Ah, hello mid-February. With school/kindy well and truly back, many families are adapting to new (or adjusted) routines - which can often throw things like sleep and toilet training totally out the window.

As parents ourselves, we’ve done this dance and know that after a long break, getting back into routine can be pretty trying - so we’re sharing our top tips for smooth transitions with you!

The importance of a healthy sleep schedule

Look, even the most well-intentioned grown-ups can be pretty grumpy when they’re running on empty. When we’re well-rested, we’re better able to regulate our emotions, think clearly, and we have the energy we need to get through the day!

For kids, there’s the added importance - when they’re asleep, their brains and bodies are doing all kinds of magical things - helping them to grow and develop.

A little bit at a time

Long summers in the southern hemisphere often look like late nights. If you’re stuck getting them back to a reasonable bedtime, try starting your evening routine earlier each day in increments of 15 minutes until you’re settled into the ideal bedtime.

Suddenly being put to bed a couple of hours earlier than what you’re used to, while the sun is still shining, isn’t going to be easy for anyone!

Consistency is key

Find a routine that works for you, and stick to it.

The familiarity of same-same helps young brains know what to expect, and makes it easier to get to sleep as well as providing some subconscious comfort.

What your routine looks like is up to you, but we like to include a bath or shower and some reading time (together or independently) in the space between dinner and bedtime!
There are loads of  studies around blue-light exposure from devices and the negative effects they have on sleep, so switching off screens a good few hours before bedtime is a great idea.

Watch the temperature

Sleeping, or even settling, is tricky when you’re uncomfortable. Keeping tabs on the temperature in the kids' rooms is useful to know what bedding to use, whether you need a fan (or a heater!), and can be a good insight when problem-solving poor sleep habits.

Ensuring sleepwear is appropriate for the seasons and a good fit for your child can help with this. 

Our organic cotton and bamboo blended  underwear, singlets, bodysuits and sleepwear are a great option for nighttime as these sustainable fabrics help to regulate the body temperature (and they’re super soft and comfy!)

When you need a helping hand