Things to Know about Your Child’s Sleep
Napping
When children are very young (under a year old); they usually take a nap in
the morning and one later in the afternoon. As they grow older, they may take
only an afternoon nap. After the age of two or two-and¬ a-half, most children
are no longer interested in taking a regular nap. Do not force your child to nap
if she does not want to sleep. When children are tired or need sleep, if their
surroundings are made more calm and relaxing, they will go to sleep. After the
age of three, most children will nap only occasionally.
Sleeping Materials
We recommend that futons, mattresses, sheets, blankets, quilts, pillow¬
cases, and other sleeping materials be made of high-quality cotton. If your
child still wets the bed at night, you can place a plastic or rubber sheet on top
of the mattress, but always place a heavy cotton sheet over it so that the
cotton is against your child's skin. Stop using the plastic sheet when the child
stops bed-wetting.
Sleepwear can also be made of high-quality cotton material. Cotton is warm
and comfortable while you are sleeping. It is better to wear loose-fitting
pajamas. Pajamas with attached socks or foot extensions are not
recommended as they interfere with the circulation and often make children
uncomfortable and unable to sleep properly. Some children feel confined when
they wear pajamas of this type. Instead of wearing socks or pajamas with
feet, the child can be covered with an extra blanket if necessary.
Sleeping Position
In some parts of the world, children sleep on their stomachs. How¬ ever, we
have observed that children sleep better and more soundly on their backs. If
children are sick or not feeling comfortable for some reason, they will often
sleep on their stomachs. But if they eat high-quality food prepared properly,
they will sleep very well on their backs.
Effects of Food on Sleep
Dinner is a very important meal for children. What is served for their evening
meal can determine the time they go to sleep, how often they wake during the
night, and what time they get up the next morning. For the evening meal, it is
better to serve foods that are easily digested.
If a mother wishes to give her children snacks or desserts, it is better if she
serves them at lunch or sometime before dinner. If desserts are eaten too late
in the evening, they may not be easily digested and may cause problems with
sleep.
If children eat fruit or drink juices in the evening, it may cause them to wet the
bed. Try not to give children salty or oily foods at night, as these can cause
them to crave liquids. Drinking too much can then cause bed-wetting. It is
better to give children foods that have the type of energy that will help them
to hold in liquid while they sleep. Sweet vegetables are often good for this
purpose.
Effects of Books and Media on Sleep
Books, television, and movies also affect how children sleep. You must
carefully select the books, television programs, and movies that your children
see or read. In fact, it can be worthwhile for you to see a movie first before
taking your children to see it. The shows and cartoons on television are often
violent or disturbing for youngsters. If children are allowed to watch such
programs, they may be afraid to go to sleep or may have nightmares. Books
with ghosts, monsters, or other upsetting subjects in them are not
recommended, especially not at night. You should be as careful in selecting
your children's entertainment and reading material as you are in selecting
their food. Children will be much happier as a result.