The ultimate step-by-step plan:de-stimulating your baby before bedtime

Getting your baby to sleep can sometimes be a challenge. Babies learn and develop so much during the day that all those stimuli can be overwhelming. To ensure that your baby becomes calm and sleepy, it is advisable to pay attention to de-stimulation. Discover in this blog a useful step-by-step plan for a peaceful transition to dreamland.

Step 1: Start de-stimulating 30 minutes before nap

A cozy night's sleep starts with a relaxed baby. Therefore, start destimulating 30 minutes before it is time to go to sleep. By de-stimulating we mean reducing stimuli. This way you give your baby some time to relax and slowly become sleepy.

Step 2: End of play timed

Say goodbye to toys and hello to calmness! Stop playing half an hour before nap time so your baby can calm down. Put the toys away so that they no longer attract your child's attention. This way, your baby is no longer activated by the toys around him and he gets the chance to relax.

Step 3: Dim the lightsn

Create a gentle transition to sleep time by dimming the lights. Soft, calm lights create a calm atmosphere in the room. This increases the chance that your baby will become sleepy and (unconsciously) prepare for the night.

Step 4: Reduce noisesn

Do you hear that? No. Good, because silence is exactly what we need. Turn off music and TV and whisper if you need to talk. If you are in a noisy environment, it is a good idea to take your baby away to a quieter place. Loud noises keep your baby active and that's the opposite of what we want.n.

Step 5: Gentle visual stimulis

Time to remove all bright images from the environment. Limit visual stimulation by avoiding brightly colored and moving images and objects as much as possible. So turn off your phone too! A calm environment with soft colors helps your baby to relax and prepare for a good night's sleep.

Step 6: Nurturing touchesn

Time to cuddle! Hugs, cradles and gentle touches are great for creating a sense of safety and security. The physical contact helps your baby to relax, making it easier for your baby to fall asleep. This step is perhaps the most fun, so don't forget to enjoy this loving moment!

Step 7: Soothing Soundsn

White noise and lullabies exist for a reason, they can be real magic tools to help your baby relax. So fill the room with soothing sounds to create a calm ambiance. The sound keeps the environment calm and helps your baby get into the right mood. It won't be long now before your baby falls asleep.

Step 8: Repeat ritualn

Repeat these steps for every nap. Your repetitive approach develops a unique sleep ritual that your baby learns to recognize. Because it is always the same steps, your baby does not have to process new stimuli, but can relax. Your baby will then sense that it is time to go to sleep and will calm down more quickly.

Just remember: every baby is unique, so feel free to discover what works best for your little one. Whatever your bedtime routine looks like, de-stimulation will help you calm your baby down. Relaxation and tranquility are the key words for a good night's sleep!

Love,

Frederieke