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SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE
Bedtime Routines BATH
Have all bedtime clothes ready (pajamas, diaper/underwear, etc) before you start baths. Designate a routine for bathtime such as play for 10 minutes, wash hair, wash body and then it’s time to get out. If your child has a special bathtime towel, try to use the same towel for bath or even let your child pick out their towel. Try to establish some routine around what senses bring your child comfort. If smell calms your child, consider a nighttime lotion with lavender. If your child likes having their hair stroked, consider taking a few minutes to make hair brushing a good experience for your child.
BOOK
Have a bottle ready or have your nursing area ready to settle in to nurse your child in their STOREY special spot or a comfy TIM chair. It’s a great time to snuggle up together and read. Set the expectation with your child of how many books you will read and let your child pick these books out before bath so they are ready to go when they are dressed in their pajamas. Try to offer calming and relaxing stories for bedtime. Keep this time free from toys except for any comfort items that your child might need to transition to sleep.
BED
As time for bed approaches, remind your child after each book that they have X books before it’s time to lay in their own bed. Establish a routine for what transitioning from the chair to the bed might look like. Children may have a special blanket or animal that brings them comfort…make sure they have that to cuddle up to. Find a topic that you and your child can talk about nightly that will help to decompress their brain. Things like favorite part of the day, who made you smile today or even just saying a nightly prayer together can help to get thoughts out of their brains and allow them to shut their brains off a little easier.
April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |
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