Bedtime needn’t be a battle of wills between parent and baby. Keep things simple with an easy 1, 2, 3 bedtime routine.
Implementing (and sticking to) a good bedtime routine can lead to a relaxed, sleepy and happier baby – and every parent knows that happy baby means happy mum and dad! Follow these three simple steps tonight and wave goodbye to ‘baby lag’ (the effects of new baby sleep deprivation) forever!
Step One – Bath Time
A pre-bed bath is a great cue for baby that it will soon be time to sleep. Keep the water shallow and warm, the play gentle and use calming bath products like the Johnson’s Baby Bedtime range and bath time will signal the end of a busy day for baby (and you!).
Step Two – Baby Massage
Baby massage is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby and spend some final, quiet, quality time together before bed. It’s a great thing for dads to get involved with if they’re feeling left out of breastfeeding – just remember to keep the lights low, the room warm and voices quiet.
Step Three – Quiet Time
Not to be confused with playtime this could mean a quiet cuddle, a feed, a story or a song. Keep your voice low – different to your ‘daytime’ voice – and baby will quickly realize that this quiet time means that it’s time to get ready for sleep.
After following the three step baby sleep routine, you and your baby are sure to be relaxed. Try to put baby down while still awake so that he or she gets used to drifting off alone and self-soothing.
Bedtime can be as easy as 1, 2, 3 with a simple yet effective pre-sleep routine. Stick to this routine and both you and baby are sure to feel the bedtime benefits.
