Making Bedtime A Little Easier With Disney
My son is one of those kiddos that fights sleep. We have a schedule set for him, make sure he is very active during the day, if he takes a nap - we make sure it isn't too long, and we have cut out sugary drinks for dinner, but my son still fights sleep.
Parents agree that putting kids to bed can be stressful, and a recent study showed that 77 percent of parents are exhausted by the process of getting their children to bed[1]. Beginning today, families and fans can add a little Disney magic into the bedtime routine with the new Disney store’s Sleep Shop Hotline*. The toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY, has five special messages from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime. The phone number will run from today through August 31 and is available throughout the United States and Canada.
In an effort to help improve the bedtime battle, Disney store and shopDisney have launched a new “Sleep Shop” assortment of children’s sleep items and have teamed up with Lauren Olson, a certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of “Sleep and the City” to give her top tips to help parents trouble shoot common sleep challenges.
Lauren commented, “As a mom of two extremely busy toddlers, I know keeping consistent napping schedules and bedtime routines can be a major production – from stall tactics to short naps and pre-dawn wake ups, it can be hard on everyone in the household. I love that Disney store is providing families with some easy, fun tools, like a sleep rewards chart and light up plush toy, to try and alleviate some of the stresses associated with sleep!”
Lauren’s top tips for common sleep challenges:
Early Wake Up
This is common! If your child is waking up every morning before 6am, it’s time to invest in a black out shades and a light or clock that illuminates when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning.
Won’t Go to Sleep
If your child suddenly refuses to fall asleep on their own or is waking up in the middle of the night, consider introducing a “friend” which is only offered a sleepy time. This can be a blanket or favorite stuffed animal, like the new Cuddleez! This oversized plush can even double as a pillow for toddlers when traveling.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Decide on a consistent, yet flexible schedule that works for your life and stick to it as best possible.
Scared at Night
If your child tells you they are scared at night, introduce a “nighttime friend" that is only offered at bed time, and encourage your child to hold, squeeze or sing to their friend should they wake worried at night.
The “Sleep Shop” is home to a new assortment of kids sleep items across Disney, Disney∙Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel including sleep rewards charts, light up drinkware and plush, slippers and new pajama sets ranging from $14.95 - $29.95. To check out the full array of sleep shop offerings and see Lauren’s full tips, visit www.shopDisney.com/sleep-shop. To locate your closest Disney store location, visit our locator map here.
* Limit 1 message per call. If calling using a mobile phone, standard mobile charges may apply.
