7 Tips from a Family Business with 50+ Years of Experience
There is almost nothing that takes up as much space in a family with children as sleep. When your child sleeps well, the whole family can breathe. And when they don't, everyone feels it.
At LIFETIME Kidsrooms, we have been making children's beds since 1972. Over more than 50 years, we have talked with thousands of parents about the same thing: How do we get our child to sleep, and to feel safe while they do?
There is no magic solution. But there are a few things that make a difference for most children. Here is our best advice.
1. Make the routine predictable
Children thrive on familiarity. A consistent bedtime routine tells the body that the day is coming to an end: bath, brushing teeth, pyjamas, a book and goodnight. The order matters more than the exact time. It's the same small steps every evening that create calm.
2. Wind down gradually
It can be hard for a child to go from full speed to sleep in an instant. Start dimming the lights and slowing the pace 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Switch off the TV and screens well in advance, and choose quiet play and activities.
3. Create a bedroom that invites sleep
A good sleep environment is usually dark, quiet and comfortably cool. Many people recommend around 18-20 degrees Celsius (64-68 °F). If your child is afraid of the dark, a soft night light can provide comfort without disturbing sleep.
4. Give your child a bed they feel safe in
Security is about both feelings and physical surroundings. A bed should be stable, well made and the right size for your child. Many children sleep better when they can climb in and out on their own and feel that the bed is theirs. That is the idea behind Montessori-inspired beds, where children are allowed to be independent at their own pace.
5. Let your child decide (a little)
Independence creates security. Let your child choose between two pairs of pyjamas, two bedtime stories, or which teddy comes to bed. Small choices give children a sense of control, and that can make bedtime something to look forward to rather than something to fight against.
6. Be patient during transitions
Moving from a cot to a bed? Moving into their own room? Getting a new brother or sister? Bigger changes can disturb sleep for a while. Give it time, keep the routines, and let your child get used to the new situation at their own pace. It helps to talk about the change beforehand and make it a positive story.
7. Think long term
A bed that can follow your child through the years provides continuity. When the bed stays the same even as your child grows, it remains a safe starting point at a time when so much else is changing. That is why we design our beds to grow with your child, and why many of them last for several children.
When nothing seems to help
Every child is different, and sleep challenges can have many causes. If your child has persistent difficulty sleeping, or you are worried, talk to your health visitor or doctor.
A safe place to sleep, for many years
A bed alone does not make a child sleep. But a safe, calm and familiar place to rest is an important part of the whole picture. See how our beds are designed to grow with your child: Explore our kids beds
Do you have a sleep trick that works for your family? We'd love to hear it. Share it with us on Facebook or Instagram.
