1. Establish a specific and repeatable bedtime routine. It should be essentially the same each day. Creating a predictable and consistent routine helps to create a subconscious response that will trigger the child’s system to respond to the pattern. Please note that this technique takes time to impliment – expect to make a patient investment in creating an effective evening pattern for your family.
2. Start the routine early in the evening by involving the child in an engaging activity. It’s always better to get the wiggles and giggles out earlier in the night.
3. Bedtime is often signaled by an evening bath. If your child doesn’t bathe daily, consider an activity that is similarly soothing. Make an effort to keep the lighting level low. Bathroom lights are often bright, stark, and overstimulating for children at bedtime.For an added boost to the relaxation try adding lavendar or chamomile to your child’s bath. There are a number of baby products on the shelves that have integrated aromatherapy – but please note, you might find that the whole oils are more effective. (see my notes on aromatherapy for more information). **NOTE** Not all essential oils are appropriate for children – especially infants. Always research the oils you want to use prior to exposing your child to them.
4. After the bath integrate soothing massage into the drying. Use a similarly infused lotion to the product you used in the bath. On non-bath nights, do a massage while changing into pj’s. Use long, slow strokes on the arms and legs, starting close to the body and moving out to the fingers and toes. A firm yet gentle touch will help you connect with your child and soothe some of the anxiety for children who prefer to be swaddled.
5. Rocking, reading, singing are all great follow-ups to a massage. As long as it is a quiet activity, to follow the massage you’ll find that your child will most often quiet down fairly quickly – if they’ve stayed awake through the massage.
Want some help with the specifics and some guidance on massage techniques to use with your child? Contact me for class information or private lessons.
