Adequate sleep is very important for your baby's mental and physical health. Properly organized preparation for a night's rest helps the child to calm down faster and plunge into sound sleep, and wake up fresh and rested in the morning.
Preparing for a night's sleep
For proper sleep, the child needs to be provided with comfortable conditions. The room should be dark and preferably cool. If the child is healthy, leave the window open in the warm season, and in the winter, put the sash on micro-ventilation. Lack of oxygen negatively affects the quality of rest and the child is likely to wake up sluggish and moody.
Buy bedding for your baby only from high-quality natural materials - flax, calico, cotton. Pay attention to the fact that it does not have rough seams that are imprinted on the delicate skin of the baby.
Falling asleep quickly and getting quality sleep can also be hampered by health problems. If the baby is worried about something, take action in time and cure the disease.
Ritual of going to bed
From early childhood, try to lay the baby at the same time, carefully observing the established ritual. Small children are conservatives. The more orderly their life is, the calmer and more balanced they are. The bedtime ritual can include cleaning toys, watching a children's cartoon, reading a book, hygiene, and a lullaby.
In the evening, organize quiet games for the child, because after strong excitement, your baby will not be able to calm down for a long time. If possible, go for a walk with your child. After a little physical activity and fresh air, he will fall asleep faster.
The child's dinner should be light, but nutritious enough so that he does not wake up from hunger at night. Before going to bed, the baby can be offered yogurt, a glass of milk or kefir.
After an evening shower and brushing your teeth, the child should change into pajamas and go to bed. Let your baby choose a toy to spend the night with.
It's great if before going to bed one of the parents reads a fairy tale to the child. A cartoon or audiobook is also acceptable, but they cannot replace parental warmth and tenderness. But in any case, you yourself must kiss the child and wish him good night.
How to make it easier for your baby to fall asleep
If your baby is overexcited during the day, bathe him in a bath with infusions of string, chamomile or lavender. A gentle massage, which children usually love very much, will also help to relax the child.
If there is a problem with fear of the dark, lay your baby in a dimmed bedside light. Teach him a prayer that will protect his baby during sleep, and don't leave the room until he falls asleep.
If the child cannot fall asleep for a long time, endlessly asks for a drink, go to the toilet, etc., let him stay awake a little longer. At this time, he can play a little, leaf through a book, listen to calm music. Most likely, after 15-20 minutes sleep will overwhelm him. However, such deviations from the regime should be sporadic.
