Prepare Children for Sleep

Young children need plenty of quality sleep each night but meeting that goal can be a struggle for parents. In preparation for school, adjust your bedtime a few weeks before the first day.

Tips to make sleep easier:

• As much as possible, make sure children go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.
• Follow a consistent, soothing bedtime routine, such as reading stories and having a goodnight song.
• Set, explain, and enforce limits for children at bedtime.
• Consider a comfort item, such as a blanket or small stuffed animal.
• Make sure children sleep in the same room each night. The room should be cool, dark, and quiet, and avoiding all screens, such as a television or tablet.

Discuss your child's specific sleep needs based on age and activity with his or her pediatrician. Visit BartonHealth.org/Pediatrics for more information.