Establishing a bedtime routine for your baby

When babies are born, they are yet to understand the concept of time. They do not know the difference between day and night. They are governed by hunger and their biological clock. Knowing this, it is important to respect their meal times and circadian rhythm; however, this does not mean we cannot help them establish a bedtime routine. Not only that, routines will help them feel safe as they learn to predict the day's events.

How to establish a bedtime routine ?

1. Play with your baby during the day so they begin to associate light with play time.

2. At night give your little one a relaxing bath and massage. Just try not to bathe your baby right after dinner, as this can cause reflux; or when he's very hungry because he may get irritable.

3. After bedtime, read him a story or sing a lullaby under dimmed lights.

4. Continue feeding your babu in a calm environment, and before he falls asleep try to place him in his crib when he is drowsy but still awake.

5. You can turn on lullaby music or white noise.

6. keep him in a pleasant environment. He can start sleeping in a bassinet instead of a crib.

7. Make sure the temperature is nice, not too cold and not too hot. Many paediatricians recommend 20 - 22 degrees celsius as the ideal temperature; however, ask your paediatrician as recommendations may vary. Likewise, avoid placing your baby near the vent to avoid the concentrated air flow from hitting him directly.

8. At this stage of 0-3 months babies are not mature enough to learn to sleep alone, and they need some support. Therefore, it is likely that your baby will require comfort or he might be hungry. Try not to let him cry during this period or development. Instead, respond to his tears and pick him up if necessary, there is no way of spoiling an infant.

9. Finally, be consistent with the routine and soon your baby will learn the difference between day and night.