How Dads can Help Kids to Sleep Better

Photo by Tim Bish on Unsplash

Dad Central has produced a help sheet for dads to give them information on how to help their babies, and their older kids, sleep better.

The help sheet from Dad Central, designed to support fathers of newborns as they help build healthy habits for their child, talks about the importance of establishing a soothing bedtime routine, emphasizing the value of starting early, setting a regular schedule, and calming and soothing the child so they can wind down and be ready to fall asleep (warm bath/gentle bedtime story/singing lullabies). It also notes the need of being open to adapt routines and timings as children reach developmental milestones, such as transitioning from multiple naps to fewer naps throughout the day.

The authors draw on research that suggests creating a dark and quiet sleep environment, with an optimal temperature for sleep of 68-72F/20-22C, will support your child’s sleep.

The guide reviews safe sleep guidelines and stresses the importance of working together as a team with your partner, collaborating by sharing responsibilities, communicating and discussing strategies, and being supportive and understanding with each other.