You’re not the only mum that wants to know how to create a successful bedtime routine for the baby. All mothers want that. Oh, life would be easy for all if the little one has a predictable schedule.
The great news is, babies, learn easily and fast under normal circumstances. To get your baby on a plan, do the following:
1. Have a specific time for going to bed and waking up.
Draw a timetable for naptime and the night and let everyone in the house know about it. You don’t want them ruining the plan when you are away. Children respond to a regular routine, so with time, the baby will fall asleep as planned. Nevertheless, the presence of other people in the house may distract the baby. Hence, you can create a schedule where everybody goes to sleep at the same time.
2. Ensure that the baby is active when awake
A tired baby will sleep easily. Thus, take the baby outside and play till he is tired. Thanks to the internet, you can find enough games to keep the child occupied. You may not want to do this a few minutes to the sleeping time, though.
3. Calm the baby before sleep
Think of activities that can relax and soothe the child to sleep
- A warm birth
- A gentle massage
- Soft music
- Dim lights
- Bedtime stories
- Lullabies
- Breastfeeding
- Quietness
4. Start early
Begin training the child when they’re two months old. If you wait to establish a sleeping routine a few days before you resume work, you will be disappointed.
Then as the child grows, you keep adjusting the schedule to suit his age. Keep repeating the activities as the child develops until he understands the cues to sleep time. That’s how you create a successful bedtime routine for your baby.
5. Make sure the baby is well-fed and dry
Of course, you know that no matter how good the schedule is, it won’t work if the little one is hungry or wet. Hence, as you plan for sleep, make sure you plan the feeding time too.
Also, check the quantity and quality of what your baby eats. Some foods will promote sleep, while others won’t. Kindly, do not overfeed the baby
6. Have a pre-bedtime routine
This refers to the activities that you do before bed. They act as cues for your baby to know that it’s time to sleep.
- Switching off the lights and other electronics
- Moving to the bedroom
- Bedtime prayers
- Putting on pajamas
- Getting into the bed
7. Be patient
Your baby is not perfect. Sometimes it’s impossible to stick to a plan. Thus, prepare yourself for any imperfections along the way.
Conclusion
How to create a successful bedtime routine for your baby is enjoyable if all members of your household cooperate. Once the child is well-fed and relaxed, everything else most times, will fall into place.
