What is a typical age to start a bedtime routine
What is a typical age to start a night time routine? Our daughter is starting to sleep longer at night and I'd love to encourage that behavior. But I'm not sure if it's too early to expect that it will help her sleep better/longer. Does anyone have a good routine that worked well for them?
Thanks
5 Answers
-
I started with my little one at the age of 11 weeks. I have known some moms in my mother's group to do it a little bit earlier.
From all the resources that I have read, it's good to get the little one into a set routine. So far my routine with my little one is a warm bath, baby massage, a song or a book, a feed and then sleep. It has been working for at least 2 weeks now and I am happy that I have time to myself and husband at night.
I am trying to get my baby to settle herself in bed by the gradual withdrawal method instead of the controlled crying method. It works best for me.
Be mindful that not all babies are the same. Always observe your baby's needs and attend to it accordingly.
Hope it helps. and good luck
-
I think it's okay to start thinking about a bedtime routine pretty early, but it doesn't need to be something very specific. For example, you could always lower the lights a little bit and talk about bedtime before getting ready, when she's showing signs of being tired, and then work that into the typical diaper change, feeding, etc. that you're probably already doing.
At 8 weeks, I think it's a bit early to start thinking about set times for bed & naps, although you are just getting to the point where you might find yourself naturally getting into some kind of rhythm.
Remember, 8 weeks is the peak of fussiness, and as she gets older, she'll be better able to fall asleep, sleep for longer periods, and even better able to communicate her needs to you! Good luck!
-
I don't really have a great suggestion for a Bedtime routine, but I do have a warning!
Having seen many of my fellow parent friends struggle with this issue as their kids get older. Keep in mind that whatever routine/rituals you establish now may become expectations later in life. I have a pal who started her children at infancy with the bath, massage, books, soothing songs, white noise etc...She loved the special time and the baby was comforted. She continued the routine with both of her kids and bedtime was always her reponsibility. Her husband would read stories etc... but ultimately, she was the final touch. The problem is that now her almost 4 year old is only soothed by Mom. Bedtime is an hour long ritual that she regrets. Her son will not go to bed unless she is home and variations are met unsuccessfully(Babysitters, Grandparents, Dad). (Ages 8 and 4 )
We have other friends whose children cannot sleep without a specific CD playing. (On a vacation the CD was misplaced and the 3 kids unraveled). (Ages 9 and 7 year old twins)
Just keep in mind that whatever you create may backfire if there is not variety and flexibility! It is hard to think so far ahead when you have a tiny one to snuggle. I think that as long as your routine evolves as your child grows you can avoid the "extreme" but all too common examples I mentioned.
Good Luck!
-
Keep the routine short and sweet. With our older one (4.5 years old) it's brush, books and bed which takes a total of 15 minutes. With our younger one (1.5 years old), it's even shorter - just brush and bed, for 5 minutes.
Our older one is still somewhat of a challenge to get into bed and stay in bed through the night. I don't know if it's because of his age (development stage, more frequency of nightmares), that he's a boy, or that we were somewhat inconsistent with bedtime routines as well as how to deal when he did wake up during his younger years.
With our second one, we were wiser and have been consistent from practically day one and she goes to sleep without a fuss and stays in bed for 12 hours.
-
We found there's no single bedtime routine that will last through... What works at 12 months may not work at 6, and may not work at 12.
When our daugther was very young, she fell asleep after nursing. Then we struggled with doing the transition. Desperate, at around 5 months, we reinvented the routine to NOT involve nursing, and to help her learn to fall asleep while in her crib. Things got better, then worse (something always disrupts good sleep). Then, at around 10 months, we revised the routine even more, to clearly separate the evening milk from the falling asleep, and to introduce new steps: getting into PJs, having milk, brushing teeth, a story (if she wants one) (We don't to a full bath every night, so that's not part of our routine). She can be put to bed by just about anyone in her familiar home. Falling asleep in a strange place is horrible and she fights it for days.
I'd agree with those saying that a bit of flexibility and a process that can range from pretty short and swift to a little more involved is probably a good thing. In the long run, being able to go to be pretty quickly can be an advantage for both parent and kid. :) It's better to have the optional fun time together before the crucial parts of the routine take place.
We're definitely in a rhythm now and she is sleeping much longer at night. Thanks for the advice.
- Tim, Dec 16, 2010