Why it’s Important to have a Bedtime Routine & HOW to make it happen
Our Baby Boy’s Bedtime
Several friends have asked me how we get our kiddos off to bed so easily. . . First of all, I can’t help but chuckle at this as it’s one of the most taxing times of the day for me. I absolutely love my kids, but there are times that I just want to say, “GO TO SLEEP ALREADY!”. Anyone else? So, I wouldn’t say we’re perfect my any means, but we have established a healthy routine that does make most nights more doable.
When people mention “Bedtime Routines”, most of us think of babies and toddlers. However, in all honestly, I think it’s really important for anyone. If you want healthy sleep and to wake up feeling refreshed, having a Routine will set you up for success. And setting our ‘little’ up for success is the highest priority in my book! The one thing that you won’t want to hear and that I hate to be the bearer of bad news. . . Everyone is going to be a bit different and especially as a child grows, things will change. But I’m happy to share our current routine!
Ok, before I start, take a moment and tell yourself, “It’s ok! Nothing is perfect. It’s a process. Just breathe.” Ok, did that help? I think we’re ready! A few people have mentioned that they think our method is crazy, but hey! Again, everyone is different and you have to find what works for you. For us, our “Bedtime Routine” actually starts with dinner. We do our best to have dinner between 5:00pm and 5:30pm. Then around 6:30pm, we offer our toddler a veggie pouch of some sort. She’s been eating a fairly good dinner, but with her little growing body, if she doesn’t eat something before bedtime, she wakes up in the middle of the night starving. Now, for adults, I don’t recommend this. For a lot of people, eating before bed will actually keep them up. She’s little and we’ve learned this definitely through trial and error. By 7:00pm, I have the rooms prepped for bedtime. This means the lights dimmed, the heater going and a soft, pretty music playing.
At 7:00pm, we change diapers, put comfy’s (PJ’s) on and head to the bathroom to brush teeth. From there we say our goodnight’s and give hugs and kisses. We have a rocking chair on the opposite side of the room with a small light. While I nurse the baby, I read bedtime stories. I usually read 6-7 short books, slowly and in a soothing tone, that I already have lined up and by the last one I usually have them passed out. From there I quietly tuck the baby into bed (trying to hold my breath and not wake him!) And finally, I head out for a nice glass of red wine! Yup, this mama’s earned it!
Our Bedtime Routine didn’t happen over night, that’s for sure. Quite the process of trial and error. And some nights DO NOT go smoothly at all. It did happen though, with consistency and lots of patience and, Oh! Did I mention a little glass of wine afterwards? In my mind, it’s about giving your little one the chance to learn and be successful with a sense of normalcy and routine. Set em’ up for success! And therefore, set yourself up for a little rest yourself! Sweet success!
