(HealthDay News) -- Your growing child needs a good night's rest, and a consistent bedtime routine can make putting your youngster to bed a little less challenging.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions:
- Make the time before bed "quiet time," with a bath, book or soft music.
- Have your child go to bed at the same time each night.
- Let your child choose a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to take to bed. Just make sure there are no choking or strangulation hazards.
- Take care of your child's preferences before bedtime, such as leaving the door slightly ajar, having a night light or having a drink of water.
- Your child should sleep in his own room, not yours.
- Don't make a habit of going back into your child's room each time the child cries or calls for you.
- Be patient if the child wakes at night or has trouble falling asleep.
