4 Bedtime Ideas For Toddlers With Special Needs
These helpful tips are to help your child have a sense of independence while still getting any help that they might need. A feeling of control is very important for toddlers even at bedtime.
1. Always Stay Calm
Be patient, calm, and flexible while assisting your child with bedtime preparation. For example, doing easier, quiet, clear, and quick tidy-up activities after dinner might help move transitions smoother and less stressful.
2. Have A Set Bedtime
Try to have the same bedtime each night for your child. Consistency can help your child sleep well, feel safe and learn the steps within their routine. Consistency at bedtime can result in your child waking up at the same time each morning, which can help them feel in control and start their day in a positive mood.
How to set the mood for sleeping
Each night prep your child’s bedroom atmosphere for sleeping and provide enough time to be independent and feel capable.
Dim the room lights.
Play calming music.
Please have your child start cleaning up their previous activity.
Plugin the night light.
Close any windows.
Check your child’s crib or bed.
Assist with changing into night clothing.
3. Have Longer Cuddling Time
A great tip to help reduce night wake-ups is having longer cuddle time with your child before bed. Cuddling can be done before your child gets into their bed or while your toddler is lying in bed. Spending 7-10 mins reading, cuddling, laying with, or just sitting with your child can help calm them for sleeping.
Cuddling ideas
Let your child sit in your lap and sing a calming song with them.
Lay down on your child’s bed, cuddle and read a short story with them.
Sit and cuddle while listening to an audio story.
Cuddle with your child as you play with their hair.
Calmly talk with your child about their dreams.
4. Provide A Soft, Comforting Item
Sleeping with a favourite stuffy or blanket can help your child feel more relaxed and safe. Limit your child’s bed to one stuffy so they don’t spend the night playing and not sleeping.
Stuffy toy reminders
Please encourage your child to choose a few favourite toys so they don't have a meltdown when one is in the wash.
Please encourage your child to leave their sleeping stuffed animals or blankets on their beds to avoid getting lost or dirty.
Please have a few backups of stuffed animals around the home.
Get additional stuffed animals made of different materials and textures. Also, get some that can be mouthed; these should be bigger and safe.
Get a few stuffed animals with big things to pull, open, and make sounds.
Give space and time to your child to decide when they are ready to wee off sleeping with their stuffed animals.
Comfort toy reminders
These items can be anything once they are safe. Sometimes your child might always carry them around, but please let your child be. They will decide when they don’t need them anymore.
Please have a few extra similar comfort items so your child can have a similar one if it gets lost.
Provide a few comfort toys that can be mouthed; these should be bigger and safe.
Be understanding and let your child hold their comfort item when needed.
Make small rules around comfort items. For example, not allowing comfort items at the table while your child eats. But please explain this to your child long before taking it away and letting them know it will be returned.
Give space and time to your child to wee off their comfort toys.
Keep observing your child and see how you can assist in building their comfort levels.