Have you ever wished to take a hot shower or a relaxing bubble bath after being unwell or having a particularly hard day? Water has a mystical quality that is apparent even at a young age. It may improve your mood, stop sibling arguments, put a weary or overstimulated infant to sleep, and provide you with some much-needed tranquility. What you should know about bath time is as follows:
Why Baths Help Prep For Sleep
Baths also cause vasodilation, a process that brings blood to the skin’s surface in addition to the relaxing warmth. Consequently, getting out of the bath is what prepares you for sound sleep because your blood vessels are still open, and your core body temperature has dropped after being in warm water. As a result, you’ll feel sleepy and desire to fall asleep. Bath water for infants should be between 90 and 100 °F and feel warm to the touch, not hot.
Why A Bedtime Routine Is Critical
Around eight weeks old, babies might begin to identify patterns and rituals. They’ll start to recognize the sequence of actions that results in sleep. It doesn’t need to be difficult, but it must be consistent. For instance, before putting a child to bed, bathe and clothe them, give them their final feeding, swaddle them, and read them a book or sing them a song. The same things should always be done in the same order, even if the pajamas or the book are different each night.
When To Integrate Baths Into Your Nightly Routine
Before washing your infant, the World Health Organization advises waiting 24 hours. After then, until the umbilical cord is cut, only sponge washes are used. Most infants dislike taking baths anyhow. However, as babies start to grow a bit drowsy or irritable, they frequently like having warm water poured over their heads.
Other Bedtime Practice Tips
You wouldn’t want your efforts to calm your youngster down with a nighttime wash to be in vain. One of those derailers might be light. Our brains may be significantly stimulated by blue light from devices. The same goes for melodic mobiles and illuminated baby gyms. Turn off all electronic devices 30 to 60 minutes before you begin your child’s sleep ritual for their safety.
When it begins to grow dark, your brain releases melatonin to help your body get ready for sleep. This visual signal will encourage the creation of melatonin and help them maintain a regular sleep pattern. Another way to avoid early morning awakenings caused by the dawn is to keep their room dark until it’s time for them to wake up.
A nighttime routine and a nightly bath or shower will aid in your child’s sleep, even as they become older. It’s a peaceful time to spend some quality time with your children. Try giving your child a bath if they are having trouble falling asleep or are suddenly refusing to nap. It will at the very least serve as a reset, allowing everyone to feel better and relaunch themselves with new energy.
source: https://tinytransitions.com/do-nighttime-baths-help-your-baby-sleep/
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