Bedtime rituals

The evening ritual gives children safety and helps them to say goodbye to the day. For a ritual to help your child fall asleep quickly and quietly in the evenings, some basic rules should be followed. A good sleep-in ritual consists of several elements that follow each other in the evening.

What do the evening rituals do?

Children's days are exciting. A child learns something new every day, sometimes it is difficult for him to come to rest in the evening. This is where events that repeat themselves daily in the same way help: Rituals have a calming effect through their repetitive character, while at the same time assuring the child that life is reliable and also runs safely and in orderly manner at night. The safety provided to children strengthens family togetherness and at the same time helps the child structure. It knows: after the sleep-in ritual the day is over and it is bedtime. The smaller a child is, the more important are consistent rituals, and this does not just apply to the end of the day.

Rules for falling asleep rituals

The rituals that help children fall asleep should be adapted to the age of the child. The basic structure and rules for sleep rituals are the same in all age groups.

As the name implies: The ritual should take place every evening with the same procedure as possible.
For older children, variations can occur, for example, through conversations that arise through children's questions.

• The duration of the sleep-in ritual should be clearly defined.
• The ritual is not interrupted, if at all possible. Not even by phone calls for the parents.
• The ritual must have a clear beginning and a clear ending.
• The ritual lives less through words than through actions that take place in the same way every evening.

The bedtime story

One of the most common sleep rituals is probably the bedtime story. It brings the child to rest, because it is no longer in motion, but listening. A good opportunity to cuddle up on the sofa or bed with the baby. The bedtime story, however, is more likely to be seen as an element of a sleep-in ritual. The preparation for it, such as taking off, washing, brushing, wrapping are preparatory parts of the ritual and should also take place in the same sequence. After the bedtime story, a kiss on the forehead, the repeated careful cover or a last "I love you" can conclude the sleep-in ritual.

The bedtime song

The bedtime song has the same rules as the bedtime story. It is suitable, combined with physical proximity, especially for smaller children. Later, a short song can complete the sleep-in ritual. In the selection of typical bedtime songs or quiet worn tunes should be selected.

View out of the window

Already on babies from the age of six months, the evening view from the window can be part of the sleep-in ritual. It is important that there is a quiet atmosphere and the view is not just on a busy road. Put your baby on your lap and stay like this for a few minutes and look out of the window with him. Then the peace can be used to put the baby to bed.

Sleep Massage

For a soothing massage you do not need to have any special knowledge. With a candle and possibly soft music you create a relaxed atmosphere in which even small children can enjoy a relaxing evening massage as a sleep-in ritual. Use a massage oil that is as odorless as possible and massage your child with quiet movements.

There are many sleep-in rituals and what you choose personally depends on you and your child. When choosing, keep in mind that a ritual is permanent and can not be easily changed afterwards. So think about how much time you want to plan for the evening ritual and what you like.