Rituals that reassure baby

- What is a ritual? 

A ritual or routine is a daily repetition of small habits around certain activities. In the context of a newborn, we often talk about the evening ritual for bedtime, but it is also possible to create morning routines, diaper-changing routines, bath routines, etc.

- Why create routines with your baby?

Establishing routines with your baby from the earliest age brings a double benefit. For baby, these rituals are a source of security — and goodness knows how much newborns need that. Moreover, by repeating these routines daily, baby can anticipate and gradually find their bearings in time. Rituals structure the day, and that is rea-ssu-ring!

For parents, rituals can also be soothing in a daily life that feels completely turned upside down by the arrival of baby. The great thing about rituals is that they reflect who you are, since you choose them according to your desires, your tastes, your time… They allow for quality time with your child, help build a bond, save time — in short, the benefits are many!

- From what age can they be introduced?

Any early childhood professional will advise you to introduce them from the very first months of baby's life! The great thing about rituals is that they will accompany your child throughout their growth, adapting to their rhythm (and yours!)

A few examples: 

- Bath ritual

Bath time is a special moment, and for that reason it's important to create a soothing atmosphere. The bath is a powerful moment of exchange with a parent — from the very first months, baby can rediscover certain sensations that remind them of their mother's womb. Little by little, bath time can become fun, relaxing… It also helps release tension. Just like for grown-ups! For everything to go as smoothly as possible, stay in contact with your baby, don't hesitate to use the free-bath technique by placing a towel at the bottom of the tub (so baby can move freely), warm up their bath towel to avoid the temperature shock (unpleasant in winter) and use suitable products! At Charlie Crane, we hold close to our hearts Minois cleansing products, a line of natural skincare specially designed for little ones' sensitive skin and responsibly made in France. The "comfort blanket" scent of the products is absolutely divine — perfect for making this beautiful moment with baby even more special!

How to turn it into a ritual? By organizing this moment daily at a set time: undressing, little games, massage, pajamas, a little song… 

- Diaper-changing ritual

Whether you have a wall-mounted changing table like our NOGA or a more classic one like our wooden-legged changing table PAGO, both our changing tables already offer two essential first points in the diaper-changing ritual: comfort and of course safety! The diaper-changing ritual is not just a simple nappy change — it's a moment of intimacy, connection and tenderness with baby!

As baby develops, the ritual is bound to evolve too. At first it's all about discovery, then little by little baby will grab their little feet, discover their body, want to wriggle around (oh yes!) — in that case don't hesitate to slip in some little toys that will keep them entertained!

The hardest part of the diaper-changing ritual? The inevitable little sore spots, otherwise known as diaper rash. Here again, keep some quality liniment (Minois's is once again a safe bet!) and a rich cream with an immediate soothing effect on redness! Finally, for the ritual to go as smoothly as possible, be prepared: cotton pads and diapers at hand, bodysuits and spare outfits if needed because accidents happen quickly — and arm yourself with patience, as some times will be easier than others, and that's perfectly fine!

How to turn it into a ritual? Talk to your baby! Interact with them as much as possible, give them kisses, make them laugh. You can also hang a lovely mobile above the changing table, slip small toys around it, sing… It's by repeating the same gestures with gentleness, tenderness and kindness that you will create your ritual!

- Evening ritual 

This is by far the most important ritual, and for good reason… Bedtime is a moment of separation from a parent, so it needs to be ritualized to give baby a healthy dose of confidence and serenity, and to encourage sleep as much as possible… Here again, it's a moment that should reflect who you are. That's the beauty of routines: they are unique to each person and vary from one individual to another, from one household to another. There is therefore no "right" or "wrong" way to do it. We simply offer a few avenues to explore. First tip: invest in a quality bed! At Charlie, our convertible beds are designed for children's sleep and grow with them! KIMI baby bed, KODO co-sleeper, KUMI bassinet, KUKO baby Moses basket… There is a bed made for you!

Finally, a few more tips for the evening ritual: bedtime at a set hour, in a room that is neither too warm nor too cold, in a soothing environment with a soft and even poetic little light, with their comfort toy or toys and a pacifier if needed. You can say goodnight to the whole family before heading to bed, give cuddles, speak softly to your child, read a short story suited to their age that isn't too stimulating (calm is key) — you can also say goodnight to the other comfort toys in the room, sing a little lullaby, reassure as much as possible, rock them… And let the magic happen!

How to turn it into a ritual? All these actions repeated daily form your evening ritual, the one that suits your baby best for bedtime. Babies change, grow and evolve, and just like them, rituals and routines adapt and transform to suit them. One thing can remain — perhaps the smell of clean sheets that baby can associate with "home," a place where they feel safe. A little bonus then for Minois products for sheets, specially created for babies' sensitive skin with a… magical scent.

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