Rituals that reassure baby

- What is a ritual?

A ritual or routine is a daily repetition of small habits related to certain activities. For a newborn, we often talk about the evening ritual for bedtime, but it is possible to create morning routines, changing routines, bathing routines, etc.

- Why create routines with your baby?

Establishing routines with your baby from an early age has a double benefit. For your baby, these rituals are a source of security, and God knows how much babies need them. What's more, by repeating these routines daily, your baby can anticipate and gradually find their way around the clock. Rituals give rhythm to the day, and that's reassuring!

For parents, rituals can also be soothing in a daily life that is completely disrupted by the arrival of a baby. The advantage of rituals is that they reflect your personality, since you choose them according to your desires, your tastes, your time... They allow you to spend quality time with your child, to create a bond, to save time; in short, the benefits are multiple!

- From what age can they be put in place?

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

Some examples:

- Bath ritual

Bath time is a special moment and for this, it is important to create a soothing atmosphere. Bath time is a time of strong exchange with your parent, from the first months, baby can rediscover certain sensations that will remind him of his mother's womb. Little by little, bath time can become fun, relaxing... It also helps to release tension. Just like for adults! To make it go as well as possible, be in contact with your baby, don't hesitate to use the free bath technique by placing a towel at the bottom of the bathtub (so that baby is free to move), warm up his bathrobe to avoid temperature shock (unpleasant in winter) and use suitable products! At Charlie Crane, we hold Minois washing products close to our hearts , a line of natural skincare products specially designed for the sensitive skin of little ones and responsibly made in France. The products' "comforting" scent is absolutely divine. Perfect for enhancing this special moment with your baby!

How to make it a ritual? By organizing this moment daily at a specific time, undressing, little games, massage, pajamas, little song...

- Changing ritual

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

As it evolves, the ritual will evolve. First it's discovery, then little by little baby will grab his little feet, discover his body, want to wriggle (yes!) in this case don't hesitate to slip in little toys that will amuse him!

The hardest part of the changing ritual? The inevitable little boo-boos, otherwise known as diaper rash. Here again, have quality liniment available. (Minois's is a sure bet!) and a rich ointment with an immediate soothing effect on redness! Finally, to ensure the ritual goes smoothly, be prepared: cotton and diapers available, bodysuits and spare clothes if necessary because accidents happen quickly, and then arm yourself with patience, some times will be easier than others, and that's okay!

How to make it a ritual? Talk to your baby! Interact with him as much as possible, give him kisses, and entertain him. You can also put a pretty mobile above it, slide small toys around the changing table, 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 and for good reason... Bedtime is a time of separation from your parent, so this moment must be ritualized to give them a good boost of confidence, serenity and best promote their falling asleep... Here again, it is a moment that must reflect your image. That's the beauty of routines: they are specific to each person and vary from one person to another, from one household to another. There is therefore no "good" or "bad" way to do it. We simply give you some ideas to explore. First advice: invest in a quality bed! At Charlie, our evolving beds are designed for children's sleep and grow with them! KIMI, KODO, KUMI, KUKO... There is a bed made for you!

Finally, other tips for the evening ritual: go to bed at a fixed time, in a room that is neither too hot nor too cold, in a soothing environment with a soft, even poetic light, with your cuddly toy and pacifier if necessary. Finally, you can say goodnight to the whole family before going to bed, cuddle, talk softly to your child, read a short story that is appropriate for their age and is not too stimulating (we prefer calm). Finally, you can say goodbye to the other cuddly toys in the room, sing a little lullaby, reassure as much as possible, rock... And let the magic happen!

How to make it a ritual? All these actions repeated daily form your evening ritual, the one that best suits baby for bedtime. Babies change, develop and evolve, just like them, rituals, routines, adapt and transform to suit them. Only one thing can remain, perhaps the smell of clean sheets that baby can associate with "home", a place where he is safe. Small bonus therefore for Minois products for sheets , specially created for babies' sensitive skin with a magical smell.

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