As adults, our bedroom is a sleep sanctuary – a place to relax and unwind after the pressures of the day. It’s no different for children. Whether they’re a baby, toddler, child or teenager, their bedroom should be a place they can comfortably rest and retreat. This means making it a cosy and comfortable environment that encourages relaxation.
Here are a few tips and ideas to create the perfect bedroom for your child’s sleep needs.
Less is more
Remember layering posters upon posters of your favourite bands or celebrities? While busy walls and decor are a great way to add a personal touch to a bedroom, too much of it can make the space feel cluttered, overstimulating them before bed. Keeping it simple with a more neutral colour palette is a great way to keep your child’s room cosy – while also making it easy to change up the decor when their taste changes. You can also add a few decor pieces with pops of colour, ensuring the room still has their personality and style. Think fun throw pillows, quilt cover sets or even a print from their favourite movie or TV show. Some Engineered Wood Flooring will also look great instead of carpet if you are going for the minimal look.
Invest in quality bedding
Whether you’re setting up your toddler’s first “big kid” bed or supersizing your growing teenager’s mattress, it’s important to invest in a supportive mattress and quality bedding to ensure a great night’s sleep. Not only will it set them up for a great sleep, but it will also last them for years to come.
When it comes to their linen, opt for breathable, natural sheets made of fabrics like linen. This lightweight fabric is suited for sleepers who are looking for a natural fibre that is breathable, highly absorbent and also naturally strong – helping to keep your kids comfortable all year round. Make sure you wash your child’s bedding frequently to get rid of any nasties that might build up over time!
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Adjust the lighting
Any parent knows the battle of trying to get their children to sleep when it’s still light outside. Daylight means playtime, and it can be hard to convince children that it’s time to wind down. Using blockout blinds is a great way to make sure light isn’t creeping in, helping to build the narrative of bedtime. Thick curtains on electric curtain tracks or blinds can also add some insulation from noise, cold and heat for even temperature and a quieter night’s sleep. If your child is afraid of the dark, a nightlight or sleep clock which emits a low, soft glow can help instil a sense of safety. And make sure the lights in the room have warm bulbs, ideally dim or on a dimmer so that your child’s room is calm and inviting right from the start of their pre-bedtime routine.
Check the temperature
Whether it’s warm and stuffy or too cold, the temperature can have a hand in how well we sleep at night. Besides making sure the room is warmed or well ventilated, you may also want to consider what type of sleeper your child is.
Do they prefer to be tucked up tight with plenty of layers? Or do they prefer to keep cool with a sheet? Take note of whether they’re a warm or cool sleeper and adjust their bedding accordingly. For some, this may mean a lighter quilt, others may need a thicker wool quilt to keep warm.
Keeping them at their optimal temperature is a great way to ensure they’re comfortable and settled all night long.
Comfort, and comfort items, are important
Whether it’s a stuffed toy they’ve had since birth or an emotional-support-bottle or two, comfort items are incredibly important for a smooth bedtime, especially for infants and preschoolers. Make sure these items are in bed and ready before you start the bedtime wind-down. Older children might like having comfy cushions, soft or weighted blankets or a canopy over their bed as their ticket to a good night’s sleep. Whatever your child finds comforting, value that and make sure it’s incorporated into their sleep space and routine.
There are many easy and practical steps you can take to achieve bed-time bliss – investing in quality bedding and linen, controlling the room’s lighting and temperature so it’s at the ideal level for peaceful dreams and reducing the levels of clutter and distraction all help create the perfect bedroom for your child’s sleep needs. With some thoughtful consideration and a little effort, you can make your child’s room into the ultimate space for serene slumber, helping your entire family to feel more well-rested and rejuvenated.