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Dear Conscious Design Magazine

We cannot seem to get our child to stay in his bedroom at night. He is disrupting the entire
household and we don't know what to do? Do you have any suggestions?
MR - Montclair,NJ


Dear MR:

Our goal is to provide a safe comforting space for the child that will allow him/her to anchor into their crib or bed at night.

Here are several suggestions for you to use for
calming sleeptime:

 

 

Touch:
Use soft comforting sheets, fabrics for the child's bedding. Place a shirt or blanket with the parents' scent on it in with the child. This will be a comfort to them, especially if the mother is nursing, and appeal to the child's tactile senses.

Sound:
Add a windup style Ticking Clock
Play Soft Music- Experiment with different types, nature sounds,
Lullabyes, etc. I personally love Linda Ronstadt's Lullabyes. Use only at night.

Temperature:
Warm socks on the feet will encourage long sleep.(I have rubbed the bottom of childrens feet with massage oil at night and placed warm socks on top. Avoid any electrical heating devices.

Scent:
A gentle Essential Oil such as Lavender can be applied on a cottonball, and placed under the mattress. Use this only at night-time to create sleep association. I love Young Living's Peace and Calming Oil. This was very successful for me as a cure for my son's "night terrors". Also, placing a piece of clothing with the parents' scent on it will provide a level of comfort.

Sight:
Use room darkening shades to minimize disturbance from the outside.
Do not use sharp edged blinds. Remove all bright overactive style bedding and wallpaper. I have found that simulating the natural environment and gravity works best: earth toned flooring and a soft pastel colored wall. Colors can be determined through a consultant, although I found a soft green for growth to be supportive for most children. Place glow stars on the ceilings. Put Mom and Dad's picture on the wall in sight for authority and comfort. Keep the rocking chair out of view from the crib.

Lighting:
Have the light switch or a small lamp within the child's reach for a feeling of safety and security. Full Spectrum natural lighting is recommended.

 

 

Conscious Design Magazine - Dec06- Ask Conscious Design- Sleepless Child
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