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Bedtimes That Make Sense

Many of you know that I’m personally of the persuasion that co-sleeping makes for the best sleep for mom. But it doesn’t work for everyone and there are a certain set of expectations that you have to accept in order for it to work. (Being okay with an older baby in the bed being one of them.)

But there are other ways to get your babies to bed relatively easily. I have said this many times, but I really believe that different babies’ sleeping patterns are a reflection of their personality. This has been true for my children and many pediatricians, including Dr. Sears talk about this very same idea.

What magical cure am I talking about? The bedtime routine of course. I think many new parents underestimate the importance of a bedtime routine. One baby is much more ‘portable’ than say, two or three and because newborns have a tendency to fall asleep wherever they are, and many new parents don’t necessarily realize that a bedtime routine is important. Then later, the baby has a lot more trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, etc. and the new parents can fall into a cycle of unsuccessful lulling.

In any case a good bedtime routine can solve a lot of sleep issues. It is best to start a bedtime routine from the very beginning, but if you didn’t don’t despair! Anytime you start one (even if you waited until toddler hood) is better than never doing one at all.

Really a bedtime routine consists of anything that will calm your baby. Below is a list of suggestions that you can incorporate into your bedtime routine. Whatever you choose, it should: a) be the same every night b) calm your baby c) take a reasonable amount of time.

*baths (especially with lavender or chammomile baby soap) can be very calming

*reading time

*hugs, kisses and prayers

*nursing

*a chat about the day or a coloring book

*brushing teeth
Or anything else your family thinks of that will have the effect of preparing your baby to sleep.

Once your baby is used to the routine you will be amazed at how the activities yield a calmer, less fussy baby that’s ready to sleep!