Getting Kids to Sleep: Tips from U City Children's Center

Summer time can mean delayed bedtimes for many children. Steve Zwolak of shares his tips to helping children develop healthy habits with Fox 2 News.

There are a few key points to helping your child develop healthy sleep habits.

• Maintain a consistent sleep routines and schedule
• Good daily balance of exercise—indoor and outdoor.
• Don’t go to bed hungry
• Avoid caffeinated products
• Plan up to 1 hour of quiet time before bed time
• Other bedtime routines – Quiet time may include taking a bath, going to the bathroom, brushing teeth, etc. Also, it is important for children to be brought to bed/put into bed awake so that they learn to fall asleep themselves.
• Your child’s environment is key – Your child’s bedroom should be quiet, comfortable and invitational. NO TV! The child needs to have their sleep object/s available such as a teddy bear, blanket, or doll.