Not every baby or toddler likes taking a bath everyday. You can simply leave this part out of your baby’s bedtime routine for now and focus on other equally calming techniques. For example you can try a soothing massage or reading a cozy book.
There’s actually no need to bath your baby every day, doing so in fact does more harm than good as it dries out the baby’s sensitive skin and makes it prone to skin conditions like eczema.
Moreover if bathtime is part of the baby`s routine, on nights when you are too tired or running late, you will still have to bath them. This will make your baby cry for longer when you could be gladly putting them to sleep.
My two year old suffered from eczema, therefore bathing her everyday was not an option for us. On non bath nights we would go to her room, change her diaper, give a gentle massage, let her choose her own pjs and books and finally cozy up under the blankets. She loved this routine as it was nice and simple and gave her lots of time to connect with her mummy.
This is not to say that you should not bath your little one before bed at all. You can, but before the actual bedtime routine starts, to ensure your baby actually enjoys the bathing experience and that you dont bath a fussy and crying baby.
Example of an ideal bedtime routine
- Start winding down for the evening. Create a dark and quiet environment and speak softly. Many babies enjoy being carried around the house and say goodnight to every family members, pets, toys and rooms.
- Take your baby to their room where they usually sleep, and repeat a “key word” such as “it`s time to sleep”. This will help them to associate the word with sleepy time.
- Change them into new diaper and pjs. They really enjoy when you give them an option between two pjs.
- Sing lullabies or read a book. It`s never too early to start reading to your baby.
- Give a soothing massage. This is also a great way to have that skin to skin time with your little one.
- Put the baby in the crib when they are awake but calm. This helps the baby to self sooth and fall asleep without a parent`s assistant.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine for your little one can make a world of difference in helping them settle down and sleep more soundly. Remember, a bath does not have to be a signal to bedtime. There are plenty of other soothing activities you can try such as a massage.
Make sure to also listen to your baby cues. You would rather put your baby to bed on time rather than drag bedtime later just to bath them every single day. An upset baby at bath time will make the rest of bedtime more stressful.
Every baby is different, so feel free to adjust the routine to find what works best for you and your child. Consistency is key, but flexibility is also important as you navigate your baby’s needs and preferences.
I hope these suggestions help you create a nurturing and peaceful bedtime experience for your baby. Do you have any favorite bedtime routines or tips that work well for your family? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Sweet dreams!