- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
6 Sleep-promoting Activities for Baby
Expert and Parent-approved Ways to Make Bedtime Easier
By Shannon McKelden
A warm bath prior to bed can be a very soothing activity for parents and children.
"Evening bath time can be an essential time to allow a child to wind down and relax," says Dr. Mandie Svatek, assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. "This also allows the parent to interact with their child in an enjoyable way."
If your child doesn't enjoy bathing, however, skip it as part of your evening routine. "The bedtime routine should ... consist of activities that the parents and child find relaxing and enjoyable," says Dr. Amy L. Salisbury, assistant professor of pediatrics at Women & Infants' Hospital, Providence, R.I. "It is important that the parents also find it enjoyable, as the mood and energy of a parent at bedtime is easily picked up on by the child. A calm, relaxed parent is more likely to transfer to a calm, relaxed child."
Winding down is also essential to making a smooth transition from awake to sleep.
"The practice of having a toddler run around the house to expend energy right before they go to bed can actually stimulate the child, making it difficult for them to fall asleep," Dr. Stavek says. "Save the energy expending activities for prior to dinner."
This applies to other types of stimulating activities also. "Watching television or playing computer games (yup, toddlers do this) sends light to the eyes and is alerting rather than soothing," Dr. Mindell says.
Elaine Reed of Canton, Ga., agrees. "We lower the lights and turn down or turn off the TV, and sit back with a warm cup of milk," Reed says. "Once my boy is cal, Dad takes him up to bed. He goes down better with Dad than Mom."
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
