The holidays are slowly coming to an end, which means that everyday life is calling again. Hopefully, it has been a lovely week with plenty of quality time with the family, which for many involves staying up late and sleeping in – true holiday idyll! However, this can unfortunately disrupt the daily rhythm; not just our own, but also that of our dear little ones. Therefore, we need to get BACK IN SHAPE!
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe to get the bedtime routine back on track, but there is plenty of advice to be had. That’s why we have gathered the tips that we at Mammashop have had the best experience with, and don’t despair! According to the experts, our internal clock can shift about one time zone per day, so already after one day, the children's daily rhythm will adjust and regulate itself back in place.
Make the evening calm
The problem often lies in the fact that there is a full blast of activity right up until bedtime during the holidays. This needs to be toned down. As the surroundings become calmer, your child will also become calmer and thus find it easier to settle down when it is actually bedtime. Dim the lights and slow down the pace, and start early with the evening tasks like pajamas and teeth brushing – no need to stress and risk creating unnecessary conflicts. In this context, it is also important to remove any toys that might be in bed; a favorite stuffed animal should be more than enough to make the little one feel secure.
Also read: 5 steps to a successful bedtime routine
Nap
Many believe that you can “save sleep up,” so if you skip the nap, the child will be extra tired and thus fall asleep more easily and sleep longer. But this can actually have the opposite effect. An overtired baby often takes longer to fall asleep and wakes up more frequently because their body is out of balance. So learn to listen to your child's signals; if the little one is tired in the middle of the day, let them take a nap!
Also read: Create the right environment in your child's bed
Help sleep along
If your child is still having trouble falling asleep, it can help to ease them into sleep by gently massaging their feet while reading a bedtime story; massage can indeed activate the body’s relaxation and rest system.
