Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep

METASLEEP BLOG
Tackling Bedtime with a Baby and a Toddler: A Guide for Parents
Alana Metallo Alana Metallo

Tackling Bedtime with a Baby and a Toddler: A Guide for Parents

Bedtime can be one of the most challenging parts of the day, especially when you have both a baby and a toddler to manage. Between diapers, tantrums, feedings, and endless requests for “just one more story,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little preparation and some planning, you can make bedtime smoother for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you navigate bedtime routines for both your baby and toddler.

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How can i move away from feeding to sleep?
Alana Metallo Alana Metallo

How can i move away from feeding to sleep?

How Can I Move Away from Feeding to Sleep?

It is very common and natural to feed babies to sleep. Cuddling up to a warm and familiar body makes it easy for little ones to doze off during feeds. While feeding to sleep works for many families, there are some common reasons why it might not be working for you, such as:

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TOP SLEEP TIPS

Gentle ways to give your sleep routine some love

  • Use a sound machine to block out unwanted noise. Place it closest to the direction most noise occurs, which is generally the door to the room. Ensure that runs continuously. Keep the sounds to rain or white noise.

  • Darkness stimulates the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, helping babies drift off easier and reducing the chances of early waking when natural light peeks in. It is beneficial to invest in blackout blinds and curtains so that the room promotes sleep.

  • Set the relaxing tone with a bath (every night if possible), pjs, last feed, book/song, in crib awake, sound machine on, lights out.

  • Age-appropriate bedtimes for children vary as they grow, helping them get the right amount of sleep for healthy development. Here’s a quick guide:

    • Newborns (0-3 months): No fixed bedtime; newborns sleep 14-17 hours in cycles throughout the day and night.

    • Infants (4-11 months): Bedtime around 6-8 pm; most need 12-15 hours of total sleep, with naps.

    • Toddlers (1-2 years): Bedtime around 6:30-7:30 pm; they need 11-14 hours of sleep, including one or two naps.

    • Preschoolers (3-5 years): Bedtime around 7-7:30 pm; 10-13 hours of total sleep is ideal, often with one nap until around age 4.

    • School-age (5-6 years): Bedtime around 7-8 pm; aim for 9-11 hours of nighttime sleep.

    Consistent bedtimes help establish healthy sleep habits. Create a calming bedtime routine to participate in each night that supports this.

  • Try giving your baby a few minutes to settle themselves before you respond. Gradually increase the time you wait before comforting them. If needed, use check-ons where you offer brief support without picking them up. This will allow your child to practice self-soothing techniques.

  • Pay close attention to sleepy cues (ex. rubbing eyes, yawning, getting fussy, staring into space, etc). Aim to put your baby down before they become overtired. Try to stick to regular nap times and bedtimes based on age-appropriate wake windows.

  • Rocking, feeding, holding, using a pacifier, co-sleeping, etc are examples of dependencies children have when it comes to sleep. You can practice weaning off of these props during nap times and bedtime. Try putting your baby down alert and awake so that they can learn to fall asleep on their own. This takes time, patience and consistency. Remember it is progress over perfection.