Bedtime Routines

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE ‘hood TM

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. BATH

BOOK Have a bottle ready or have your nursing area ready to settle in to

nurse your child in their special spot or a comfy 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. STORY TIME

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.