5 Amazing Sleep Tools for Restless Kids

Family
bedtime story
Woman reading book to young girl in bed smiling Thinkstock
https://dailyparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/gettyimages_84469214-150x150.jpg

Parents know that there’s nothing better than a night of solid, undisturbed sleep. Alas, that’s a goal rarely achieved if you have a young child who is still learning to sleep through the night. Perhaps your little one is the master of delay … “I need a cup of water!” Perhaps they’re too wound up to sleep. Or, maybe, just maybe, it’s the old monsters in the closet problem, which has caused sleepless night for generations of children. Whatever the reason, kids can have a hard time settling in for the night—and by proxy, you will too. We’ve got your back, though. Here are five tools to help corral the kids and get them to bed so you can do the same.

1. Large stuffed animal

Sleep Tools for Kids | DailyParent.com

A life-sized friend can be just the comfort needed to roll over and fall back to sleep. Credit: The Grommet

If your kid feels comforted by cuddling (what child doesn’t?), a large stuffed animal may be the perfect soothing tool. While there is no equal to cuddling with a parent, a plush animal of fairly close proportions to Mom or Dad can be an adequate substitution when your little one wakes in the night and needs a little comfort.

2. Calming game: White Board “I-Spy”

Sleep Tools for Kids | DailyParent.com

A low-key game can be the perfect bedtime transition. Credit: Kids Activities Blog

A calming before-bed game can help make the transition from play to sleep much smoother. This DIY whiteboard I-Spy is perfect if you’re traveling and need a bedtime tool that can come with you. It’s captivating, calming and reusable… perfection!

3. Monster spray

Sleep Tools for Kids | DailyParent.com

Monster spray is an empowering tool for your child’s bedtime arsenal. Credit: A Mom’s Take

To quote George Costanza, it’s not a lie if you believe it. So while YOU know monsters are fictitious, your little ones don’t. This monster spray is a helpful tool to equip your children to successfully ward off monsters without your help. And the recipe for it from A Mom’s Take is also good for linens and skin—a win-win situation if you ask us! So break out — and believe in — that “monster spray,” and arm your little loves to take those monsters down! Remind them to get the closet, behind the door and under the bed (just to name a few).

4. Familiar bedtime story

Sleep Tools for Kids | DailyParent.com

Share a familiar story before bed to help lull your little one to sleep. Credit: Thinkstock

A bedtime story is a classic tool to help kids drift off to sleep. It’s important to note, however, that a new story is not the best way to go. Try something familiar that is relaxing, and avoid introducing new knowledge just before it’s time to quiet her active mind.

5. Favorite Blanket > Bedtime song

Sleep Tools for Kids | DailyParent.com

One Little Rayndrop

To avoid waking up in the middle of the night due to a restless sleeper, use objects that don’t require you to lull your sweet one to sleep. For example, bedtime songs can be helpful, but your child may need you to sing a song in order for him to fall back asleep. A blanket, however, will be there for him if he wakes up in the middle of the night, no parent required!

We hope these help, and sweet dreams!

Found in: Family
%d bloggers like this: