The 7 Secrets to A Soothing Bedtime Routine For Your Child
WITHOUT Yelling, Bribery, or Sweets
You CAN Do This. And I’m Here to Help
“let them sleep, for when they Wake, they will move mountains”
Who Am I?
Hey y’all! My name is Billee and I a coffee lovin mommy to 4 fabulous kiddos, 2 girls and 2 boys. We’ve got quite the range in the Hardy house: 16, 11, 9 and 5! These all-stars keep me young, busy, laughing and crazy! Getting to experience the world through their eyes and to be present for their “firsts” is a dream come true.
How I got here
As a first time mom I read several books and articles surrounding the importance of children’s sleep and bedtime routines. I took this information and saw first hand the difference in my own child’s mood and development when they were well rested.
Over the years with my kiddos, bedtimes have shifted, exploded, been dreaded and worked like a well oiled machine. I have experienced colicky babies, strong willed toddlers, negotiating preschoolers and procrastinating pre-teens. Throughout it all I have found the following 6 secrets to be ever present.
My Best 7 Secrets
“Okay, now with that out of the way, I’m super excited to share the top 7 secrets I discovered on
my OWN path to achieving a soothing bedtime routine. Let’s start with #1
Secret #1: Consistency
Kids thrive on routine and consistency. They actually crave it. It allows for them to feel safe and secure. While seemingly menotonous for you, doing the same thing every night is a great way for kids to experience predictability. Over time it can allow them feel a sense of control over the situation.
Of course life happens and things don’t always go as planned. But having a framework to fall back on in the evenings is not only helpful the child, but also for you! When things get sticky with timing or tantrums, it is fabulous to go into autopilot during the evening hours with a preset routine.
A super basic routine might consist of:
- Dinner
- Quiet Time
- Bath
- Books
- Lights Out
Call to Action: Every secret should have an actionable tip or thing to think about
Secret #2: Sounds and Lighting
Creating an environment that reflects the mood you are trying to establish is super important. Throughout your home, muting or even eliminating over stimulating sounds (ie tablets, upbeat music, T.V.) during the evening hours is incredibly helpful.
Soothing sounds and calming lighting during the bewitching hours hit 2 major points. It can shift the entire mood of the house. Sounds and lighting can be incredibly suggestive. Soothing sounds and lighting can immediately put you at ease and help to calm the fussiest of children
Secondly, sounds and lighting played and dimmed consistently at a particular time can act as a unconscious reminder of a coming transition. Children will learn to associate the particular sounds and lights with bedtime and eventually ease into winding down.
Call to Action: Song/Music suggestions
Secret #3: Feeding
Having a good meal prior to bedtime is crucial. Not only is it healthy and necessary to have a full belly before a long sleep, dinner time can also act as a trigger/reminder for the coming transition.
Now, I know dinner time doesn’t always go as planned (“I don’t like it!” only drinks the milk, toddlers testing their budding baseball arm with tator tots). But getting a meal or even heavy snack is so important. The consistent prescence of meal-time is what will help guide your little one toward a restful sleep.
Call to Action: Kid friendly foods and reciepes
Secret #4: Bathe
After a fun and busy day of playing, learning and growing, nothing cues slumber better than a bath, shower or on the busiest of days; a wash-up! Of course getting the grime and germs off is important. But, it’s more about the warm running water and the fragrance of soap working in sync with a full belly and the playing of soothing music and dimmed lighting.
Ahhh, it really is the perfect trio of helpers working right along with you! This comforting and predictable part of a child’s day really helps to calm and soothe them into a restful night’s sleep.
Call to Action: Bathtime lotions, toys and soaps
Secret #5: Lovies, Stuffies and Blankies
Oh these bedtime buddies (transitional objects) can be lifesavers! My 16 year STILL has her blankie in her bed from those baby days. Whatever you’d like to call them these plushy toys can provide your child with a sense of comfort and also help to transition them into sleep.
Letting them pick their favorite soft friend to join them for bed can help give them a small sense of control over the situation. Whether they talk to them on their way to dreamland or have a favorite corner that they rub between their fingers; this type of soothing can be unmatched. They are an essential part of the any fuss-free bedtime routine.
Call to Action: Links. to stuffies/blankies
Secret #6: Singing and Stories
By now your child is full, clean and super cozy. With a blankie or soft bedtime buddy in hand, settling in for a short story or lulluaby to drift into sleep will fall right into place.
No matter your singing voice a soft song, lullaby or even a rap can become a great way to increase vocabulary as well as continue to cue slumber. Reading a short story also has the same effect with additional opportunities (as your child grows) for them reading to you! You will treasure these very special moments.
Call to Action: Links to bedtime stories for kids
Secret #7: Cuddles
This was my most favorite time when my children were babies. Hugs, kisses and cuddles! An amazing way to top off your bedtime routine. It signals the end and provides your drowsy little one with a warm and comforting way to drift off.
It is important to keep your cuddles somewhat brief. This helps to encourage your child to fall asleep on their own and not to totally depend on you to fall asleep.
Call to Action: Every secret should have an actionable tip or thing to think about
You Can Do This
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