Will Fireworks Affect My Child’s Sleep?

There’s nothing more American than apple pie and fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July – but now that you’re a parent – the days of boozy celebrations might leave you wondering if you should be out and about.  It’s a good question to know if fireworks affect your child’s sleep.

Fireworks Mess With Sleep Even When You’re Inside

Fireworks are a spectacle for the sky but can throw a wrench in your sleep schedule. If you are planning a cozy night in, be prepared that the neighborhood noise and booms may wake your children up.

For your baby, it is very possible that they may not be affected since most festivities are at a time when they are in a deep sleep. But for many toddlers, the loud noise from fireworks may be very scary especially since many haven’t heard them before.

Even if you are far away from the main show, you will probably hear something at night – especially with neighborhood festivities. If your baby or toddler is woken up, wait a few minutes to see if they will settle on their own and if they can’t, it’s OK to give a reassuring and empathetic cuddle or tuck-in to help them get back to sleep.

A messed up night of sleep doesn’t happen every night, right???

Are You Really Thinking About Attending Fireworks?

Sorry guys, I have to giggle if you ask me what’s the best way to have your young kids watch the fireworks display. I mean, fireworks start late at night – when it’s dark!!!  Most likely hours after your little one typically goes to sleep.

I just don’t think it’s worth risking it with little ones – especially since you don’t know how your child will react leading up to the start of the event.

Plus, you don’t know how your child will react to being in the presence of a lot of people and loud noises especially late at night.

According the the EPA, noise can pose a serious threat to a child’s physical and psychological health,
including learning and behavior.  Most likely one loud occurrence won’t affect your child long-term.  But, if you are putting your child at risk – is it worth it?

Ear Protection Can Help

Since infants’ ear canals aren’t fully developed, it’s more of a risk to have ear protection.  But, if you are going to bring your older baby, toddler, or preschooler to a firework display, it’s best to minimize risk through ear protection.

Check out these snazzy ear protectors that can help.  Again, if you’re going to watch fireworks – it’s best to do so safely. (Check out these cool options.)

If Fireworks Are For Sure In Your Future

Do you have to wake up your child the next morning?

If you are a brave one and partaking in the late-night activities with your kids in tow, it’s OK to allow your child a later wake-up the next day to make up for the late night.

The next day, try and stay as close to your regular nap-time and bedtime routine to get back on schedule as quickly as possible.

What if fireworks cause an early morning wake up?

If your baby or toddler go to sleep later, you may see an even earlier morning wake up, caused by being overtired and restless in the morning.

If you see an earlier than normal wake-up, don’t freak out since your child may bounce back to normal in just a couple of days.  Always best bet is to use an earlier bedtime to keep your baby well-rested.

As always, a well-rested child will be able to recover much faster than those that don’t sleep well.

‪#‎Happy4th‬ from Sleep Baby Love – Go Make Some Memories! And hopefully, fireworks don’t affect your child’s sleep!  Please tell me where are you reading this – in your comfy home or outside on a lawn chair?