Video: Rules and routines

Establishing rules and routines is essential in creating a system that is positive for both you and your baby. Here these mums talk about what routines they have in place. 



Bedtime Routine

However you want to create your bedtime routine, make sure you do it in the same order each night and stick to it every night. You could start by having a short play before giving her a bath. After her bath, get her into her sleepsuit or pyjamas and read a story or sing a song (see Winding down time’ below). Give her a last feed before or after her bath, but remember to brush her teeth. Lie her down in her cot in a darkened room just before she starts to fall asleep, so she learns to fall asleep by herself and doesn’t drop off in your arms and awakes alone in a dark room. Don’t feel you need to keep the whole house quiet - she’ll find comfort from familiar sounds such as you moving around or the distant drone of the TV.