A comfortable and soft pillow ensures a restful sleep. The pillow plays a crucial role in sleep comfort for children. A regular adult-sized pillow does not always fit a child, as it can be too large. For this reason, it is important to choose a pillow that is specifically made for children.
According to a study from Canada, 40 percent of children under 10 years suffer from sleep deprivation. Too little sleep can affect a child's growth, development, learning, and behavior. Experts recommend starting with good "sleep hygiene": a consistent and calming bedtime routine and a room that is prepared for sleep - cool temperature, comfortable pillows, and a gentle night light.
Why can't children fall asleep?
Bedtime refusal
Children are masters at delaying bedtime: They jump out of bed to ask for another glass of water, a hug, or another story. A "visual schedule" that shows pictures of the nightly routine, such as toothbrush, toilet, story, sleep, can help establish a bedtime ritual for the child.
Nocturnal awakenings
Many children wake up several times a night and cannot fall back asleep on their own. They often have a "sleep association disorder": They have developed a set of criteria that must be met to fall asleep, such as a parent lying with them or the hallway light being on. One attempt could be to use a "sleep chart" with a reward that your child only receives if they stay in bed for a certain number of nights. The reward should not be material but something special where the child spends time with a parent.
Fear of the night
Some children have nighttime phobias - whether it's fear of the dark, something spooky they've seen, or a general discomfort sleeping alone. Some children may just seek attention, but if fear is the reason, we need to teach the child the difference between fantasy and reality and help them overcome these fears. Parents should assure the child that they are safe and that there is nothing in the house besides family members. A small night light can already be a great support for the child when they wake up at night.
What helps when children can't fall asleep?
Establishing a bedtime routine
Choose a bedtime routine that fits your daily life. This can be dinner followed by a bath, a quiet game or a story, then brushing teeth, using the toilet, and bed. There should be time for cuddling, but not for roughhousing and playing. Make sure the last 30 minutes before bedtime are calm, without TV or other electronic devices. Children need calm before going to bed.
Help Your Child Settle In
There are different ways to help your child fall asleep. You can stay in the room, cuddle your child to sleep, check on them regularly, or close the door and stay away. All these options have their pros and cons, and it is important that you choose a method that suits you and your child. If your child is old enough to understand the situation, explain to them what will happen and what you expect.
A Comfortable Sleeping Place
The right pillow and a cozy blanket ensure that your child looks forward to falling asleep, feels safe and secure. The pillow for your child should be soft and comfortable, but also firm to optimally support your child's developing body. Are size and support really important? Absolutely. A regular pillow is designed to support an adult's head and neck. The body of children is differently proportioned. Adult pillows can unnecessarily strain the neck and shoulders, disrupting sleep and leading to discomfort and poor posture.
The KomfortKissen Kids also helps children to turn and toss less at night, promoting a calmer and more restful sleep. The KomfortKissen not only offers children better sleeping comfort, but also a retreat that provides them with security and safety. Falling asleep can be quickly facilitated and integrated into the bedtime routine from the start. Together with your child, you can choose a design for the pillow. Whether dinosaur, unicorn, astronaut, or fox – your child will find a companion in their KomfortKissen that helps them fall asleep and stay asleep better at night.
The conclusion: A comfortable KomfortKissen is the key to a restful sleep, so you and your child can start the day refreshed again!