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Dr.K.G.MoniGandhi

need ideas for a bedtime routine. What can I try?Let off steam 
Dr.monigandhi 

Let your baby get any pent-up energy out of her system before you settle her down for the night. Play a game with her or let her have a good dance. But ensure the excitement is all over at least 30 minutes before you start her bedtime routine. Follow it up with a calm activity, such as a bath, massage, and a bedtime story. 

Have a wash and brush-up 
The warm water and your undivided attention may help to relax your baby before bedtime. However, not all babies like baths at first. If your baby doesn’t enjoy baths or gets over excited during bathtime, leave a bath out of the routine for now. Instead, try a gentle massage, have a quiet cuddle or read a story. You can always introduce a bath when your baby is older. 

If you don’t give your baby a bath, her routine will probably include washing her face and hands,changing her nappy, and putting on her pyjamas. As soon as your baby has teeth, it’s important to start the habit of teeth brushing, so she gets used to it. 

Have a chat 
Bedtime is a great opportunity for you to spend timetalking to your baby. If you’re not sure what to say at first, talk about what she’s done that day. Your voice alone will soothe and comfort her. 

Say goodnight to everyone (and everything) 
Many babies enjoy the ritual of being carried around before bed to say goodnight to family members,pets, favourite toys and other objects. However, keep it simple and quiet, as you don’t want her to be over-stimulated. Keeping the lights low will show your baby that everyone is winding down for the night. 

Read a bedtime story 
It’s never too early to read to your baby. She will love snuggling down for a story with you. And it’ll help her learn to recognise new words which will stimulate her language skills. 

Sing a song 
Lullabies are a tried-and-tested way to help your baby drift off. She will love hearing your voice, and the soft, soothing melody will calm her. Our lullaby lyrics offer a refresher course if you need it. 

Baby massage 
Some babies enjoy being soothed to sleep with a gentle massage. The first few times you may just want to do your baby’s legs until she gets used to the sensation. See our calming massage for tips. 

Play music 
Create a playlist of lullabies, classical music, or other children’s favourites to play while you settle your baby to sleep. Leave it on when you leave to help ease her transition from being awake to falling asleep. Gentle music has the added benefit of drowning out other household noise.You may also like to use white noise to help settle your baby, either with a white noise machine or an app on your phone. 

Stick to your usual routine as much as you can, even when you’re not at home. It can make it easier for your baby to settle down if she’s in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Find out how to cope when life gets in the way of your baby's routine.

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