Small Fri Academy

One of the things parents request tips for the most is their children sleeping better. Here are some of our tips on helping your little ones sleep better.
“Sleep plays a crucial role in the development of young minds. In addition to having a direct effect on happiness, research shows that sleep impacts alertness and attention, cognitive performance, mood, resiliency, vocabulary acquisition, and learning and memory. In toddlers, napping appears to be necessary for memory consolidation, executive attention, and motor skill development. Sleep also has important effects on growth, especially in early infancy.” Children and Sleep | Sleep Foundation
• Get the right amount of sleep. Children between the ages of 1-2 years need 12-15 hours of sleep including naps. Children between the ages of 3-5 years need 10-13 hours of sleep including naps.
• Develop and maintain a sleep schedule including a consistent bedtime routine. This can be warm baths, reading books, singing calming songs, etc…
• Create a calming bedroom environment. Low light and noise levels help children to sleep better. Sometimes soft, soothing music or white noise can help. A security blanket or toy may provide a sense of security.
• Set limits. Clearly communicate limits to children, and enforce them, to help children develop healthy sleep habits. Consistency at home and in the childcare setting provides continuity.