Learn how to create the perfect sleep-conducive environment with this article. Whether you’ve got a night owl newborn, all-night-party toddler, or wide-eyed school aged kiddo, I know that at some point you have wondered (quietly or aloud!) why sleep feels so hard.

The thing is: it doesn’t have to feel that way.

There is a proven, science-backed framework that works for any (non-medical) sleep issue you’re tackling with your kiddos.

Four keys to great sleep

There are four magical keys to great sleep: the perfect sleep-conducive environment, an age-appropriate sleep schedule, a consistent bedtime and nap time routine, and sleep independence.

The very first place to look for sleep improvements is inside your child’s sleep environment!

After 8 weeks of age, all human beings sleep best in cave-like conditions for both nighttime and daytime sleep. Thus, a pitch-black room allows us adequately and consistently produce the sleep hormone, melatonin. Therefore, many sleep issues, from night wakings to early morning wakings to short naps, are improved by darkening the room environment.

While a good place to start, blackout blinds and curtains aren’t always enough to block out beams of light coming into your kiddo’s sleep environment. I suggest adding blackout tape or other products that can be placed flush against the window to ensure these beams of light are covered. Moreover, towels at the bottom of bedroom doors can eliminate extra light streaming in from the hallway. In addition, blackout or other tape can help to cover any electronic lights inside the room.

Read the full article here.

Happy toddler sleeping, parents!

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