While it is always important to allow playtime for your child, it is even more crucial you consider how many hours they sleep in a day to enhance physical and mental well-being. Bedtime can be really troubling when your child does not want to abide by the bedtime routine. If a child has problems sleeping, it also affects the care giver's sleeping patterns, which can lead into a difficult cycle of sleepless nights that can prove to be hard to break.

So how do you help your child get the sleep that you both deserve?

Create A Bedtime Routine

If your child is either a toddler, preschooler, or an infant, creating a consistent bedtime routine will help you put them to sleep. A good bedtime routine promotes self-sufficiency that enables a child to go back to sleep at night. This could include sending them to bed at the same time every night, hopping into their pajamas, and reading a book together to tire the eyes.

Help your child become an independent sleeper by developing routines that make them feel safe sleeping on their own. If you create activities such as bedtime stories, you set a perfect sleeping atmosphere, and your child relaxes and automatically become sleepy.

Reduce Stressful Activities Before Bedtime

Participating in engaging and stressful activities before bedtime can trigger the release of hormone cortisol that plays a role in sleep. Higher levels of cortisol means higher levels of energy. Always keep the environment quiet and tranquil to minimize the release of this stress hormone and help them get to sleep quicker and easier.

Create an Individualized Bedtime Schedule

It’s important to understand the sleeping patterns of your child for you to create an effective sleep and bed time schedule for them, and to do so, you must realize that children need different hours of sleep according to age. Although not all kids need or want the same amount of sleep, the usual rule of thumb is to make sure that they sleep between nine and eleven hours each night. An individualized bedtime routine will guarantee that your child wakes up refreshed despite the difference in sleep and wake-up times.

Power Down Electronic Devices A Few Hour Before Bedtime

Screen light from devices such as television can increase brain activity and inhibit the production of sleep-time hormones. High levels of melatonin and serotonin means that your child is ready to sleep. Ensure that your child participates in physical activities to drain their energy instead of watching children programs on devices. You can improve your child sleeping patterns by ensuring that the bedroom is a screen-free zone.

Create A Sleep-Inducing Environment

Although toys can provide protection and reassurance from bedtime fears, do not stuff the bed to make it easier for the child to sleep. Make the bedroom more comfortable by adding cozy bed sheets and regulating the room temperatures to their preferred sleeping environment.

Make sure that your child gets enough sleep to help them fight off illness and promote physical well-being. If you notice that your kids have trouble getting to sleep, or even detect irregular sleeping patterns, talk to their pediatrician for professional help.

*Although toys can provide protection and reassurance from bedtime fears, do not stuff the bed to make it easier for the child to sleep. Make the bedroom more comfortable by adding cozy bed sheets, and regulating the room temperatures to their preferred sleeping environment. For infants, it is recommended that they sleep on a firm, surface free of pillows and plush toys at least until their 12th month to reduce the risk of suffocation. The death of 8 babies due to inclined loungers led to products such as Boppy Infant getting recalled.

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If you’ve received the news that you’re having a baby — congratulations! Having a child will change your life forever in the best ways. That said, you’ve probably heard about how expensive it is to have a baby. You may even be worried sick. But here’s the deal: It doesn’t have to drain your bank account. You can save money and give your baby the best care possible. Here are some budget-friendly ways to prepare for your baby’s arrival.

Don’t Fall for the Trap

This first tip is a critical one — don’t believe the idea that you need all new stuff for your baby. Also, don’t think you need all of the products out there. Sure, some new products live up to the marketing and can prove to be priceless, but a lot of the things you may think you need will never get used. Once you get into the flow of parenting, you will realize that you can do just fine with some diapers, clothes, bottles, formula/breast milk and some other essential items.

Revisit Your Closet

When it comes to your clothes, the same philosophy applies. You can get all new stuff, but you don’t have to. Before you go shopping, take a deep look into your closet. You may be surprised by how many pieces you already own that could be used as maternity clothes. For instance, if you have any items that are knit and stretchy, such as dresses or shirts, you may be able to wear them for some (if not all) of your pregnancy.

Shop Major Retailers Online

If you do need to get some new pieces, you can find great deals on maternity wear at major retailers. For example, Macy’s has an extensive selection of casual and professional maternity clothes, and if you shop through their online store, you’re likely to find deeper discounts. Plus, you can typically find Macy’s coupons and cashback offers to save even more money.

Say Yes to Hand-Me-Downs

There seems to be a stigma attached to used baby items, and in many cases, it’s unwarranted. You can get most of the things you’ll need for your baby from other parents who no longer need them. This is especially true of items like clothes, toys, and books that you will only use for a few months. In fact, parents are happy to get rid of baby stuff they don’t use, as it opens up space in their home. If you ask around, you can probably even find some of the most expensive items that are in perfectly good condition; just make sure there hasn’t been a recall on the item.

Start a Baby Registry

There are obviously some things you will need to get new, such as diapers, bottles, pacifiers, a breast pump, and breast pads. However, before you go on a shopping spree, consider creating a baby registry on Amazon, as it has clothes, formula, and every other kind of baby item you can think of. People love to buy things for babies, and with a registry, all they have to do is choose an item (or four) off of a list and click a few times.

Confirm Your Medical Payments Early

Finally, you don’t want to be shocked by your medical bills. Ask your hospital, birthing center, and/or health clinic for a rundown of all the required payments — from your first appointment up to the delivery — and figure out what your insurance will cover. There may still be some unexpected charges accrued by the time you leave the hospital with your new baby, but knowing roughly what to budget for can save you some stress.

Having a baby is a magical experience, and it shouldn’t be a severe financial burden. Search your closet for anything that could be used as maternity clothing, and if you need new clothes, be sure to look online at retailers like Macy’s. Also, gladly accept hand-me-downs, open a baby registry online, and make sure you have an idea of what your hospital payments will be. Most of all, take a deep breath and enjoy this special time.

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