During the first few weeks of life, infants have no sense of day or night; a bedtime routine helps them gradually develop their sleep rhythm. Later on, this calm and shared time helps the child fall asleep more easily and soothes anxieties that may arise at the time of separation before sleep. Recommended by all childhood professionals, this routine—which should be established from the earliest weeks—becomes a reassuring and comforting marker for the child, allowing them to approach bedtime more serenely. A few days ago on Instagram @elhee_france we asked you what bedtime ritual works at your home; here’s a summary of your answers!
Listening to the sounds of the night
“I lie down next to my son in his bed and we listen to the sounds of the night: The cars passing by on the street, the washing machine spinning, the floorboards creaking in the hallway, and also the silence. I explain each sound to him, there are no mysteries left and it reassures him a lot.” Claire, mom to Paul, 2 and a half years old.
Playing ‘Kiss Goodnight’
“Every night before going to bed we play a round of Kiss Hug, a quick and fun game he loves to play. What he likes best is actually getting the kisses, hugs, tickles, lullabies… that he’s won during the game. It’s a truly enjoyable, special moment of connection that we love sharing together (or that he shares with his dad) before drifting off to dreamland.” Paulina, mom to Ernest, 3 years old.
The music box
“Two music boxes, one for nap time, the other for evening. She slept through the night at a month and a half.” #dreamscometrue. Noémie, mom to Coline, 3 months old.
The timer
“After dinner I set a 10/15 minute timer. As soon as it rings, it’s time to brush teeth and go to bed. I tell them when I start the timer so there are no surprises, and they know that bedtime is coming soon. Sometimes they ask for 5 more minutes but that’s rare. In bed, of course there are cuddles and kisses before falling asleep, but they don’t get up 10 times asking for water, to go to the bathroom, etc. anymore!” Margaux, mom to Éléanore, 7 years old, and Jude, 5 years old.
A rit... what?
“I tried to do what everyone else does but in the end we put Luka in bed and 5 minutes later, he falls asleep.” (Yes, sometimes there are lucky ones too). Stéphanie, mom to Luka, 1 and a half years old.
A BibRond and off to bed
“After putting on pajamas, we get comfortable in the chair in her room with a dim light and I give her her bibROND . She often falls asleep and I carefully lay her down in her bed... until the next morning!” Laurent, dad to Julia, 10 months old.
White noise
“I recently caved and got a Moonie plushie, a little bear that plays white noise (sounds like mom’s belly, wind, a stream, ocean waves, rain, or a lullaby) and inside its belly is a little night light that gives off a soft glow. Since then my daughter falls asleep on her own in her bed, phew!” Olympe, mom to Paloma, 2 years old.
A little foot massage
“For my youngest, Jules, 6 months old, after his evening bath I take a moment to massage his feet. He doesn’t really like being in the water and often cries during bath time, but when I massage his little feet with baby oil, he calms down and relaxes instantly. It really helps him unwind and fall asleep. With my eldest, Raphaël, 4 years old, we love taking time to read a story once his brother is in bed—just him, his dad, and me. It’s a special moment just for him, without his little brother, and he needs that.” Rebecca, mom to Jules, 6 months, and Raphaël, 4 years old.
Gentle caresses
“When I put my daughter to bed, she always asks me for some tickles to help her fall asleep. I give her little caresses on her belly, back, arms, and legs. I can feel her get little shivers, then I give her a kiss, whisper ‘I love you’ in her ear before quietly leaving the room.” Amélie, mom to Chloé, 6 years old.
A good laugh!
“When my son goes to bed he loves when I lie next to him in bed, pretend I’m asleep, and then he acts like he’s sleeping and snores very loudly. I then have to suddenly wake up and scold him in a big voice ‘I can’t sleep, you’re snoring too loudly, next time I’ll punish you!’ It makes him burst out laughing (and me too)!” Manon, mom to Léo, 4 years old.
