Back to School Tips

It’s an exciting time of year for children and parents alike. Summer isn’t over but the nights are a little longer and we’re beginning to think about the next phase. If you’ve got a kiddo starting kindergarten, preschool, or daycare this fall, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top tips for navigating this transition while honoring your child’s sleep needs.

Childcare Changes for Babies

1. Visit the new facility to get a sense of the layout and the meet the caregivers before the first day.

2. Find out how daycare handles naps and speak with the staff about your child’s needs, especially regarding timing and number of naps each day.

3. Focus on a reliable bedtime routine with 5 simple steps.

4. Check that your baby’s bedtime is early enough to allow at least 11 hours of sleep before your child needs to be awake the next day.

5. Ensure wake ups are around the same time every day, no more sleeping in late

Back to School for Big Kids

1. Turn screens off 60 minutes before bedtime. No more late night movies or shows.

2. Start to shift bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every 3 days to get to your ideal school night bedtime.

3. Focus on a reliable bedtime routine with 5 simple steps.

4. Ensure wake ups are around the same time every day, no more sleeping in late.

5. Start to implement a morning routine similar to school days: dress, eat, brush hair and teeth all within a certain amount of time.

Wishing you well as your childcare options change. If you’re ever in doubt, please reach out!

Your Pediatric Sleep Consultant,
Sierra