If you are happy that your child is going to sleep while you sleep. It is good.
But if you suffer from a lack of sleep with your child, you may want to try some of these suggestions. Every child is different, so do what feels comfortable for you and what you think best for your child only.
If your child does not want to sleep
• Determine when you want your child to go to sleep.
• Choose a time close to the time your child sleeps and start to 'reduce' 20 minutes of regular sleep time. Start by rounding this appointment 5-10 minutes per week (or 15 minutes, if your child is used to sleep very late) until you reach the bedtime you want.
• Determine how much time you spend with your child when he put him in bed. For example, read one story before bed, then cover your child and say a good sleep.
• Give your child his favorite toy, worm (if he uses one) or a pacifier before settling to bed.
• If your baby is crying, leave it for 5-10 minutes before returning and calm them down again.
• Do not carry them or take them to the basement. If your baby gets up, put him in bed again.
• Leave drinking water within reach of the child and a dim light if necessary.
• If you continue to check whether your child is asleep, you may wake him up, so leave him to make sure he is asleep.
You may have to repeat this routine for several nights.
• If you try to, you will need to be strict and not give up.
If your child keeps you awake at night
It makes sense to expect your child to sleep most of the night when he reaches the sixth month. However, up to half of children under the age of five go through periods of waking up at night. Some children will go to sleep on their own, others will cry or want to stay by their side. If this happens, try to find out why your child is waking up.
For example:
• Is the cause hunger? If your child is a year or more old, giving him a meal of cereal and milk is the last thing that can help them sleep through the night.
Are you afraid of darkness? You can use a night light or leave the lights on.
Does your child wake up due to night fears or bad dreams? If so, try to find out if something is bothering him.
• Is your child's temperature too high or too low? Adjust covers or heating in the room and check if this helps.
If there is no obvious reason, and your child continues to wake up, cry and demand that you stay with him, you can try some of the following suggestions:
• Systematic waking. If your baby wakes at the same time every night, try to wake him up 15-60 minutes before then, and then put him back to sleep.
• Let your child sleep in the same room with a brother or sister. If you think that your child may be alone and the brother or sister does not object, put them in the same room. This may help both of them sleep through the night.
Teach your child to go back to bed and sleep on his own. First, make sure everything is right. If everything is OK, return your child to bed without talking to him or her too much. If he wants to drink, give him water, but don't give him anything to eat. For this method to be effective, you must leave it in the cot or bed. Do not take it with you to the basement or to your bed.
Let it cry for 5-10 minutes before you check on it. For the next few nights, add more time
Gradually before you check on them. It may take a week or two, but if you continue this routine your child should go back to sleep on his own.
• Treat together. Agree with your husband on how to treat your child's sleeping problems. You don't want to try deciding what to do in the middle of the night. If you decide together what is best for your child, it will be easier for you to stick to your plan.
Nightmares
Nightmares are very common. It often begins between the ages of 18 months and three years. Nightmares are usually not a sign of emotional distress. Nightmares may occur if your child is worried about something or is afraid of a TV show or story. After the nightmare, your child will need rest and reassurance. If your child has a lot of nightmares, and you do not know the reason, you should speak with a doctor or health visitor.
Night terrors
Night terrors can occur before the age of a year, but it is more common in children between three and eight years of age. Usually, the child screams or hits around him while he is still sleeping. This usually occurs several hours after the baby sleeps. He may sit and talk or panic while he is still sleeping. Night terrors are not usually a sign of any serious problems, and your child will eventually overlook them.
Do not wake your child during night terrors. But if panic attacks happen at the same time every night, try to break this pattern by quietly waking your baby about 15 minutes before. Keep him awake for a few minutes, then let him go back to sleep. He will not remember anything in the morning. It may be annoying to see your child suffer from night terrors, but he is not dangerous and will not have any lasting effects.
Additional help for solving sleep problems
It may require patience, stability and commitment, but most sleep problems can be solved. If you try the suggestions on these pages, and your child's sleep is still a problem, you should talk to your doctor or health visitor.
They may have other ideas, or they might suggest an appointment in the sleep clinic, if they are in your area. Sleep clinics are usually seen by clinical psychologists trained to deal with sleep problems. They may provide the help and support you need.
If you are desperate in the meantime, try to find someone else to represent you sometimes for a night, or someone your child can stay with. You have to deal better with the problem if you want some sleep
Dealing with a disabled child
Some children with illnesses or disabilities may find it difficult to learn how to do things such as sleeping at night or using the toilet. This can be linked to their medical condition or disability, and it can be a challenge for children and for you.
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