Some good tips here. I’ve always been keen on rest, structure, routine and regularity, especially for the younger kids.
Interesting enough we used these principals as well in psychiatry, to get people back in reality by (threatening) psychosis.
Some kids (like my daughter with Down syndrome, or kids with ODD, ADHD) will always be more sensitive to structure.
Music doesn’t work well here, but winding down before bed, relaxation, routine and structure are certainly important tools.

I can definitely relate to this. Very wise tips.

My daughter has always been a deep sleeper, still is. Whilst my son is the opposite, wakes at the drop of a pin…..and isn’t in a good mood as a result

Yes indeed! This is interesting! Thank you for sharing this!

Great tips, very helpful. Thanks for sharing

My daughter has always fallen asleep best having a cuddle. She has the same 30 minute routine of bath/ wash, teeth, meds, story, milk, loo stop then snuggles & she’s normally out like a light within 5minutes. The only time we ever had trouble was when we put her to bed without snuggling with her so we went back to the lap snuggle & she transfers like a dream. Also swear by the night lights. We have found that as long as the snuggles is there the routine can be changed around & she will also sleep anywhere (thankfully!)

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  • • mom94125 replied
    • 17 Oct 2015 , 10:14 pm

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  lol yeah. i feel like i could go to sleep right now

I had a horrible time with my eldest from birth until she was just over a year …she never slept…I have no idea how a small baby could have enough energy to scream for 12hrs and only sleep for 20mins and then be screaming again.
Once we got through that she was not a problem to get to bed at night and my other two were a breeze right from day one….phew

We use a night light plus rainforest sounds. The rainforest runs quietly for 15 minutes. The night light stays on all night. We also have a great routine that works
Great advice

My kids have had the same bedtime since day one, there is no fights about bedtime. It has worked on 4 kids, oldest being 16.

Some good advice. I find the kids always get a final burst of energy at bed time!

great tips for first time mums

I really struggle with number 3. She must feel my anxiety and it tenses us both up. Although I can’t find a way around my emotions. Maybe I need to consider getting her a sleeping CD.

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  • • Deb Herdman replied
    • 29 Mar 2015 , 9:12 pm

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  Nigh’ Nigh’ sleepy head is the only sleep Cd that allows parents to support their children to relax into deep sleep. The gentle lyrics affirm to your child that it is sleep time and children love parents to sing pat or hum to the rhythm. Then the instrumental guides them into deep sleep. Our Cd offers free digital download with every Cd purchase.

Great ideas in theory, but unfortunately for some people not everything is as easy as that. I have 5 children between the ages of 1 and 10 so they all have different needs and routines. Trying to wind down 5 kids who don’t listen is a challenge, and they don’t sleep at the “perfect” time, but all I can do is try my best to get them to co-operate and settle down for the night. Sometimes it’s just too stressful to fight it. As long as they are healthy and happy that’s really what matters.

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  • • Deb Herdman replied
    • 18 Mar 2015 , 9:18 pm

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  Bedtimes must be a busy time for you and would require a well thought out plan of action as routine really needs to be a consistent feature. Children become accustomed to knowing the bedtime routine and it helps give them a sense of knowing what is expected and therefore security. Many parents have used the Nigh’ Nigh’ Cd sleep system so what is described in the article is not just ‘theory’…it really does work. Re-connection is an important part of the settling process and a lovely time to just ‘be’ present with your children at the end of the day. Many parents however have stated they don’t stay with their children when they use Nigh’ Nigh’ as they just fall asleep independently. Thanks for the comments. Cheers Deb Herdman.

i love these tips and i will certainly be putting them into play so my daughter can get in a good relaxed sleep

sounds awesome

I am going to use this article and help get my girls into a routine. These are some great tips…thank you!

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  • • Deb Herdman replied
    • 25 Mar 2015 , 8:55 pm

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  It can be a real challenge, especially when you are tired to keep calm when children are resisting sleep. If you can stay relaxed it will help her to not ‘catch’ your anxiety. Recently a lady gifted our Nigh’ Nigh’ sleepy head Cd and ‘Ted’ to her sister as a gift for her newborn. She also has a toddler who was difficult t get to sleep and has told her sister that they love the Cd and it is working well at relaxing the toddler. You can see what the comments from parents are about this sleep music. We are also offering free digital download with each purchase. See http://www.nighnigh.com.au

We all used to get together one hour before bed for show and tell and crafting and finish with storytime, the kids loved it and never had a problem getting ready for bed and that routine was our key to a happy house.

This article has helped me a lot getting my daughter into a routine. Thanks.

Routine is the key to good sleep. Not only for kids, it also works for adults.

Will try this. Thank you.