From those hazy newborn days to Daylight Savings havoc, being a parent means losing sleep. In fact, it can mean getting less sleep for up to six years. So how do you make up lost sleep? There are few ways you can replenish some of that missing shut eye.
A study recently published in Current Biology confirms what experts have long agreed on: you can’t make up for too many late nights simply by sleeping in on the weekend. A couple extra hours doesn’t make make up for the lost time or correct shifts that have occurred in your body’s natural circadian rhythms.
Instead of hitting the snooze alarm all weekend, a better approach is to follow the age old advice given to new moms and sleep when the baby sleeps. In other words, take a nap. “The light exposure in the morning right after your sleep period is what we think is most important for keeping those regular biological rhythms going,” Dr. Cathy Goldstein, an associate professor of neurology at the the University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Center told TIME. “If you do need to log some extra hours, a midday nap might be better.”
Keep your nap short and sweet, just twenty minutes is the perfect amount of time according to the National Sleep Foundation. Just make sure you don’t take that nap too close to bedtime or you’ll be bouncing off the walls right along with your toddler. Goldstein also suggests maintaining consistent wake times, even on weekends, and limiting nighttime light exposure to improve sleep quality.
Grab your wands and get ready to cast a spell against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, the spectacular new show at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But you’ll have to act fast, because the magic only lasts for a limited time.
The all-new show rolling out at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood is a one-of-kind light projection that will cover Hogwarts in magical creatures like Aragog, Death Eaters and even He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The only thing that can cast the darkness away is a Patronus spell.
The new show is in the vein of previous light shows at the Wizarding World, like The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, with music, special effects and images wrapped across the iconic Hogwarts Castle at the heart of the park—but this time with a decidedly darker tone.
If you want to catch this new show, don’t wait. It will only run for a few weeks, with shows scheduled for Apr. 13 through 28 and May 25 through 27 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Dates at Universal Orlando will be announced later this year.
The holiday season is over; we’ve eaten our treats, opened our presents and made our resolutions. As a sleep specialist, many of my clients have resolved to make this year “The Year of Sleep” and working with me to achieve this important goal.
It is no secret that sleep is critical to our daily functioning, mood, physical and mental health and ability to learn. Getting better sleep can be life-changing—just ask any sleep-deprived parent—and if it’s so beneficial for us adults, it is even more important for those tiny humans—the babies and children in our lives.
If the holiday season put your family’s sleeping habits into a tailspin or you’re just hoping to implement some healthy habits this year, I have some tried and true tips to help your whole family sleep well in 2019.
1. Chose an early bedtime.
Over the holidays it can be easy to get off schedule. Family parties, house guests and New Year’s Eve may have had your little one up well into the night. Hopping right back on track with an early bedtime is critical to laying the foundation for some healthy sleep habits. Infants, toddlers and school-aged children need 11 to 13 hours of nighttime sleep, so ensuring your child gets to bed early—especially on school-nights—will help them reach that goal easily.
Late bedtimes can result in over-tiredness, and over-tiredness can lead to bedtime battles, frequent night waking and/or earlier rising in the morning. Appropriate bedtimes may be anytime between 6 to 8 p.m., depending on the age of your child and the amount and quality of any necessary daytime sleep.
2. Hello darkness, my old friend.
Light, natural or artificial, sends a message to our brains that it’s daytime and not time to sleep. Melatonin production—the hormone that helps us fall asleep and stay asleep—is triggered by darkness, so start turning down the lights an hour before you plan to put your child to bed. This is most important when considering electronics, which emit a blue light that is particularly averse to baby’s shut-down process.
It can also be helpful to invest in blackout blinds; I’ve had many parents tell me it’s the best money they ever spent. Though it is winter now, as the sun starts setting later and rising earlier, your child should continue sleeping as normal.
3. Turn down the heat.
It is so common for parents (especially new ones) to obsess over their baby’s comfort and to be constantly worried as to whether or not they are warm enough. Babies, like their grownup counterparts, sleep best when they’re warm and snuggly inside of a cool environment. A warm nighttime onesie, a wearable blanket or a sleep sack and a cool nursery, and a thermostat set to somewhere between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C), are the best ways to ensure that baby remains comfortable through the night.
4. Keep it boring.
We all love the look of a cute mobile over our baby’s crib, the sounds of the little faux-aquarium with its plastic light-up fish or the ceiling full of stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars. But even though these things may seem normal or even soothing to us as adults, they can be way too stimulating for your little one (which is great—just not when they’re trying to sleep!).
That being said, there are two things I recommend including in your child’s room: a continuous white noise machine, which can help to block out any outside noise that might jar your child into waking up and a yellow or amber-colored nightlight which can keep toddlers from getting spooked by the darkness. Other than that, the more boring your child’s bedroom, the better they’ll sleep.
5. Be predictable.
It’s likely that over the holidays, you deviated slightly (or not so slightly) from your normal routine. The number one way to get a formerly good sleeper back on track after any type of disruption is to return to “regularly scheduled programming,” A well-planned, consistent bedtime routine is conducive to a good night’s sleep (no matter what your age).
Once our bodies and brains start to recognize the signals that indicate an upcoming bedtime, we start physically and mentally relaxing. Energy levels wind down, melatonin production kicks in and muscles start to loosen. By the time you’re giving your little one a goodnight kiss, their system should be all set for a long, restorative sleep.
It’s important to remember that great sleeping isn’t a one-night operation, especially if teaching healthy sleeping habits to a baby or child for the first time. It takes some time, a lot of repetition and plenty of discipline and diligence on the part of you, the parent. But once you’re well-rested, you can go out and tackle the rest of your goals for 2019!
Jamie is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and offers personalized sleep solutions to exhausted families nationwide. With a background in child development and infant mental health, keeps up to date on the latest evolutions in the field which allow her to blend technical knowledge with empathy and compassion to tailor her support.
Your kid is ready to tackle potty training, and you’ve got all the tips and tricks ready to go. But, what about those lingering nighttime troubles, like whether to use a pull-up or go for underwear only? Lucky for you, one Dad came up with a brilliant and style-forward way to keep your kids dry through the night. Sound too good to be true? Keep reading to find out more.
What Is It?
PEEjamas are stylish, eco-friendly and functional pajamas that eliminate the need for nighttime diapers. They’re the brain-child of dad Craig Hammond, who faced the ongoing dilemma of putting his three-year-old in a pull-up (better sleep, but longer potty training) or going with underwear and risking the inevitable cold, wet midnight wake up call.
PEEjamas blew past its original Kickstarter goal of $16,000, and the huge response means there’s now a chance to snag larger sizes too: 5T, 6T & 7T. “There has really been no new product developed for parents beyond the ‘use-once-and-throw-away disposable diaper’ in several years, so crowdfunders are proving the time is right for the PEEjamas solution,” Hammond said.
How Does It Work?
PEEjamas are made with highly absorbent (can hold up to 10x their weight in liquid!), re-washable materials that capture and contain urine over the course of a night.
They can be washed over 300 times before they lose their absorbency, which means they’re a super saver when considering the cost of disposable diapers, and they’re an extremely sustainable potty training tool. Plus, it’s a lot less hassle to toss a pair of pajamas in the wash after an accident rather than a whole load of sheets, day after day after day.
When is your child’s bedtime? Chances are that it’s not the same as your neighbor’s kids, your child’s pre-k classmates or even your BFF’s baby. And it’s certainly not identical to children around the globe. At least, it probably isn’t. Bedtime is serious business. If your child struggles to sleep, rebels against bedtime or just outright refuses to sleep, it can turn your world upside down. Given the weight that parents put on bedtime, getting a world view may just help you to better understand your own nightly challenges.
Children’s bedtimes aren’t the only sleep-related differences that are found in different countries and cultures. In photographer James Mollison’s book Where Children Sleep, bedtime certainly didn’t look the same everywhere. CNN reported that Mollison said, “I met many families who sleep together in one room or children who sleep in a space of convenience, rather than a place they can in a sense call their room.”
When it comes to the time that parents send their little off to dreamland, the numbers differed almost as much as where the kiddos slept. A 2010 study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that average bedtimes varied from 7:28 p.m. in New Zealand to 10:17 p.m. in Hong Kong.
With all the variation in places where kids sleep and bedtimes, it’s no wonder that nighttime antics can get parents down. And this isn’t just true for parents of babies or very young children. As kids age and start using digital devices, such as smartphones, shuttling them off to sleep can become increasingly difficult. On top of that, researchers have found a link between using electronics before bed and poor sleep quality, less sleep time, increased fatigue and even higher body mass index (in children who either used cell phones or watched television prior to going to sleep).
What can you do to help your child sleep? There isn’t a clear-cut answer. Creating a routine, ditching the devices and creating a sleeping environment that soothes is a start though.
What time do you think is the perfect bedtime? Tell us in the comments below.
Grab your binoculars, put the little ones in their jammies and coats, and head out to see the total lunar eclipse on September 27. The peak will be around 7:47 p.m., which is just enough time for it to get really dark, but not too late for a school night. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies, and check out these spots in and around Portland to watch this rare “blood moon” eclipse.
OMSI Star Party
The fun starts at OMSI’s South Parking at 6:30 p.m. The Rose City Astronomers and OMSI will have telescopes and binoculars available (bring your own if you have them) for viewing, and will be talking about the lunar eclipse and the autumn sky. This very well may be the perfect place to be in Portland for the eclipse, so plan ahead for parking.
L.L. Stubb Stewart State Park
OMSI also holds some of their star parties at L.L. Stubb Stewart State Park throughout the year. There isn’t a star party scheduled, but this a great place for stargazing because of its proximity to Portland without getting so much of its light pollution, and boasts a hill with a lovely view of the nighttime sky. Even if you can’t stay overnight, the park is only a 45 minute drive from Portland.
Vista House at Crown Point
Not only to you get a stellar view of the Columbia Gorge during the day, but when night falls, you’ll have an unobstructed (knock on wood) view of the skies as well. And at only 45 minutes east of Portland, you shouldn’t have a tough time getting the kids back home to bed lickety-split. The house itself normally closes at 6 p.m., so bundle up for a blustery gorge evening, and make a bathroom stop on the way just in case.
40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Corbett
503-695-2240
Online: vistahouse.com
Joseph Wood Hill Park at Rocky Butte
While it may not be pitch black, this butte is a convenient place to check out the action without going too far from home. Portland has plenty of buttes and urban mountains, but the top of Rocky Butte has a large paved park area that’s devoid of those pesky view-blocking trees. Be warned: This is a popular spot for teens on dates, but during the eclipse you’ll probably have a few more scientifically-minded compatriots around. The park is officially open until midnight.
photo: Goldendale Observatory by Joe Goldberg via flickr
Goldendale Observatory
Every day is a lunar watch day at Goldendale Observatory. Expect higher attendance than usual at the evening presentation on this special night. It’s about a two-hour trek, but it might be worth it depending on the weather forecast because Goldendale may be more likely to offer clear skies. Admission is free, but you’ll need a Washington State Parks Adventure Pass to park, available on site.
As parents, we’re all too familiar with the marathon that is new parenthood. When we’re in the trenches, battling the sometimes hourly nighttime wakings and (if we’re lucky) the horrific mysteries of colic, it seems like intensive ninja-like training is the only solution.
Or maybe not! This pediatrician, Dr. Hamilton, swears that his technique will calm an inconsolable baby. Check out “The Hold” below and let us know what you think!
What technique do you use to console your crying baby? Let us know!
Disneyland is a wonderful place for families every year, but this year promises to be especially magical. The Happiest Place on Earth is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary, marking 60 years of entertaining families around the globe. To commemorate the occasion, the entire resort is brimming with special surprises, including three new nighttime shows, dozens of limited-time treats, and hundreds of limited edition merchandise items. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza you won’t want to miss! Here are 10 reasons to take the family to enjoy Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary Celebration.
1. Revamped Rides After months of renovation, two of the resort’s most popular attractions—Disneyland Park’s Matterhorn and Disney California Adventure Park’s Soarin’ Over California—have reopened to the public. Soarin’ Over California boasts a new screen and all-digital projection systerm for a more immersive experience, and an updated Abominable Snowman returns to the Matterhorn Bobsleds and bigger and badder than ever.
2. A Brighter World of Color Show The World of Color show at Disney California Adventure Park has been given a Diamond Anniversary makeover, with more lights, fountains, lasers, and flames than ever before. World of Color: Celebrate the Wonderful World of Walt Disney takes guests on Walt Disney’s journey from pioneering animator to award-winning film maker to theme park visionary. Guests will enjoy music and scenes from classic Disney films, old clips featuring Walt Disney, and narration by Mickey Mouse and actor Neil Patrick Harris, projected onto a water screen.
InsiderTip: Pass the time before the show starts by playing the Fun Wheel Challenge. Use your phone to log on to funwheelchallenge.com and compete with other park guests in a fast-paced color matching game. If you win, you get to control the lights on Mickey’s Fun Wheel!
3. Sparkling Souvenirs Park merchandise has been blinged out for Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration, with everything from sparkly Mickey hats to shiny Minnie ears to silver-studded shirts, jackets, and bags.On a budget? Special 60th Anniversary pins start at just $9.99. Tip: Save your park tickets and Disneyland Resort hotel room keys and turn them into bookmarks or luggage tags! They’re printed with special limited-edition Diamond Anniversary designs.
4. A New Nighttime Parade Imagine Disneyland’s iconic Main Street Electrical Parade, updated for the 21st century. Paint the Night, an all-new nighttime parade, features dozens of performers and characters, plus eight giant floats (nine if you count the life-sized Mack Truck from Cars), illuminated with over 1.5 million LED lights that flash and glow in time with the music.
Insider Tip: Treat your little ones to a Made With Magic paintbrush, Mickey ear hat, and Mickey mitt. Use the paintbrush to change the colors on the ear hat and mitt, and all three items glow in time with the lights during the parade!
5. A Flurry of Frozen Fun There are more opportunities than ever for Anna and Elsa fans to Let It Go. Frozen is prominently featured in all three new nighttime shows, and the Frozen Sing-Along musical at Disney California Adventure Park is more popular than ever. Disneyland Park also has a new Frozen-themed show: Messrs. Smythe and Jones, resident storytellers of Fantasy Faire’s Royal Theatre, leave the audience in stitches with their vaudeville-style reenactment of Anna and Elsa’s tale.
Insider Tip: Both shows offer Fast Passes.
6. An Explosive New Fireworks Show Disneyland Park’s new nighttime spectacular, Disneyland Forever, is so much more than just a fireworks show. Sleeping Beauty Castle and the buildings on Main Street are transformed into movie screens, projecting animated images from beloved Disney movies such as The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Frozen onto their facades. Throw in music, laser lights, and inflatables, and, oh, fireworks, and you’ve got one magical experience.
Insider Tip: Images will be projected onto three additional areas—t’s A Small World, the Matterhorn, and the mist screens over the Rivers of America—so for the first time ever, guests don’t have to be on Main Street USA to enjoy the show.
7. Limited Time Photo Opps Get a head start on your holiday card photos by taking advantage of all the Diamond Celebration decorations adorning the parks. Carthay Circle Theater sports a shiny new Art Deco-inspired marquee, and Sleeping Beauty Castle has blue banners and 100,000 blue, glass crystals shimmering on the rooftops.
Insider Tip: Ask a Disney Photo Pass photographer to take your photo; they’ve staked out the best photo opp spots, and they have a knack for cropping out the crowds. The photos they take are available for purchase online, but they’re also happy to snap a photo using your camera.
8. Party the Night Away The Mad T Party is back! Disneyland California Adventure’s popular dance party returns for the Diamond Celebration, with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Wonderland gang playing pop and rock hits that will get everyone moving and grooving. Even kids can join in the fun, playing coin-operated games in the House of Cards or chasing the cool digital projections on the interactive dance floor.
9. Extra-Special Sweet Treats It wouldn’t be a celebration without cake! Look for special anniversary cupcakes at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland (lemon flavor) and the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café in Disney California Adventure (orange flavor). Other Diamond Anniversary munchies include specially decorated caramel apples, rice krispy treats, and cookies.
10. Popcorn Buckets If salty treats are more your style, head for the popcorn stand. The popcorn hasn’t changed, but it’s being served in special Diamond Celebration buckets that will only be available during the Diamond Anniversary Celebration. Look for Mickey balloon-shaped buckets on Main Street, Cinderella carriage buckets in Fantasyland, and diamond mine cart buckets in Frontierland.
When to Go
The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration began on Memorial Day Weekend and is expected to last well beyond the summer. An end date has not yet been announced, but if their 50th Anniversary is anything to go by, the celebrations should last at least a year.
Getting There
If you plan to fly down to Anaheim, remember that LAX isn’t the only airport option. John Wayne airport (SNA) in Orange County is actually the closest airport to the Disneyland Resort, and Southwest Airlines has multiple daily flights from San Jose airport to John Wayne airport. Driving down from the Bay Area takes between 6-8 hours, depending on the time of day and on whether you take Hwy 101 or Hwy 5. Don’t forget to check out Red Tricycle’s Guide to Disneyland and Guide to Road Tripping between SF and LA!
Your Jacque Cousteau wanna-be would trade his fish tank to sleep under-the-sea, even for just one night, so it’s not too far off to say he’d dive right in to one of these underwater retreats. We love the soothing sea color schemes, the friendly fish folk, and all the tiny touches (sunken pirate ship anyone?) that make for an excellent aquatic adventure. Flip through to be inspired by seven amazing ocean-themed rooms—we think you’ll be on our wavelength.
Lost at Sea
Betcha Robinson Crusoe didn’t have it this good. The ultimate in fantasy decor, this deep sea shipwreck bed and watery wall mural will let your kid-sized captain set sail on a nighttime adventure, every night. Available for purchase from Posh Tots.(Major splurge alert!)
When it comes to decorations for our kids’ rooms, we’re all about furniture that blends style and function. We love it even more when said items can cleverly encourage our little ones to pick up after themselves and keep things organized (we can only hope!). That’s why this sheep-shaped book shelf from Rowen & Wren is a huge hit for us. Not only is it an adorable addition to any kid’s bedroom, but it carefully contains up to 8 books on either side, making it a great way to store those favorite books your kiddo just has to have on-hand.
Made entirely out of individual wooden pieces, each section of the sheep slides together to create a complete book shelf that measures just over a foot tall and two feet wide. The bleached finish does an even better job of making this book shelf look even more like the animal it’s designed after. We can think of a few animal-crazy kids who would love to see this sitting in their room.
With openings wide enough to house small toys and other knickknacks, you’re likely to find your little ones are using this book shelf to house more than just their favorite nighttime stories.
The Rowen & Wren Baa-Baa Book Sheld retails for around $135. Add this beautiful piece to your kiddo’s collection by purchasing it here.
