We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty sure that bedtime is the best part of the day... especially as a parent! Many people fail to realize that sleep is by far one of the most important aspects of a person’s overall health, especially that of a baby's. And let’s face it, if your baby isn’t sleeping well, then neither are you. This is just one of the many reasons why establishing a sleep ritual for your baby is essential. 

Why a Sleep Ritual?

A sleep ritual is just like sleep training, only the word ‘training’ makes it sound way more intimidating than it truly is. Trust us when we say that it’s easy and a parenting must-do. The key is simply remaining consistent and making sure your ritual is what works best for you and your family’s schedule. It is recommended to begin implementing a ritual around the age of 4-6 months. Creating a sleep ritual will signal to your little one when bedtime is nearing and help their body begin winding down, making the sleep process quicker and easier for the both of you. Whatever you begin to implement right before bed will overtime become associated with sleep for your little one. So that lullaby you sing, book you read, or teddy you bring out, can be used during the day also to help them wind down for a nap. Their bodies will begin to recognize that sleep always follows these activities. 

Sleep Soundly

Aside from the typical lights down and special blanky, there are some natural ways that promise to help put one’s body in a state of relaxation. If your baby is colicy and needs a little more than just a lullaby, or you just want to be sure they get the best night of sleep possible, try incorporating lavender into your ritual. Lavender aromatherapy helps lower heart rates and can even reduce colic symptoms in babies. Remember that if your little one struggles with sleep that you should never turn to sleep medicines unless they are of the proper age or you have consulted with a doctor. 

Don’t be worried if your first attempts at a ritual don’t work right away- trial and error is OK. But once you find what works, stick with it. Make sure to perform the same pattern of events, at the same time each day, putting them to bed at the same place. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/essential-oils-for-babies 

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-sleep-schedule.aspx