In the first few weeks of life, infants have no day/night reference points, so the bedtime ritual helps them to gradually establish their sleep rhythm. Later, this time of calm and sharing helps the child fall asleep more easily, and soothes some of the anxieties he may feel at the moment of separation that precedes sleep. Recommended by all childcare professionals, this routine, to be introduced from the very first weeks, becomes a reassuring and reassuring landmark for the child, enabling him or her to apprehend bedtime with greater serenity. A few days ago on Instagram @elhee_france a few days ago on Instagram @elhee_france, we asked you which bedtime ritual works for you. Here's a summary of your answers!
Listen to the sounds of the night
"I lie next to my son in bed and we listen to the sounds of the night: The sound of cars passing in the street, the washing machine running, the creaking floorboards in the hallway, the silence too. I explain each noise to him, so there's no mystery, and that reassures him a lot" Claire, mom of Paul, aged 2 and a half.
Play "Bisous dodo" (kisses and sleep)
"Every night before going to bed, we play a game of Bisous Câlin, a fun, fast-paced game he loves to play. His favorite part is receiving the kisses, hugs, tickles and rhymes he earns during the game. It's a very pleasant moment of complicity that we love to share together (or that he shares with his dad) before sinking into dreamland." Paulina, mother of Ernest, 3.
The music box
"Two music boxes, one for naptime, the other for evening. She slept through the night at 1 and a half months" #cafaitrêver. Noémie, mom of Coline, 3 months.
The timer
"After dinner I set a timer for 10/15 minutes. As soon as it goes off, it's time to brush the teeth and go to bed. I warn them as soon as I start the timer so there are no surprises and they know it's almost bedtime. Sometimes they ask for an extra 5 minutes, but that's rare. In bed, of course, they cuddle and kiss before falling asleep, but they no longer get up 10 times to ask for a glass of water, go to the toilet, etc.! "Margaux, mother of Éléanore aged 7 and Jude aged 5.
A ritu... what?
"I tried to do like everyone else, but in the end we put Luka to bed and 5 minutes later he's asleep" (Yes, some people are lucky too). Stéphanie, mom of Luka, 1 and a half.
Un BibRond et au lit
"After putting on her pyjamas, we sit down comfortably in the armchair in her room with the lights dimmed and I give her her bibROND . She often falls asleep and I take care to put her gently to bed... until the next morning! "Laurent, father of Julia, 10 months.
White noise
"I recently fell in love with a soft toy MoonieIt's a little teddy bear that makes white noises (the sound of mummy's tummy, the wind, a stream, waves, rain or a lullaby) and in its tummy there's a little nightlight that diffuses a soft light. Since then, my daughter has been able to fall asleep on her own in her bed - phew!" Olympe, mom of 2-year-old Paloma.
A massage for little feet
"For my youngest Jules, 6 months old, after the evening bath I take a moment to massage his feet. He doesn't like being in the water and often cries during the bath, so when I massage his little feet with baby oil, he calms down instantly. It really helps him to relax and fall asleep. With my 4-year-old Raphaël, we love to take the time to read a story after his brother has gone to bed, just him, his dad and me. It's a moment dedicated to him, without his little brother, he needs it." Rebecca, mom of Jules 6 months and Raphaël, 4 years.
Pampers
"When I put my daughter to bed, she systematically asks me for a little pampering to help her fall asleep. I pat her on the stomach, back, arms and legs. I feel her shiver, then I give her a kiss and tell her I love her in her ear before discreetly leaving the room" Amélie, mother of 6-year-old Chloé.
A good laugh!
"When my son goes to bed, he loves it when I lie next to him in bed, pretending I'm asleep, and he snores loudly on purpose. Then I have to wake up suddenly and scold him in a loud voice, "I can't sleep, you snore too loud, next time I'll punish you!" It kills him laughing (and me too)!" Manon, mom of 4-year-old Léo.
