Last week, I shared information about my collaboration with P&G as they support Canadian athletes at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Over the next two months, I’ll continue to spotlight Mark Oldershaw, a third generation Olympian, and his partnership with Pampers – the only brand I’ve never cheated on.
Today, I’m speaking to parents of little ones. We know that well-rested children learn more rapidly. Their attention, memory and decision-making abilities are all directly impacted by their sleep patterns; particularly, their ability to have an adequate night’s sleep.
In fact, well-rested children have improved hand-eye coordination, which impacts fine motor skills and development. Conversely, basic skills like crawling, walking, running, and climbing can be affected by lack of sleep. Children that are tired can be more irritable, hyperactive, and oppositional. Even more troubling? Behaviour problems have been linked to sleep deprivation.
So, how can we ensure that our children receive a good night’s sleep? Courtesy of Pampers’ Good Night Sleep Tool Kit, here are four key sleep tools:
Create Your Baby’s Sleep Sanctuary. Practice the ABC’s of safe sleep (Alone, on their Back, in their Crib), and create a consistent dark, quiet, and cool environment. Use black out blinds, and a white noise machine to achieve ultimate sleep success.
Introduce a Calming Bedtime Routine. A consistent soothing bedtime routine is a set of activities you practice that helps your baby predict bedtime. Include bath time, stories, cuddles, gentle talks, and Pampers diapers to your baby’s bedtime routine.
Make Naps a Priority During Daytime. Work with your baby’s circadian rhythm schedule to encourage healthy sleep. Promoting an age appropriate nap schedule will keep your baby well-rested making bedtime easier and night sleep more restorative.
Choose a Sleep Method For Your Family. You must be comfortable with your baby’s sleep plan and the method you choose so you can be consistent. It’s important to do your research and choose a method that both you and your partner support.
Do you have any sleep tips to share with new parents? Please share in the comments!
Next, I’ll disclose details of my one-on-one interview with Mark Oldershaw, including his road to Rio, his hopes for his daughter, and his trust in Pampers, a partner brand. Stay tuned!
Naps are important for both mom and baby.
Sleep is so important for both parents and babies, my first son slept so well but we had issues with our second, we found an app With relaxing music and it really helped him!
Sleep is so very important for Baby and Mom,a clock always worked for my kids put them fast asleep
we all could use a sleep sanctuary. mine would involve a hammock
thanks for the awesome tips Lena!
Sleep is definitely important and setting up good sleeping habits right from the start is key.
I’m definitely more irritable when I don’t get enough sleep so I’m guessing it’s even worse with babies! :)
You really did cover everything including a white noise machine and being consistent with bedtime. Sleep is so important for our health, that’s for certain.
Sleep is so important for both babies and parents. Thanks for the great tips.
sleep is very important!
Sleep is definitely important to both mom and child. My first child was terrible for not sleeping and it can sure wear you down.
Sleep is very important. Try to nap when baby is sleeping.
Not only do babies need their sleep but toddlers as well, they don’t have their sleep they are cranky little children!!
My oldest was such a big fan of the white noise! She has a monkey that plays white noise and even at 3.5 she still uses it. It helps to relax her and give her a good sleep
My daughter’s one yr old has just started to sleep through the night and can take anywhere from a 1 hour to a 4 hour nap during the day without it affecting his sleep. Patience is my tip and of course, routine!
Good sleep habits for kids are so important. We’ve instilled good sleep habits since the kids were babies. I hope they keep them up.
Sleep is so important, getting enough sleep in the summer is so hard!!
sleep is very important, even though sometimes it can’t be helped with babies.
sleeping especially during the summer can become harder as the days get longer. Make sure you use good blackout curtains and it will help alot
During nighttime feedings I never turned on lights or changed diapers unless absolutely necessary!
I only sleep for 1-2 hours at a time night sweats and a tiny bladder. Been this way for over 20 years now, but I can fall asleep very quickly
Setting up good habits right from the day you bring baby home is good for mom and baby,getting proper rest is a must.
It’s important for kids to get their sleep but with babies it’s crucial that they get as much sleep as possible so mom can get some sleep too.