Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get adequate sleep have improved attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. Rachel Dawkins, MD.
Lots of families have the routine of bath, book and bed to get their littles to sleep. I tried this with Lucas but found that the bath stimulated him too much. However, a bath before bed is an excellent way to burn off some excess energy with Morgana, who loves a good splash.
We love to snuggle up on the sofa and read some books with Morgana. Our favourite books are those from Wonderbly. There are over 30 books to choose from, and every one of the Wonderbly books, from the sleepy, lyrical Bedtime For You, to the universe-hopping Where, Are You?, have powerful messages for growing children. With all Wonderbly books, you personalise with names, ages when appropriate and the skin and hair colour of your characters. All the Wonderbly books can have a personal message at the beginning and are available in soft and hardcover. They are available in 12 languages, and they ship worldwide. There are various warehouses that the books are sent from, so you don’t need to worry about import fees.
After we have read some books downstairs, we go up, and Morgana has a bath. She likes having bath toys in with her and has a lovely play and splash, which helps her become tired.
When she has finished the bath, I give her a massage with some baby oil. I use Tropic’s Little Roary, a blend of simple organic ingredients that come together in a gentle, organic oil to soothe and soften your baby’s skin after bathing. If you order anything from Tropic Skincare, please select Jenni Grainger, Chorley, at the checkout. I will earn a few pennies, but it won’t cost you anything extra. Feel free to email me if you want any product advice.
She then puts on her sleeping sac, which indicates bedtime, and we get into bed. As we co-sleep, I lie next to her, and she still breastfeeds to sleep.
When Morgana or Lucas have a cold and are snuffly, I use Baba West Snuffle Pillow Mist. I spray it at the top of the bed. This natural solution is a gentle yet effective mix of Eucalyptus, Pine and Thyme essential oils with anti-viral and antibacterial properties to help relieve blocked and runny noses.
When Lucas comes up to bed, I ask him to tell me something that has happened during the day that was good for practising mindfulness and gratitude. He then listens to a meditation whilst falling to sleep. He uses the free app called Insight Timer.
That routine works well for us, but here are some other tips too
Tips for getting your child to sleep
- Have a regular bed time so their body clocks get used to what to follow
- Read some books
- Listen to a meditation
- Do some breathing exercises
- Do some light exercise together. Some stretches to unwind
- Check they are not worrying about anything and have a clear mind
- Turn off screens an hour before it’s time to sleep
- Have supper before going to bed to prevent them from waking with hunger
Wonderbly discount code
Use the code VAL55FGWB at checkout to get 20% off your entire purchase at Wonderbly until 5th February 2023; use the code WSMAECW at the checkout for a 15% discount until 31st March 2023
Giveaway
To win a book of your choice, enter using the app below.
Win a Wonderbly book