiday movies together as well as discuss any traditions that your family holds dear during this holiday. This way they can look forward to it without feeling overwhelmed or pressured about attending. These activities will create memorable experiences that your child will remember fondly later on in life.
How To Get Your Child To Sleep Before A Special Day? - Wrapping It Up
If you want your child to be well-rested before a particular day, there are several things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep.
Try following the tips above to wind down earlier in the evening. Give them:
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a relaxing bath
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Use positive language and reassuring touch
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Offer comfort objects
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And consider using sleep aids like white noise or a sound machine.
Here are some more amazing tips to deal with your child and sleep. With some patience and persistence, you can help your child get plenty of rest to fully enjoy their big day!
Citation Sources:
Matricciani L, Blunden S, Rigney G, Williams MT, Olds TS. Children's sleep needs: is there sufficient evidence to recommend optimal sleep for children?. Sleep. 2013;36(4):527-534. Published 2013 Apr 1. doi:10.5665/sleep.2538
Galland, Barbara & Mitchell, Edwin. (2010). Helping children sleep. Archives of disease in childhood. 95. 850-3. 10.1136/adc.2009.162974.
Changes in sleep patterns and disturbances in children and adolescents in Italy during the Covid-19 outbreak,
Sleep Medicine,
Volume 91,
2022,
Pages 166-174,
ISSN 1389-9457,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.02.003.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945721000940)
