Every kid needs a nighttime ritual, something that helps them know when it is time for bed. Dave still scoffs, but we give Kate a bath every night after dinner. He swears that no baby needs a bath everyday . . . and that he won't be a part of the ritual if I insist on continuing the tradition with our next child. I'm still trying to help him understand that the point is the routine - not the cleanliness, although since Kate is eating more solid foods, cleanliness is becoming part of the point.
To be honest, I love it. Once Kate has had her bath, she knows it's jammies, bottle, song, and prayer, and then time for bed. Plus, she loves the bath - so even if she's been cranky, the bath makes her happy before we put her down for the night.
I will admit that some nights it is a pain. Some nights when I'm tired, I've been splattered in peas (green is just not my color), and I can't even remember if I had a chance to brush my teeth that day, I feel more like stepping on the rubber duckie than gently squeezing him to squirt water at Kate. But to me, the pros outweigh the cons. Maybe I'll feel differently when I have two children to put to bed? Not sure yet. Obviously. I mean, I don't have two children. Maybe I should borrow a second child for a few days to test things out . . . :)
Here's one other thing that I do with Kate sometimes before I put her down for a nap. We listen to this song, it's called "Slumber My Darling" by Stephen Foster and it is so SWEET! I love the words and it calming and soothing. Sometimes I even sing it to Kate myself (although I'm not sure it's relaxing to Kate to hear my voice . . .).
Any thoughts on the bedtime ritual? What works for you? What seems to help? Bath . . . or no bath?
No bath for my little one. I also believe that she doesn't need a bath every day. After she eats her solids at around 6pm, I wipe her with a damp washcloth with a little bit of Mustela Physiobebe, change her into her jammies, then her dad plays with her until 7pm... which is bed time. So I take over and I put her to bed and give her one last bottle and then she sleeps on her own.
ReplyDeleteI almost went the bath-routine route but I didn't think I could keep the routine by giving her a bath every night, it's way too taxing. But to each his own, I applaud you for doing baths every night. :)
At 15 weeks Sweet T is getting a bath at night 2-3 times per week. I'd like to do it every night because she loves bathtime and smells so nice afterward. I'm just worried about dry skin this winter. New follower from Bloggy Moms!
ReplyDeleteHmmm . . . Dave isn't going to let me forget it if hears what you two have to say! :) Thanks for sharing, and thanks for following!
ReplyDeleteMy son has eczema and can't bathe every day because it makes his skin worse. His doctor said he shouldn't bathe more than twice a week during the winter. Anyway, we read scriptures and then a book on the couch before pajamas. Then pajamas, brush teeth say prayers and then more books and songs in bed. That way there is still a transition and a regular routine. Works for us, but as I have learned, there are SO many right ways to do something. If dry skin isn't an issue and a bath works for you, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteRachelle - I completely agree - so many right ways to do something. And every kid is so different. Sounds like you have a great routine!
ReplyDelete