During a well-child visit, the parent notes the toddler takes several hours to fall asleep. Which recommendation is appropriate?

During a well-child visit, the parent notes the toddler takes several hours to fall asleep. Which recommendation is appropriate?

• A. Provide the toddler with a favorite toy at bedtime
• B. Let the toddler watch a loud cartoon at bedtime
• C. Offer a large meal right before bed
• D. Introduce a new toy at bedtime

Answer: (A)

A calming, consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers settle and fall asleep more easily. Providing a favorite toy at bedtime gives the child a familiar, comforting object that serves as a transitional item, helping them self-soothe and feel secure as they drift off to sleep. The other options tend to hinder sleep: watching a loud cartoon before bed is stimulating and can keep the child aroused; a large meal right before bed can cause discomfort or reflux and delay sleep; introducing a new toy at bedtime adds novelty and excitement, which can be stimulating and make it harder to wind down. In practice, good sleep habits for toddlers include a predictable bedtime routine, a quiet, dimly lit environment, and avoiding screens or heavy meals close to bedtime, using comforting objects to aid self-soothing when appropriate.

A calming, consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers settle and fall asleep more easily. Providing a favorite toy at bedtime gives the child a familiar, comforting object that serves as a transitional item, helping them self-soothe and feel secure as they drift off to sleep.

The other options tend to hinder sleep: watching a loud cartoon before bed is stimulating and can keep the child aroused; a large meal right before bed can cause discomfort or reflux and delay sleep; introducing a new toy at bedtime adds novelty and excitement, which can be stimulating and make it harder to wind down.

In practice, good sleep habits for toddlers include a predictable bedtime routine, a quiet, dimly lit environment, and avoiding screens or heavy meals close to bedtime, using comforting objects to aid self-soothing when appropriate.