The excitement of Christmas morning is enough to keep anyone up, and children may have trouble falling asleep the night before. These four tips will help your little ones get a good night's sleep before the big day:
1. Wake up early on the 24th
An easy way to make sure your children are sleepy by bedtime is to ensure they wake up early on Christmas Eve. If your little ones have trouble getting up in the mornings, try enticing them out of bed with their favorite breakfast.
Throughout the day, try to limit naps to short periods, and avoid sugar when it gets closer to nighttime. Plan a few fun, physical games throughout the day to get out any excess energy. If your tykes are excited about Christmas, they may be more animated than usual.
Plan fun activities throughout the day to help your little ones expend their energy.2. Remind them of Santa's list
If your toddlers refuse to go to bed at the proper time, remind them of Santa's naughty and nice list. After all, only good little boys and girls get presents from jolly Saint Nick. Before bed, have your kids put out some milk and cookies for the man in the red suit. Once they're down for the count, you'll have a nice treat for yourself as you place the presents under the tree.
3. Stick to your bedtime routine
After you put out the treats for Santa, stick to your usual routine. Toddlers need structure, and the familiar habits will help get them in a sleepy mood. To prepare for a little pushback on Christmas Eve, try starting the bedtime rituals a few minutes earlier than usual.
4. Choose a comfortable bed
If your toddlers still sleep in a crib and show frequent signs of fussiness, it may be time to get them a big-kid bed. A twin size mattress is perfect for toddlers and will last for several years before it's time for an upgrade.
When you buy a bed for your little ones, bring them along to the store to test out different levels of softness. A sleep expert can help you pick out the best bed for a good night's sleep.
If you're looking for a new mattress before Christmas, stop by Arwood's Furniture and mattress. Family-owned and -operated, Arwood's has the largest selection of Missouri furniture.
