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Expert Advice For A Happy and Healthy Bedtime
Having a set routine is the key to getting baby to sleep. Baby is most relaxed when he knows what's coming next.
• You may want to begin the evening with a bath. This can be especially relaxing for young babies.
• Put on a favorite lullaby CD or tape at a comfortably low volume. This sets a quiet mood for pre-bedtime diaper and clothing changes.
• Even if the sun hasn't set by bedtime, keep the room dark with curtains or blinds. Babies may not know whether it's naptime or bedtime. Cue them with darkness.
• Settle down in a rocking chair and give a warm bottle or a breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, let baby empty the first breast. The richest milk (the hindmilk) is given when the breast is nearly empty. This might "hold" baby longer before the next feeding.
• Sing softly to your baby. If you don't think you have a "good" voice, rest assured, your child LOVES your voice.
• Some mothers suggest putting baby in the crib when he is drowsy, rather than completely asleep to avoid dependency on nursing to sleep. See what works best for your baby.
• Patting the baby's back gently in the crib helps the transition from your arms and lets him know you are still there.
The more elements there are to the routine, the easier it will be to find what works and what doesn't and make minor changes as they grow. They won't miss the bottle as much after weaning if they have lullabies and back patting to count on.
--Sherry Goffin Kondor.
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If you have sleepy time tips you'd like to share, please send us a note using the contact link above. We'd love to hear your own bed time routines and if we use them on the site, we'll give you name credit. |
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