Top tips for your baby's bedtime routine

Bedtime routines cue our children’s brains to prepare them for sleep. Children (especially babies and toddlers) thrive on predictability, consistency and routine.

In addition to keeping it simple and predictable, here are some top tips to creating a bedtime routine for your little one.

Keep it short – no longer than 30 minutes.
If you have a child older than 6 months, feed him or her prior to bath time.
A bath is the best “activity” to kick-start your bedtime routine with.
For a toddler, set an egg timer for 30 minutes before bedtime to get him used to the idea that sleep is soon to follow.
No iPads or TV (or any other electronic devices) for at least two hours before bedtime. Rather invest in some quality family time.
Keep bedtime early. Typically, after 8pm it should only be mom and dad left in the living room.

Remember that children (until they reach a stage of puberty) need to sleep for a solid 11 or 12 hours at night. Therefore, an early bedtime for the whole family is a good idea.

In addition to a well rested child, you and your partner will still have a few hours left in the evening to enjoy quality time with each other.

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za