What is a bedtime ritual: help your baby fall asleep faster

21.02.2024 20:56

A bedtime ritual is a routine that is repeated every day.

This sequence is necessary in order to indicate the boundaries and limits of the bedtime routine for the baby.

The ritual should be performed both before going to bed at night and before going to bed during the day.

The only difference between them is that the daily ritual may be shorter and may not include all the actions.

A bedtime routine is especially important for babies 4 months and older, but it can be introduced earlier. If you haven't established a bedtime routine yet, now is the time to start.

Children's room
Photo: © Belnovosti

The ritual may include massage, changing into pajamas, brushing teeth (for older children), reading together, turning on white noise, talking to the child, etc.

A child's bedtime ritual should last about 10 minutes for a daytime nap and at least 20 minutes for a nighttime nap.

It is carried out every day just before the child goes to bed, by the same person who usually puts him to bed.

The ritual is performed only once, that is, if it ends with a lullaby, then you should not “give in to manipulation” and read a fairy tale as well – then instead of a ritual you will get an endless game.

Earlier we talked about how to teach a child to eat fish .

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources