The Everything Guide To Raising A One-Year-Old by Brian Orr

Author:Brian Orr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epub, ebook
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2007-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Fact

Most bedtime routines feature a bath, tooth brushing, changing a diaper and putting on pajamas, then reading a story, and singing a couple of lullabies. This routine is comforting and soothing. If you keep the lights low and your voice soft, your child will naturally begin to feel sleepy.

A routine isn't foolproof, but it's a great habit to get into for many reasons. First, bedtime routines will give you and your family a schedule to work around. Also, since the time after dinner is when your child is winding down and may be cranky, having a routine will give you and your baby something to rely on and look forward to: reading, baths, and cuddling. Bedtime routines are full of warm and loving moments that can often erase the memories of a difficult day.

Some children need to burn off energy before bedtime. If that's true in your house, you might want to incorporate physical exercise into your routine, such as playing Chase Me or Hide and Seek. Even if you are playing actively, turn off the television as you run around. End up in the bathroom or bedroom for washing up, brushing teeth, and diaper changing. If you want, transition from the physical activity to quiet time by telling a story. Then start the reading and lullaby routine, ending with the lights out and a kiss goodnight.

If your child is overtired, it may take a few more minutes than usual to get him to settle down enough to start your routine. You can help soothe him by dimming the lights, turning off the television, and speaking in a soft voice. Try not to respond to your child's behavior in a way that creates a power struggle, and instead let him wind down on his own.

While you will need to create your own bedtime routine based on things like your furniture (will you lie on the bed to read stories or sit in a rocking chair?) and personal taste (music or no music?), here are some examples of good bedtime routines and the situations in which they work.

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