A good sleep pattern is worth its weight in gold – for your child and for yourself. But how do you teach a baby or toddler when it is time to sleep? And how do you maintain that rhythm, even when teething, dreams haunt or holidays come in between? In this blog you will discover how to build a good sleep routine step by step, what works (and what doesn't), and how a sleep trainer with night light can help you with that.
What exactly is a sleep routine?
A sleep routine – also called a bedtime ritual – is a fixed sequence of actions before going to sleep. The goal? To create peace, regularity and predictability. Think about:
- Dim the light
- Brushing teeth together
- Reading a story
- Hugging and singing a song
- Turn on sleep trainer
A recognizable ritual gives children something to hold on to. The body learns: this means it is time to sleep. And that makes falling asleep easier - and the nights more peaceful.
Teaching a baby a sleep rhythm
Babies are all about rhythm. You build this by keeping regular times for feedings, naps and bedtimes. This helps your baby develop their natural sleep rhythm .
Tips for a predictable baby sleep routine:
- Keep a fixed time for going to bed
- Use a gentle transition (e.g. bath, book, song)
- Turn on a night light for a soft transition to night
- Provide a dark, quiet room
- Put your baby to bed sleepy but awake
Did you know that a baby needs an average of 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day? Including naps during the day and sleep.
Teaching a toddler sleep pattern: more than just bedtime
Toddlers discover the world, but also their own will. And that sometimes means a struggle around sleeping. A clear structure helps enormously. The bedtime ritual does not have to last long, as long as it is consistent.
Helpful steps for a toddler ritual:
- Announcing that bedtime is coming (for example with a clock or sleep trainer)
- Going to the toilet or changing a diaper
- Brush teeth and put on pajamas
- Choose a book and read together
- Set up sleep trainer – let your child press the button themselves!
- Hug and good night
Fact or fiction?
“Let your baby stay up later and he will sleep better at night.”
Myth: Overtired babies actually sleep worse. Early bedtime is key.
“A sleep trainer helps toddlers stay in bed longer.”
Fact: With a sleep trainer with eyes or a color system, toddlers learn when it is time to get up through play.
“A night light makes for bad sleep.”
Myth: A soft night light, especially in warm colors, can actually provide peace and security.
The role of a sleep trainer
A sleep trainer with alarm clock is a visual aid for toddlers (from approx. 3 years). It helps them understand when they can get out of bed - without having to understand the clock themselves. The Youha sleep trainer with eyes and night light is perfect for this purpose. It changes color (e.g. red = sleeping, yellow = almost time, green = awake), plays soothing sounds and has a built-in alarm clock. This way your child learns in a fun and clear way what the rhythm of the day is.
Additional tips for a relaxing night ritual
1. Stay calm. Children can sense right away if you are in a hurry or tense.
2. Turn off screens well in advance. The blue light disrupts the sleep signal.
3. Use soothing sounds. Like a white noise machine or the built-in sounds in your sleep trainer .
4. Make it cozy. A cuddly toy, night light and lullaby make bedtime more fun.
Finally
Whether you have a newborn or an enterprising toddler: a good sleep pattern starts with regularity, love and a little help. With the right preparation - and possibly a fun sleep trainer with night light and alarm clock - you can build on peaceful nights and happy mornings.
Want to know more about how our Youha sleep trainer can help? Take a look at our webshop .
Love,
Elles - Youha
