Mom-Tested Bedtime Tips
After a long, busy day with your baby, there’s nothing like capping things off with a sweet bedtime routine. Here, moms who’ve been there share the sleepytime rituals that really work for them.
Comb and Croon
“Each night before bed, I bathe Lily and then comb out her hair, which she’s had a ton of since birth! I usually sing to her as I’m combing. It puts us both at ease!” - Ana K.
The Old Standard
“With my son Lucas we were very textbook. We’d bathe him and I’d whisper sweet words in his ear while he nursed. My husband would read a chapter of The Chronicles of Narnia (seriously!) each night and then we’d turn on Lucas’ lullabies while he snuggled in with his Bunny. To this day, Lucas listens to his lullabies and snuggles with Bunny.” - Meridith D.
Daddy Time
“With both of our boys, we’ve tried to make bathtime and bedtime a Daddy ritual. Since I’m with them the majority of the day, I think it’s important that they have that time with him. He gives them a bath, reads them a book and puts them to bed.” - Dawn A.
Good Night, House
“Each night as we get ready for bedtime, I carry my daughter Stella throughout our house and dim or turn off the lights in each room. I say, ‘Good night, kitchen,’ and, ‘Good night, living room,’ waving goodbye to each room. As she gets a little bit older she has started waving, too. I think darkening the house is a helpful cue for her that it’s bedtime.”
- Jennifer C.
Sleep Songs
“My son loves when I sing to him. We sit in the glider and I sing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ as we rock. He’s usually asleep after just a few minutes.”
- Lauren D.
Kisses All Around
“In addition to bath, books and kisses before bed, Isabella kisses each of her little ‘friends’ (stuffed animals/dolls) on her shelf. We also have pictures of the grandparents. She kisses those, too.” - Jen V.
Love, Love, Love
“With our daughter Katy we give her kisses and tell her that Mommy loves her and Daddy loves her and her brother Michael loves her, even our cat loves her. She loves that part!” - Michelle V.
Spin a Yarn
“We rock in our chair while I make up stories about silly characters for him. It really tests my improv skills, but hearing my voice and rocking in the chair seems to make him feel comforted.” - Stephanie H.
Made-Up Melodies
“My husband and I have made up really ridiculous songs to go along with each part of our daughter’s bedtime routine. There’s a little song for drying off after the bath, one for getting into pajamas and one for getting ready to turn out the lights. We’re both horrible singers, but it doesn’t seem to matter to her!” - Melissa T.
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