Sleep Routines for Pre-School Children
At this age your child can learn to:
- fall asleep on his own and not rely on your presence for this to happen
- put himself back to sleep during the night
Bedtime should occur at the same time every night. It helps to develop a routine like this:
- Let your child know about 30 minutes ahead of time it will be time for bed soon. Involve your child in quiet activities during this last half hour.
- Guide your child through using the bathroom, brushing teeth, washing up or taking a bath, and brushing his teeth.
- Read a book with your child.
- Make sure your child has a cup of water, a nightlight, or any item needed.
- Remind your child to stay quiet in bed.
- Say goodnight and leave the room. Don’t be tempted to stay in the room making sure your child falls asleep. If you child awakens during the night, take your child back to bed.
- After your child is in bed, keep the TV and the rest of the home fairly quiet. Children can awaken easily in the first hour of sleep.
- Track your child’s sleep in a sleep diary so you can measure progress made. Use a star chart and allow your child to put the stickers on.
(Source: The Nemours Foundation, Clinical Management Program, 2008)
