Goodnight Baby
September 04, 2009
After a fun day with your little guy, it’s time to wind down. To help him drift off, you’ll want to establish a bedtime routine. Even a 1-month-old can benefit from a familiar evening routine, because a predictable pattern of events is comforting and can serve as a signal that it’s time to sleep. Here are some pointers for creating a relaxing routine—for both of you!
The Routine
Besides helping baby transition from active time to quiet time, a bedtime routine also provides a great opportunity to bond with your little one. Start your routine early enough so you have time to savor each step—don’t rush it! Some steps to include in your nightly ritual:
· Clean your baby’s tiny teeth and gums. It’s not the most relaxing process, but by starting with it, you can get it out of the way. Plus, establishing this habit early will help him get used to nightly cleanings.
· Next: a soak in the tub (or a sponge bath). If baby’s due for a bath, it’s a great way to calm him down—and clean him up. Your gentle caressing, the warm water, and the fragrant soap (such as Baby Magic Calming Baby Bath) will help soothe and relax him. Speak softly throughout the bath.
And be sure to use a mild moisturizer afterwards (like Baby Magic Calming Baby Lotion) to keep your baby’s skin soft and smelling great.
· Give him a rubdown. If a bath isn’t in the cards today, try a baby massage for some skin-to-skin contact. Choose a room that’s warm and not too bright to help him calm down. Afterwards, change him into a fresh diaper and pjs.
· Then it’s off to the nursery for some quiet time. Dim the lights to create a less stimulating environment. You might sit with him and talk softly about what he did that day, or read him a favorite book.
· Finally, lay him down. Lull him to sleep by quietly singing to him or playing a lullaby or classical CD at a low volume. (Soft music also helps to drown out any noise from outside his room.) Don’t forget to wish him sweet dreams as his eyelids flutter shut!
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