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6 Sleep-promoting Activities for Baby
Expert and Parent-approved Ways to Make Bedtime Easier
By Shannon McKelden
Storytime has been a family bedtime tradition for years. Reading one-on-one or as a family promotes togetherness and assures a quiet interlude just before sleep.
Choosing the right kinds of stories is important, though. Stories that encourage too active participation from kids might work against promoting sleep. Scary stories are also discouraged.
"The book should not be frightening as this can create disturbed sleep and potential for nightmares or night terrors," Dr. Stavek says. "Parents can find traditional bedtime stories at many stores and choose to read the same book or different ones each time. Whatever the story, it is always good to be consistent in reading the book just prior to the child being put to sleep."
Another way to incorporate reading into nighttime routines is to get help. "My mom, who lives across the country, made [each of my kids] a tape with bedtime stories, so they get to listen to a few stories read by Grandma every night after the lights are out," says Michele Decoteau of Millbury, Mass. This would also allow parents who travel to remain part of their child's bedtime customs.
Dr. Stavek mentions another benefit of snuggling down to read. "Having their favorite stuffed animal or blanket next to them during story time, then transferring this object with them to bed, can also be beneficial," she says.
Parents can help make sleeping easier by ensuring kids have an environment conducive to sleep.
"A cool, dark and quiet place is most beneficial for a child to sleep in," Dr. Stavek says.
While quiet is good, several parents like to use music to calm their children before bed. Kari Matthews, mother of three from Rossville, Ill., prefers piano music. However, she advises against going out of your way to make a totally silent sleep environment. "That way, the baby will become trained to sleep with background noise," Matthews says. "This is especially important if there are (or will be) siblings."
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