How to Help Your Children Sleep Well Over Christmas

10th December 2024 0 Comments

How to help you and your children sleep well over Christmas

Sleeping well over christmas

Christmas is an exciting time for children, with the magic of Santa 🎅, festive gatherings, and special family moments. But for parents, the holidays can often mean disrupted sleep routines, overexcited little ones, and overtired tears. If you’re wondering how to keep the joy alive while ensuring everyone gets enough rest, we’ve got you covered.

Here are my expert tips to help your family maintain good sleep habits during the festive season so that everyone can enjoy a merry and restful Christmas. 🎁

Pack Familiar Comforts 🧸

If you’re staying away from home over the holidays, bring along as many familiar items as possible. A favourite soft toy, blanket, or even your child’s usual bedding can provide comfort and help them settle more easily in an unfamiliar environment.

Spend time in your child’s temporary bedroom before bedtime. Unpack their belongings together, share a cuddle and a bedtime story in the new space, and show them around the house, including where you and other family members will be sleeping. This helps them feel secure and prepared for the new surroundings. 🛏️

Keep Naps on Track 🕒

Naps can be tricky during the festive season, but they’re essential for preventing overtiredness, especially for younger children. Here’s how to manage them:

Stick to the Clock: Aim to start nap time about 15 minutes before your child’s usual schedule. Take them to a quiet space to wind down with a story or cuddle. 📚
Use White Noise: If background noise from celebrations might disturb their sleep, a white noise machine or app can help mask sudden sounds. 🎶
Fresh Air Naps: Consider scheduling naps during a family walk. The fresh air and gentle movement can help your child rest, and it’s a great way to recharge as a family. 🌬️🚶‍▪

Foods That Support Sleep 🦃

Holiday treats are inevitable, but try to limit sugary and caffeinated foods at least two hours before bedtime. Instead, offer sleep-friendly snacks like turkey, which is rich in tryptophan—an amino acid that supports the production of serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin, a key hormone for sleep. 🍪 Click here for a guide on tryptophan foods

Keep to Familiar Routines ⏳

Whether you’re at home or away, consistency is key. Follow the same bedtime routine your child knows and loves. Even if bedtime is slightly later on Christmas night, keep to the same sequence of calming activities like bath time, reading, or gentle songs. Familiar routines provide comfort and signal that it’s time for sleep. 🛁📖

Maintain Regular Sleep Times 🛌

While Christmas Day itself may be an exception, aim to keep your child’s bedtime and wake-up times consistent for the rest of the holiday season. A well-regulated sleep schedule helps keep their body clock in check, reducing overtiredness, tears and tantrums. ⏰

Create a Calm Bedtime Environment 🌙

To help your child wind down from the excitement of the day:

Quiet Time: Spend 10-15 minutes in a quiet activity like reading or puzzles before starting the bedtime routine. 🧩
Say Goodnight: Say goodnight to family and friends and retreat to a calm space to prepare for bed. 👋

Troubleshooting Sleep Challenges 🛠️

If your child struggles to settle on the first few nights away from home or with guests around, try:

Taking Charge of Bedtime: Handle the bedtime routine yourself until your child adjusts to the changes. 🤗
Morning Help: Ask family members, like grandparents, to help with morning activities so you can get some extra rest. ☀️

Stay Firm with Boundaries 🚦

It’s tempting to let routines slide, but setting clear boundaries from the start can prevent bedtime battles. Say goodnight and settle your child as you usually would. The first two nights set the tone for the holiday period, so staying consistent is essential.

If things don’t go as planned, don’t worry. Once you return home, re-establish regular routines immediately. It may take a few nights, but your child will soon adjust. 💪

Enjoy the Festive Season 🎅🎉

Most importantly, don’t let sleep challenges overshadow the joy of Christmas. Take time to look after yourself, embrace the festive spirit, and remember that flexibility is okay during this special time of year. 🎊

By following these tips, you can help your family enjoy a Christmas that’s full of magic, joy, and plenty of restful sleep! 🌟

Merry Christmas from the team at Millpond!

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