Going to bed or to take a nap can always be a struggle when you have a little. Between the fussiness, the energetic bounces, and the desperate tries to distract from business, it can take quite some time to wind your little down enough to snooze away. I’ll be going over the essentials (well, not ALL of them are essential) of having a great nap and a well rested baby.
Keep your lights dim, but also mind if your little is afraid of the dark. A nightlight or an open window if it’s sunny should do the trick! Bright lights keep your brain awake!
Get some good, sleepy smells! Honey and lavender are my favorites, but it varies little-to-little. Keep some baggies of the herbs, some scented powder or stuffies, or even a candle! Don’t burn candles if you’re going night night too though!!
Have the sleeping space ready. Nothing is more waking than having to wait to go to bed or to have to make the bed yourself. Clean sheets and pillows also do the body wonders, specially if they’re still warm~
Keep something to drink nearby. Littles can get thirsty when they’re having fun in dream land, so have a cup or water close to them for when they wake up. Sippies are even better, becuase sleepy littles are messy ones. Juice also works too!
If your little has anxiety or trouble de-focusing try some background noise. I’d recommend white noise for ones who like just sounds (like fans or rain) or music like Bossa Nova or Music Boxes for those who like music.
Stuffies! Stuffies! Stuffies!!! Speically if you’re not there to snuggle. Having at least one or two stuffies is great, or you could even make a super cozy stuffie pile~ Make sure to pick them up off the ground after though, don’t want their feelings hurt or for them to get dirty.
Try to get a routine going. Bedtime around a certain time can help get a littles body already relaxing even before you start coaxing them!
Get some super comfy PJs! Try to keep them clean so it’s a fresh, comfy pair every time. Things that don’t overly restrict and things that aren’t suuuuper baggy are the best. Something loose but form fitting is usually the best for littles, but everyone has different tastes! Don’t force your little to wear something they don’t like!!! Even if they like napping in jeans and shoes.
A warm tummy. Don’t eat anything too big or greasy or you might get a tummy ache. Things like warm milk, hot cocoa, or some warm snacks are great for lulling a little. It’s like a food coma, but gentle
On the subject of warm tummies, here’s some other yummies that will help get your little into a sleepy mood:
Peanut Butter (or other nuts)
Dairy (yogurt, milk, cheese)
Chamomile (Or other teas, like ginger)
Chocolate (Darker is better)
Try to steer away from anything that has a lot of caffeine, spice, alcohol, salt, and citrus!
Congrats, with these tips you should be able to successfully and comfortably sleepitize your little! But remember, we’ll fight it! It’ll be so worth it to see your sleepy little one wake up re-energized and ready to play, though! Don’t give up!
