Gather your supplies first, before you start running the water or take off baby’s clothes. Get your soap, hooded towel, washcloths, and any toys in the bathroom, within arm’s reach of the tub, before you start. If you do this, you’ll have everything you need, when you need it.
Developing your bedtime routine will be different for every set of parents and babies, but there are a few things that are universally calming for baby and can help you when you’re ready to create your own bedtime routine. Here are some things to try when you want to get baby to sleep.
It’s a clich that all new moms hear everywhere; at their baby showers, in the hospital, even from strangers. Sleep when the baby sleeps! It’s easier said than done.
When the baby finally goes for a nap, you’re probably consumed with all of the things that need to get done; the laundry needs to be washed, dried, and put away; dinner needs to be started; e-mail needs to be checked and written. But remember to take at least one nap with the baby for the day.
Begin with the feet and work up through the legs, torso and through the arms and hands. This massaging can relax your baby and prep them for slumber. If you want to learn more about the art of baby massage, check it out on the Web for techniques and tricks.
Make sure that your baby is cleaned and ready for bed. Some may choose to give their babies a quick nightly bath to get them ready for bed, but just making sure they’ve been changed on your Rumble Tuff changing pad before bed can make for a more restful sleep for you, especially if your baby is sensitive to having a wet diaper.
