1. Room Darkening Shades - I mean DARK!!!
- Whether it is time to go down for the night or just a nap, your baby's room should be pitch black. The darkness strongly contrasts with the daylight and helps to regulate baby's biological clock.
Day = awake, Night = Asleep
2. A Full Belly - Be sure your toddler isn't on a diet:)
- Many people start to introduce solids to their toddlers and don't realize that they have replaced entire feeding with some peas and carrots, we don't want baby on weight watchers. Try adding some proteins into the mix.
- For infants a Dream Feed can be a great option to help baby get through the night without waking to eat.
3. Sound Machine - I mean LOUD!!!
- Be sure the sounds are not super robotic, it should be natural and calming and of course loud. Here is the one I like:
http://www.target.com/p/homedics-sound-spa-relaxation-sound-machine/-/A-10121441#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
4. A Friend - If baby is over 6 mos, he should have a BFF in his crib. This will help to comfort your older infant or toddler when he wakes throughout the night and give him some someone to play with when he wakes in the morning.
5. Swaddle - Every baby loves a swaddle..trust me. If your baby seems to struggle while in the swaddle, be sure it is super tights and baby's arms are straight down at his sides. Here is the swaddle I like:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3726439
6. A Lamp - Those incredibly bright overhead lights you have on during the bath and bedtime routine..TOO BRIGHT!!!
- It is important that the bedtime routine, including the bath, has a relaxing atmosphere, and that begins with the correct lighting. A little lamp that you can bring from room to room with be helpful to have just the right brightness.
7. Wake-Up Clock - These are awesome for toddlers.
Love these:
http://www.zazookids.com/
8. Bedtime Relaxation Routine - A must for everyone to decompress, its shocking to go from alot of activity to the crib. At least 30 mins before your baby or toddler is due to be off in dreamland, you should begin allowing him to decompress. Head for the bath and then to his sleep space for some quiet play and book or songs. For older children this is still important, school age kids really benefit from discussing their day, letting you know what they enjoyed or had trouble with throughout their day.
9. A bright Morning Wake-up - A good way to say "yes this is the time I want you to get up everyday!"
- When you go into your baby or toddler's room at wake up be as cheery as possible. Open the shades, let in the sunshine and praise the for having such a good night in their bed!
10. A relaxed Parent - A rushed routine, stressed mom, and anxious dad will only hinder baby's ability to relax himself.
- Try to enjoy this part of the day, it will help everyone settle a little easier
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