How many steps to create a "routine"

jillybean800

I know that many people use a bath as part of a routine.  We can't do a bath every night because of A's eczema.  So, how does this sound as a routine?

I swaddle him, I bf him, I sing him a song while i rock him, then I put him in his bed with his giraffe soother on.

It's kind of a short routine.  I do that every night, but should I add a couple of steps before so that he starts his wind down even sooner? He sometimes is still keyed up when I put him in the crib. What should I add if I can't always do a bath?

[Deleted User]

P has sensitive skin, so we only do a bath a few times per week and NOT as part of her bedtime routine.  We do playtime/stories until it's close to time for her last feeding.  Then it's diaper change, PJs, bottle, burp.  Usually, she falls asleep after her bottle, but if not we do sooth her a little after her burping anyway.  We take her up, swaddle her & put her in her pack n play.  If she fusses, I pick her up & soothe her & put her back down.  Usually she's down for the night. 

I'm not a fan of swaddling before bedtime, but that is just me.  It's good to know that I'm not the only one out there that doesn't do a bath every night though.  I've just made it a fun part of our daytime routine.  Hope that helps!

Blondangel

I think the steps you have are fine. Instead of adding something else, maybe prolong the rocking after you finish singing to him. My LO likes being rocked quietly while looking at stars projected on the ceiling. 

minimonstersmum

I think your shorter routine is fine... but I agree with pp, if you need a longer one just rock longer or sing longer, you don't have to add anything else...

[Deleted User]

Blondangel:

I think the steps you have are fine. Instead of adding something else, maybe prolong the rocking after you finish singing to him. My LO likes being rocked quietly while looking at stars projected on the ceiling. 

OK, I didn't look at your LO's age, but I just did & agree that more rocking/comforting will be better at this age.  Once LO hits 3 months, you can try to put them down awake but sleepy.  Before  3months, P would wake up every single time we laid her down if she wasn't completely out, which is partially why we didn't swaddle until she was out - we did the arm drop test.  

lulu3061

If you want to add a step you could always include a baby massage instead of a bath.. we don't do a bath every night but we do massage him while humming. You can use his moisturizer if you want but it works just as well with jammies already on.

Nicole0012

Could you do the warm bath without using soap? Just kind of pour warm water on him and let him soak for a bit, then do a baby massage with lotion? We don't always use soap on M, and the bath really seems to help him understand that bed is around the corner - his eyes get droopy almost as soon as he gets settled in the warm water.

cupcakes710

lulu3061:

If you want to add a step you could always include a baby massage instead of a bath.. we don't do a bath every night but we do massage him while humming. You can use his moisturizer if you want but it works just as well with jammies already on.

This is a good idea and maybe you could use bedtime lotion (or would that not be good for his skin?).  The bedtime lotion I have (parents' choice) says it has "calming essences" not sure if they actually work.

I'm also not the best person to give advice about a bedtime routine because my LO doesn't seem to want to go to sleep even after we do ours (including a bath).