Sleep rituals help the child to rest in the evening. We have collected eleven nice ideas.
The day was so exciting, playing is sooo much fun – not every child looks forward to a bed. What you can do then, we tell you here.
Fixed procedures provide structure and orientation
You probably have a full day planned anyway, and that’s good for the kid too. Structure and routine give him a feeling of security. So that it can come to rest in the evening, fixed procedures are also advantageous here. Having dinner together and getting ready for bed prepares your child for bedtime. Depending on their age, the preparation for bed varies a little bit, putting on pyjamas, changing babies’ diapers and brushing their teeth, but they are basically all part of it.
If your child has trouble falling asleep in the evening, it may be time to reconsider taking a nap. However, the point at which the midday nap is no longer necessary varies from child to child. If he or she can’t fall asleep at midday and feels rested throughout the day, he or she may not need a nap.
Sleep Rituals for Babies and Toddlers – The best tips
Sleep rituals do not let the evening end abruptly, so that your little ones still have time to say goodbye to you and to the day. Here you will find beautiful inspirations:
- Lullabies are a beautiful sleep ritual for babies and toddlers alike. No parent has to be able to sing them, but for your little ones it is still the most beautiful angel’s voice.
- Reading bedtime stories not only creates a cozy and safe atmosphere, it also promotes the child’s language development and social skills. Of course, you can also make up your own story, and if the little one is big enough, you can fantasize with him or her!
- Put on a radio play CD or some music also helps for a smooth transition into the night.
- Taking a warm bath – admittedly not every child likes it, but when they do, it is an unbeatable soothing ritual that makes them tired. Reading tip: What you should pay attention to when bathing your baby.
- Saying goodnight also serves the purpose of a sleep ritual, whether it is saying goodbye to all the cuddly toys with the goodnight saying, or to each family member individually – or both – each family finds for itself.
- Alternatively, you give your or your little one a teddy (or another beloved cuddly toy) to signal that it is time to go to bed and the teddy goes with it, so that it doesn’t have to fear being alone.
- Of course laughing is not forbidden! But you can try finger games with your offspring.
- Cuddling feels good! It reduces stress and relaxes both child and parents.
- Like music or a radio play, the melody of a music box can also gently lull the little one to sleep.
- A night light can have a calming effect, just turn it on to fall asleep!
- Just like adults, children process everything they have experienced and learned during the day. In the evening, reviewing the day again helps them to get everything off their chest that is still bothering them. This gives them the chance to fall asleep calmly.
So that your little ones like to go to bed, the sleeping place should be familiar, so it is best to always sleep in the same bed, and it should be designed in such a way that they can feel secure there.