A warm bath, story time, quiet voice and dimmed lights all help with winding down for bed. I believe the same bedtime routine every night is key for a good nights sleep.
Babies love routine, it makes them feel secure and as they work on a 24 hour clock basis (the same as adults) they like things being done at the same time every day.
Reducing stimulation and having winding down time is essential for babies as it helps them to start producing melatonin - the sleep hormone.
Along with the bath you can try some massage. Massage helps release the hormone oxytocin which regulates your infants cortisol and stress levels, relaxing them ready for sleep. Regular massage can also help build the immune system, boost the respiratory system, stimulate the circulatory system and balance the nervous system. It also helps strengthen the digestive system which eases issues such as colic, wind and constipation.
1.Make sure the room is warm and that baby is happy enough to receive a massage (not overtired).
2. Lay baby down on a towel perhaps with a changing mat underneath. You may like to play some calming music and keep the lights dimmed.
3. I would suggest using organic coconut oil as an oil but you will only need a small amount.
4. Try and follow a similar routine every night (again babies love this as they like to know what's coming next) but reading your infants cues is the most important part of massage.
5. Start with the legs as this is the area that babies are used to being touched the most during nappy changing time. Work your way up the legs, gently squeezing calves and thighs.
6. Massage their little feet (google baby reflexology if you want to work on something specific) and gently squeeze each toe.
7. For your baby's chest and tummy gently place both hands flat against the centre of the body and spread to either side of the body or gently move one hand around in a circle clockwise as this aids digestion and helps with wind.
8. Start at the shoulders and gently move down the arms to the hands and gently squeeze each finger (another area for reflexology).
9. I would suggest not turning baby over onto their tummies to massage their backs as the 'tummy time' would be too stimulating at this point in the day.
10. Once the oil has absorbed put the nappy on, dress baby, milk feed and straight into bed.
It only takes 5 minutes to do so why not start tonight...
Comments