Are you tired of bedtime battles with your neurodivergent child? We understand, and we’re here to help. In this guide on how to put a kid to sleep in 40 seconds, we’ll share easy-to-follow steps that will make bedtime easier for both you and your little one. We know that kids with thinking and learning differences may need extra support at bedtime. But don’t worry! With our expert tips, you’ll soon be able to tuck them in without any fuss. Let’s jump right into these sleep-inducing secrets!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Make a Bedtime Routine
A regular bedtime routine helps your kid know it’s time for sleep. This makes falling asleep faster and easier.
- Pick calming activities like reading or listening to soft music.
- Keep the routine simple.
- Go to bed at the same time each night.
Creating a consistent routine is essential when figuring out how to put a kid to sleep in 40 seconds. It might take some effort. There may be some trial and error, but once you find what works best for your child, stick with it!
Goally | For Kids Who Hate Bedtime 😴😡
Step 2: Get the Bedroom Ready for Sleep
Make sure their bedroom is perfect for sleeping by following these ideas:
- Keep the room cool (around 65°F or 18°C).
- Use curtains or shades that block out light.
- Reduce noise with sound machines or earplugs if needed.
- Choose comfortable bedding
- Remove distractions like toys
- Add calming scents using essential oils
As you’re getting the room ready, let your child start getting themselves ready by following a visual schedule for bedtime. Goally’s routine app breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
Step 3: Turn Off Screens Before Bed
TV and other screens like iPads give off blue light, which can make it harder for kids to fall asleep.
To replace unhealthy screen time, consider these alternatives:
- Using Goally’s Tablet for healthy screen time that helps kids transition to bedtime activities.
- Coloring or drawing
- Puzzles or board games
- Quiet play with stuffed animals
- Do relaxing activities from their bedtime routine instead of screen time.
- Stop using screens at least one hour before bed.
Read more: How to Help Kids Fall Asleep
Step 4: Help Them Relax
Teaching your child how to relax can be key when figuring out how to put a kid to sleep in 40 seconds. The tissue trick is a simple way to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds. To do this, lightly stroke the baby’s forehead with a tissue. The gentle pressure and movement is thought to help comfort and relax the baby. Try some of these relaxation ideas:
- Breathe deeply together.
- Tighten and then relax different muscles one by one.
- Check out meditation apps made just for kids.
Read more: Free Printable Toddler Bedtime Routine Charts
Here are a few more ways to help your child unwind:
- Listen to calming nature sounds
- Practice gentle yoga stretches
- Read a soothing bedtime story
Step 5: Give Praise and Rewards
When your child follows their bedtime routine, give them praise and rewards. This helps them feel good about going to bed.
- Say nice things when they finish each step of the routine.
- Use a reward chart to show their progress and offer small prizes.
- Stickers on the chart
- Extra storytime before bed
- A special treat after breakfast
Read More: What Time Should Kids go to Sleep?
Step 6: Talk About Sleep Worries
Some neurodivergent kids may feel worried at bedtime. Helping them with these worries can make falling asleep easier:
- Let them talk about any fears or concerns they have.
- Offer comfort and support, letting them know you’re there for them.
- Make a “worry box” where kids can write down their thoughts before bed so they don’t think about them while trying to sleep.
- Create a visual schedule for the bedtime routine.
- Use comforting objects like weighted blankets or favorite stuffed animals.
- Establish clear expectations for what happens during nighttime wake-ups.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
How to Help Your Child Fall Asleep in 40 Seconds: Tips for a Peaceful Bedtime
Helping your child fall asleep quickly can be a game-changer for both you and your little one. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a peaceful bedtime routine that can help your child drift off to sleep in no time:
- Create a Calming Environment: Ensure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Use soothing colors and soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Follow a consistent routine leading up to bedtime. This signals to your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Include activities such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid electronic devices, such as tablets or smartphones, at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep.
- Encourage Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
- Use a Bedtime Countdown: Incorporate a visual countdown timer or a gentle alarm clock to create a sense of structure and help your child understand when it’s time to sleep.
- Provide Comforting Bedtime Rituals: Engage in comforting rituals like singing a lullaby, cuddling, or telling a bedtime story. These rituals can help your child feel secure and relaxed before sleep.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Helping your child develop a quick and effective bedtime routine can greatly improve their sleep experience and make bedtime a peaceful and enjoyable time for both of you. By creating a calming environment, establishing a consistent routine, limiting screen time, and incorporating relaxation techniques, you can set the stage for a restful night’s sleep. Remember to adapt the routine to suit your child’s individual needs and preferences. With patience, practice, and consistency, you’ll soon witness positive results and enjoy sweet dreams together.
FAQ’s About How to Put a Kid to Sleep in 40 Seconds
How can I help my child fall asleep quickly? Create a calming bedtime routine, establish a consistent sleep schedule, and create a comfortable sleep environment.
What are some relaxation techniques that can help my child sleep? Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation can help your child relax and fall asleep faster.
Should I limit screen time before bedtime? Yes, it's recommended to avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with sleep.
What are some comforting bedtime rituals I can incorporate? Bedtime stories, cuddling, and gentle lullabies can create a soothing and comforting atmosphere before sleep.
How can I establish a sense of structure for bedtime? Incorporate visual cues like a countdown timer or a gentle alarm clock to help your child understand when it's time to sleep.
This post was originally published on 04/23/2023. It was updated on 02/02/2024.
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