Tips to Help Your Little One Sleep When the Evenings are Lighter

As the days grow longer and the evenings brighter, many parents find themselves facing a new challenge: helping their little ones drift off to sleep amidst the lingering daylight. According to our recent survey, this change in routine can disrupt children's sleep patterns, leaving parents searching for solutions. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help your little one sleep soundly, even when the sun is still shining:

Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine: 

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine, even as the evenings become lighter. Routines help signal to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Our survey found that 90% of parents who adhered to a consistent routine reported it significantly aiding in better sleep.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:

• Make your child's bedroom conducive to sleep by dimming the lights and blocking out external sources of light. Consider using blackout curtains or blinds to create a darker environment, mimicking nighttime conditions even when it's still bright outside.

Establish Clear Sleep Cues:

Incorporate calming activities into your child's bedtime routine to signal that sleep time is approaching. Whether it's a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to soothing music, consistent sleep cues can help your little one transition to sleep more easily.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed:

Exposure to screens, such as TVs, tablets, and smartphones, can disrupt your child's natural sleep-wake cycle, particularly in the evenings. Encourage screen-free activities in the hour leading up to bedtime to promote relaxation and better sleep quality.

Encourage Daytime Exposure to Natural Light:

Expose your child to plenty of natural light during the daytime, as this can help regulate their internal body clock and promote better sleep at night. Spend time outdoors and incorporate outdoor activities into your daily routine to maximise exposure to natural light.

By implementing these tips and strategies, you can help your little one navigate the transition to lighter evenings and enjoy restful nights of sleep. Remember, every child is different, so feel free to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for your family. Here's to peaceful evenings and sweet dreams for all!