Don’t you love this time of year? Leaves are turning and falling, comfort foods are Baby Beddingcooking, and we’re finally wearing boots and scarves and sweaters. Around this time of year, our family changes out our wardrobe to get ready for colder temperatures. We also put away our lighter weight sheets and blankets and break out the big, cozy comforters and sheets.

During the winter months, most of us have trouble climbing out of our warm beds in the morning to begin our daily routines. If getting good sleep is important for you and me, you know it’s vital for our kids. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers (or both!) I’m sure you can see a difference in their mood and behavior when they’ve gotten a good night’s sleep.

Our kid’s sleeping needs vary from age to age, and a lot of parents wonder if their children’s behavior is normal. Did you know:

  • Infants spend 50% of their sleep in REM sleep, which is when we dream. By the time they’ve reached age 3, that number has decreased to 25%
  • By the age of two, most children have spent more time asleep than awake
  • Children who get less sleep are at a greater risk for becoming overweight
  • Only 1 in 5 teenagers gets the optimal 9 hours of sleep on school nights
  • High school students who report earning Cs or lower get less sleep than those reporting higher grades
  • They’re not doing it to drive you crazy- teenagers naturally get sleepy later at night and wake up later in the morning

It seems obvious that getting adequate rest is important to your child’s ability to function, but you probably know that it’s not always easy to stick to a bedtime routine. Especially around the holidays, it can be tough to stick to set bedtimes and other routines. How can we help our kids to maintain healthy sleeping habits during this time of year?

  • If you’re not at home, consider getting younger kids ready for bed by changing into pajamas and brushing teeth before getting in the car
  • Keep stimulants like sugar and caffeine to a minimum, especially near bedtime
  • Use the bed strictly for sleeping, not playing or watching TV
  • Give your kids reasonable choices at bedtime- which pajamas to wear, which book to read, which stuffed animal to snuggle with
  • Make time to keep doing what works for your kids- a nightlight, soft music, a mid-day nap, or a book before bed
  • Make sure your kids feel safe and secure- a safe and familiar place to sleep, blankets appropriate for the weather, and the ability reach you if needed

Even if you’re out visiting friends or celebrating with family and can’t get the kids to bed on time, you can still maintain the main elements of your nighttime routine. What bedtime ritual is important for your kids?

Statistics from National Geographic Magazine May 2010 Issue