Sleepy-time ideas to help tired parents

Most parents probably didn't realize how much they enjoyed a good night's sleep until they had children. These bundles of joy often have a special gift for refusing to fall or stay asleep, a problem that is even more prevalent during the hot summer months.

Here are some sleep strategies from Ann Douglas, awardwinning author of "Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler and Preschooler" (Wiley):

•Keep it cool. Make sure the child's room is a comfortable temperature, ideally in the 68 to 72 degree range.

•Swaddle smart. If the baby likes to be swaddled for comfort, make sure the swaddle isn't causing the baby to become too warm. Switch to a lightweight fabric.

•Check to see if the baby is too warm by feeling the back of the baby's neck to see if she's sweating.

•Darken the room with blackout liners and shades if she has a hard time sleeping when it's light outside.

•Cool kids down with a prebedtime shower or bath, or encourage them to soak their feet before tuck-in time. It can help bring their overall body temperature down.

•Talk to a child at bedtime so she can open up about any unsettling experiences that may make it difficult to relax.

•Watch the caffeine. Substitute milk for caffeinated soft drinks, and go easy on chocolate bars and other caffeine-rich treats.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.