If you have a little one in the home, you know bedtime can be a struggle. I know for us, there are nights Peyton and I go around and around for hours about going to sleep. She’ll claim she’s not tired when I can see it in her eyes! The kid will be yawning and fighting to keep her eyes open but she’ll still maintain that she is fine and doesn’t need to go to bed. For her, I know it’s because she doesn’t want to miss a thing. But she needs the sleep. Sometimes, by the time I do get Peyton down for the night, it’s so late that I don’t get a good nights sleep. It can be exhausting! And I’m not alone either. I know there are other parents out there that go through the same ordeal. Night after night after night.
Disney has come up with a little something they may help some of our little ones get in bed, stay in bed and shut their eyes. Beginning today, families and fans can add a little Disney magic into the bedtime routine with the new Disney store’s Sleep Shop Hotline*. The toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY, has five special messages from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime. The phone number will run from today through August 31 and is available throughout the United States and Canada.
How cool is that? You can put your kid to sleep with a phone call one of their favorite characters! I know it sure would’ve helped with Peyton’s bedtime routine when she was a toddler.
In an effort to help improve the bedtime battle, Disney store and shopDisney have launched a new “Sleep Shop” assortment of children’s sleep items and have teamed up with Lauren Olson, a certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of “Sleep and the City” to give her top tips to help parents troubleshoot common sleep challenges.
Lauren’s top tips for common sleep challenges:
Early Wake-Up
This is common! If your child is waking up every morning before 6 am, it’s time to invest in blackout shades/curtains and a light or clock that illuminates when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning.
Peyton used to be an early riser. We have blackout curtains on every window in the house. So when she took a nap in the living room it was dark. I am forever grateful for blackout curtains.
Won’t Go to Sleep
If your child suddenly refuses to fall asleep on their own or is waking up in the middle of the night, consider introducing a “friend” which is only offered a sleepy time. This can be a blanket or favorite stuffed animal, like the new Cuddleez! This oversized plush can even double as a pillow for toddlers when traveling.
I call this one the stall tactic. Peyton will do anything and everything to not go to sleep.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Decide on a consistent, yet flexible schedule that works for your life and stick to it as best possible.
I totally stink at this! Being a single momma I try to keep a schedule but it doesn’t always happen. Some nights just get out of hand but I do try my best to keep us on a somewhat loose schedule.
Scared at Night
If your child tells you they are scared at night, introduce a “nighttime friend” that is only offered at bedtime, and encourage your child to hold, squeeze or sing to their friend should they wake worried at night.
The “Sleep Shop” is home to a new assortment of kids sleep items across Disney, Disney∙Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel including sleep rewards charts, light up drinkware and plush, slippers and new pajama sets ranging from $14.95 – $29.95. To check out the full array of sleep shop offerings and see Lauren’s full tips, visit www.shopDisney.com/sleep-shop.
* Limit 1 message per call. If calling using a mobile phone, standard mobile charges may apply.
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