Sleep is undoubtedly one of your baby’s most difficult challenges during the first year of life. While putting your little one to sleep isn’t always simple, sticking to a consistent and predictable baby bedtime routine will help your child develop good sleeping habits and sleep through the night.
So, when is the best time to start implementing a bedtime routine for your baby?
Most of the time, you should be able to tell when it’s time to start a routine so your little one can sleep soundly. Some suggest starting around 3 months old, or when your baby shows signs of becoming accustomed to certain ‘sleep aids’, or when your schedule is about to change, such as returning to work.
It is critical to try to establish a bedtime routine as soon as possible because it can help improve your baby’s sleep, allowing both you and your little one to sleep more peacefully and providing you with a more relaxing night! This can also bring you and your baby comfort, which is especially useful during sleepless nights.
However, finding an ideal sleeping routine is a trial-and-error process because no one-size-fits-all solution exists for every baby. You must be willing to try different approaches to see which works best for you and your little one. Don’t know where to begin? Not to worry, here are six suggestions for creating a successful bedtime routine:
Feeding with Cuddles
If your young one has a full tummy, they will be able to sleep easily. This could be done first in the routine so that your baby does not become fussy due to hunger. Make a special spot for this feeding time, such as a comfy couch where you can cuddle your little one while nursing or bottle-feeding. A full baby is a sleepy baby!
Reading a Bedtime Story
A bedtime story, regardless of age, is the ideal way to signal to your child that it is the end of the day and time for bed. Choose books related to sleepy stories to set the mood. It is best to do this immediately after feeding. The story time could also be beneficial for your little ones and be used to bond with them.
Warm Soothing Bath
Nothing beats a warm soothing bath, which has been shown to improve sleep efficiency. Make sure to use bathing products that are designed specifically for your baby’s sensitive skin and are free of harsh chemicals. Also, remember to wrap up your little one well after bathing to keep the delicate body warm and ready for a perfect massage.
It is well known that a baby’s skin can be extremely sensitive. In fact, according to recent clinical findings, the top layer of the infant skin is 30%, and infant epidermis (outer layer of the skin) 20% thinner than in adults. Hence, their skin necessitates a little more care than that of an adult. Because your little one’s natural skin barrier is still developing, you must use gentle products made with natural ingredients on them, such as NIVEA BABY products.
NIVEA has specially designed the most valuable products required to protect your little one’s skin. The following is a must-have baby product that you should always keep on hand:
- NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath
This two-in-one product, co-developed by paediatricians and dermatologists, combines a shower and shampoo formula in a single convenient bottle. Rest assured that NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath is made with natural ingredient calendula extract, which gently cleanses both baby’s delicate skin and fine hair while providing tear-free protection.
Remember that we are not yet free of the COVID-19 virus, so bathing your baby several times a day will keep him or her clean and safe. Generally, you should avoid bathing your little one too frequently because it can dry out his or her delicate skin.
How to Use NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath
- Apply: Add 2-3 squirts into warm bathing water or on your hands
- Cleanse: Gently wash baby’s hair and body with a soft and wet cloth
- Rinse: Rinse with clean warm water
Gentle Infant Massage
Put on your little one’s diaper and, before putting on the pyjamas, give him or her a gentle massage with a baby moisturising lotion. Use soft, gentle strokes to nurture your little sweetheart and make him or her feel calm and relaxed. The massage session is also an excellent way to shower your baby with affection.
After bathing your little one with NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath, it’s time to moisturise with another must-have baby product that you should always keep on hand:
- NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion
Also co-developed by paediatricians and dermatologists, this specially formulated lotion moisturises and protects your little one’s delicate skin daily. NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion, which contains aloe vera as a natural ingredient, will help make the baby’s skin healthier and softer while strengthening the skin barrier.
NIVEA BABY products are ideal for perfecting your little one’s bedtime routine. Furthermore, you can use both products without worry as they are made with 0% paraben and 0% colourant!
Now, here comes the good news: NIVEA BABY products are gentle on your baby’s skin and are trusted by 99%* of mums! After bathing your little sweetheart with NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath, pat dry and apply NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion immediately to seal in moisture and prevent dry skin.
How to Use NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion
- Warm: Warm a small amount on your hand
- Apply: Gently apply evenly to your baby’s body
- Massage: Massage to soothe your baby
Your little angel will benefit from the warm bath and massage session in a variety of ways. With each gentle stroke, your baby will feel loved and nurtured, strengthening your bond. Massages can also help your little one relax, which can help them sleep better.
*99% agreed that they trust using NIVEA BABY because it’s free of parabens and colourants. The survey was conducted between 15/8/18 and 26/10/18 with 241 Home Testers.
Setting the Bedroom to a Sleeping Mood
The bedroom environment plays a vital role when attempting to put your little one to sleep. This is also a good way to teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime. Close the curtain, dim the light, and place your child in the crib, ready to sleep. Make sure they can sleep peacefully so they don’t wake up shocked in the middle of the night.
Singing Lullabies or Playing White Noise
Most babies sleep better and faster if you sing them calming, soft lullabies. You could also try playing white noise in your baby’s room using a sound machine. If your little one is sleeping in your room, the white noise may also help you sleep better at night as well. Better yet, you can use this trick to calm a fussy or crying child at any time of day.
Get the Best Baby Care Products Today
NIVEA’s amazing and beneficial products will provide your little sweetheart with safe baby care. Don’t miss your opportunity to bond and care for your baby with the best baby products.
Grab the NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath and NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion for your little one right away by shopping online at Shopee or visiting any Watsons store.
Don’t forget to use this promo code “NIVE15OFF” before you checkout your NIVEA BABY product at Shopee. You will get 15% OFF with no minimum spend (cap at RM10). The voucher can be used from 1st June until 31st July 2022.
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