How Children Can Get a Good Night's Sleep This Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, the excitement is mounting. At least, it is for many children. Parents, on the other hand, might be feeling the enormous pressure of having presents stacked high beneath their Christmas tree whilst fitting in all the festive activities, baking goodies, and ensuring the whole family has matching pyjamas.

This can all lead to sleepless nights – either due to excitement or stress.

We know all parents want to create a magical Christmas, but shopping for presents can be worrying and expensive; however, it can be reassuring to know that too many toys can, in fact, be overwhelming for our little ones, especially under-fives. So, sometimes, less can definitely be a case of more for our children.

That’s why Little Starts Gift Cards have collaborated with Andrea Grace, an independent parenting expert with more than 25 years of experience, to provide useful ways to avoid sensory overload and help babies and children to sleep well this Christmas (and ease the pressure on you!)

Andrea says: “Christmas is a very exciting time for children, but it can actually be quite stressful for them too

“In the holiday season, children’s day-to-day experiences are often different from usual. Their home might not look the same, with sparkly decorations, and there may be new smells, different food and changed routines.

“On top of them feeling that everything is different, being inundated with toys, games & clothes on Christmas day can be very overwhelming. This is the case for babies and children of all ages!

“Even though the Christmas atmosphere and receiving gifts are lovely, it’s very easy for them to experience a sensory overload. When this happens, they feel stressed, their cortisol levels are raised, and can this have a negative impact on their sleep.

Top Tips for a Healthy Sleep Routine

Andrea goes on to share her top tips for helping babies and children sleep well at Christmas:

• As much as possible, avoid sweets and fizzy drinks as the sugar in their system can not only cause problems for children getting off to sleep but can also keep them in lighter sleep during the night.
• If you are staying away with friends or family, take a familiar sleep-related object from your home, such as a special blanket or toy, so that they feel a sense of security and familiarity.
• On Christmas Day and even on the days on either side, if you’re meeting friends and family, “drip feed” gifts for babies and very young children so they aren’t overwhelmed. Give them time to look at, play with or understand their gifts.
• If friends and family ask you what your baby or child would like for Christmas, consider asking for an experience such as classes which benefit development. This is something that doesn’t need to be wrapped up and opened on Christmas morning but can be enjoyed and appreciated when the festive season is over. It is something you can use to create memories and helps your budget go further.
• Make a point of turning all screens off at least half an hour before bedtime, as screen exposure is not good for sleep.
• Have a calm and consistent bedtime routine as much as possible, not just at Christmas but year-round. This includes a warm bath, which is thought to promote the production of the sleep hormone melatonin  
• Keep your child’s bedroom as dark as possible, but if they need a night light, choose a dim one with a red glow which will not affect their melatonin production.

Here’s wishing you all a Silent Night for Christmas and beyond.