Can you believe it’s that time of year already?! Summer is coming to an end and fall is slowly creeping in. Schools are starting to open back up and kids are getting ready to get back in the classroom. 

Sleep habits and routines can often fall by the wayside during the summer. Whether you’re traveling, spending more time with friends and family, or staying home, kids often don’t follow as strict of a schedule during the summertime as they do during the school year. Once the first day of school is on the horizon, it’s a great time to start thinking about getting your child back into a routine in preparation for back to school. 

Back to School: Sleep and Routine Reset

Here are 7 tips to get your child sleeping like a champ on a back to school reset:

Tip #1: Reset Early

It seems like back-to-school supplies are coming out earlier and earlier every year. It can be a little alarming to see it at the beginning of July, but trust me, summer does fly by. Before you know it, your child’s open house is right around the corner. Getting your child back on a routine with a set bedtime/wake-up time can really help their transition back to daycare, preschool, or school. I would recommend implementing a more structured schedule, similar to what they will see during the school year, 1-2 weeks before their first day. 

Tip #2: Earlier Bedtime

This can be really hard during the summer. The sun is up until practically 9 PM every night, but it is necessary. Try easing into things by setting their bedtime 10-20 minutes earlier each day until they reach their ideal bedtime. Moving bedtime slowly can help make appropriate adjustments without seeing bedtime protesting or resistance. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to set them up for tiring days at school. 

Tip #3: Earlier Wake-Up

It’s amazing when you have little ones sleeping in until 7:30 or 8 AM in the summer. I totally understand wanting to soak up every minute of relaxation before the chaos ensues. Easing into an earlier wake-up (closer to their typical wake-up time during the school year) will help them adjust and transition. Slow and steady wins this race. 

Tip #4: Bedtime Routine

Establishing a solid bedtime routine is clutch. Routine is a key indicator of success. Having a good bedtime routine signals to the brain that sleep is coming and it is time to wind down. Routines don’t have to be long or complex. It should feel natural while helping your child relax for bed. 

Tip #5: Bye-Bye Electronics

Electronics are very stimulating and can keep your child awake for longer. I would recommend eliminating any and all electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light can affect their circadian rhythm, making falling asleep harder. Avoiding screens before bed can help your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

Tip #6: Quiet Time

With electronics out, try something new before bed. Puzzles, coloring books, arts and crafts, reading books together, or listening to a story are all activities you and your child can do before bedtime. If your child is having a hard time saying goodbye to their electronics, try to incorporate an audiobook or Tonies. Try to keep rough housing and any physical activity to a minimum as well. 

Tip #7: Create a Safe Sleep Space

Make sure your child has a room that feels comfortable to them. Giving them some control of the arrangement of their room or the decorations in their room, can help them feel safe and cozy in their own space.

Summer can bring some of the sweetest memories. It is hard for everyone when the transition to fall comes. Be patient and give yourself and your child grace. Try to find moments in the evening to spend good quality one-on-one time together. By using the tips above and staying consistent, your child will get back on track before you know it. 

Struggling with what to buy this school year? Check out our Sleep Shore Back to School MUST HAVES! I seriously don’t go one day during the school year without using Bentgo boxes and if you aren’t using an okay-to-wake clock to help your kiddo rise for the day, now is the time.

Sleep Shore Sleep Consulting

Is your little one having difficulty transitioning back to school? If your child is unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at a normal time, it may be time to consider sleep training. Sleep Shore offers personalized solutions for each unique sleeping situation to get your little one on track- whether they’re a newborn, infant, or toddler. We also offer in home sleep training services in the Boston, Massachusetts, Central Michigan (Midland, Clare, Mt. Pleasant) and Traverse City, Michigan. Sleep training offers babies and children with the skills to fall asleep on their own so they can wake up feeling more well-rested- and in turn, you’ll feel more energized, too! See what this mama had to say about our sleep services below: 

“My husband and I reached out to Danielle after several months of fighting our 2.5 year old to sleep. We were pretty strict bedtime followers for our older two, but our youngest threw us for a loop and we developed some not so great habits. Danielle walked us through each step patiently, and got us out of our daughter’s room and back her putting herself to sleep. Danielle gave us a well thought out plan that worked well for our busy family!”

Mom of 2.5 Year Old