Any parent past the toddler stage knows the tantrums and bedtime fights. Now your child may believe they have a perfectly valid reason for their actions, but as a parent it can be overwhelming!
Your child acts out of emotion and exhaustion nine times out of ten. You must think that bedtime is the hardest part of your day. Early on, establishing a good bedtime routine will promote healthy sleep habits and allow your baby to rest.
Here are our top ten suggestions for creating a healthy bedtime routine:
1. Create a bedtime routine.
We all know that when it comes to education, there is no miracle solution! Our children are unique with distinct personalities from the start. Therefore, it can be difficult to combine this with routine. However, since you are the parent, you set the limits!
Establishing a bedtime or sleep window for your child can help establish a schedule. The sleep-wake cycle, which is part of his body's normal circadian rhythm, will mentally assimilate bedtime habits. In addition, the more your child sleeps, the more effectively his body is able to perform its vital functions and processes.
For some parents, having a fixed bedtime is beneficial . However, if this is not the case, it is better to be a little more flexible about the time. If you put your child to bed when he is not sleepy, you may have a long wait before you can turn off the light.
2. Make bathtime fun
The bath is a magical place for a child, because it is warm, foamy and pleasant. It's a place where your baby's imagination can run wild with brightly colored toys. A hot bath also has a significant effect on your body temperature. When you cool off quickly after a bath, your body associates this feeling with that of the night.
Now imagine that you are a child. By establishing a bath routine early on, you will help your baby fall asleep faster thanks to the effect of body temperature in the bath. Sleep will come easier , and your child will be more likely to sleep longer.
It is important to note that not all children react to the bath in the same way. Some will find the experience too exciting! If this is the case for your child, save bath time for the morning.
3. They need to brush their teeth
Manage to establish a routine of brushing teeth with your baby from the start so that it becomes a habit. It may sound too good to be true! On the other hand, if you follow a program, your child will have every chance of having good oral hygiene.
According to dentists, children can brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Including this in your child's morning and evening routines will facilitate good technique and avoid unnecessary dental visits.
Let your child do it!
Remaining sugars from breast milk or formula can be removed using a soft, damp cloth or baby dental wipe. Introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush as soon as teeth appear to make brushing even easier and more fun .
Whatever you do, remember to have fun! There's nothing worse than a power struggle right before bedtime. Sing songs, dance with your toothbrush and show your child how it's done! Even if you don't feel like doing it every night, it's important to do it the first few times, so that it becomes a habit for him.
4. Last diaper change or last pee
As most parents know, there's nothing worse than tripping in the dark and having to deal with a nighttime accident! Overflowing diapers are one thing, but urine-soaked sheets are another. Parenthood is not for the faint of heart.
Encouraging your child to go to the bathroom before bed not only helps improve bladder control, but also ensures you and your child get a good night's sleep. At least, as far as getting up to go to the bathroom, or worse, wetting the bed!
Imagine getting up the next morning to find the sheets are soaked. Your child woke up but it was already too late. You start the day well. For bedwetting, I can offer you pajamas that we have on our shop, the Pyjamagic™ . It is a skirt made of absorbent material on the inside to absorb pee, and waterproof on the outside to avoid wetting the sheets.
If your child is still in diapers, changing them right before bed will help everyone have a more relaxed and pain-free night.
5. Buy a weighted blanket.
From childhood to adulthood, many people have difficulty sleeping. A sensory impairment, wild imagination, or separation anxiety can make bedtime more difficult. A weighted blanket can remedy this. Your child will feel like they're getting a warm hug all night long with deep pressure stimulation.
Your child will fall asleep faster and longer if they are safe and protected. He is less likely to be exhausted when he wakes up. In addition, your child will feel more comfortable while sleeping thanks to the weight of the blanket. Thanks to the feeling of warmth, bedtime will be a welcome addition to every child's day.
However, it should not be used for children under one year old. Weighted blankets (along with other items like loose blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys) have been shown to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Indeed, this type of object can, by mistake, hinder the breathing of the baby.
Since SIDS cannot occur after a child's first birthday, the pediatrician or doctor should be consulted after that date to determine the right time to use one.
6. Turn off the television.
It's usually not a good idea to watch TV before bed. Not only does it overstimulate your kids , but it also takes time to unwind after an hour of dopamine-fueled cartoons. Going straight to bed after sensory overload won't help you or your baby sleep well at night.
Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime and engage in a relaxing activity with your kids . Make the last hour before bed happy by reading a novel, drawing, or listening to relaxing music.
7. Share your day.
Do you realize that you are your child's most loved person? Sharing parts of your day together would be a great way to bond before bed.
Can you discuss what they find enjoyable? What they did in preschool or who they played with. What did they discover? It is important to understand what makes your child happy.
Then give them an overview of your day. During your travels, have you come across his favorite dinosaur or animal? How was it at the supermarket? How was your working day?
For a moment, step into your child's world . It's an invaluable opportunity to spend time together.
8. Read stories
Reading is not only beneficial for your child's growth and language skills, but it is also a pleasant time to spend together. Allowing your child to use their imagination to see the world from a new perspective will enrich their childhood.
When the two of you escape on a fairy tale adventure, snuggle up together. From fantasy to practical life, you'll instill in your child a lifelong love of reading during their early years.
If old enough, let your child choose which book to read from a small selection each night. If he always chooses the same story, don't be shy! Repetition is an essential part of your toddler's learning.
9. A sweet lullaby
When you become a parent, you have to let go of the things that make you uncomfortable. You may not be great at singing, but your child will love it when you sing him a lullaby.
Your baby has been able to hear your voice since he was in his mother's womb. Your voice is one of the most familiar sounds he can hear as a child now that he has arrived in the world.
Your little one will appreciate it when you sing him songs to sleep because it's both familiar and soothing . By integrating it into his bedtime routine, he can fall asleep quickly.
If you're having trouble, play soft music in the background while your child is sleeping. If you're brave enough, join in the chanting!
10. Say goodnight
The phrase "good night" perfectly sums up having a clear end to the day. And if your baby isn't ready for her last word, saying it ends the day anyway.
Allowing your child to say goodnight to all their favorite toys, as well as their beloved dog, will help them fall asleep.
It would be naive to think that all children react positively to the word "good night". However, incorporating it into your child's routine will reinforce the idea of bedtime.
There are no magic solutions.
Every child is different. The effectiveness of the routines we incorporate into their lives is determined by their personality, character, and sense of autonomy.
If everything you try doesn't work, think outside the box. Think about what makes your child happy! If brushing your teeth is the hardest part of the day, make it fun. Participate! You can also use your child's favorite toy to illustrate the importance of dental hygiene for everyone.
The last goodbye of the evening can be the most difficult for most parents. Think about what makes your child feel comfortable, whether it's a toy, a blanket, or just a light on. Making your child's bedroom a haven of peace will help them sleep better.
Finally, don't be too hard on yourself. It all comes down to learning and perseverance when it comes to creating a routine. You should get there!
I hope this article has enlightened you on the subject. Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments.
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