Last Saturday morning, I was fortunate to have been invited by Nuffnang to be a part of 'Bedtime Discoveries - Mommy Meet-Ups' forum. It was my first "eye-ball" event and I can say it was a very pleasant experience as I got to meet other mom-bloggers from the metro, so thank you to Nuffnang and J&J.
This intimate gathering was the first of a series of fora from Johnson & Johnson's sleep campaign, which was launched last November.
It was a lovely, fun and informative discussion hosted by the very engaging Caren Bayhon-Yrastorza. There was a short presentation from J&J about the importance of sleep and how to establish a bedtime routine for babies. We all shared some of our good, and not so good, experiences when it comes to our children's bedtime. While some kids and babies sleep peacefully through the night, others have experienced 'night terrors', hunger pangs, and other nuances which disturb the child's sleep. My boy had his share of nightmares when he was 3 to 4 years old. And though this stage has passed, I can still remember trying all sorts of calming exercises like warm baths and gentle massages to aid in his good night's sleep. Lately, he still complains about bad dreams from time to time. But there's nothing that a good hug can solve (",).
All the women present agreed that while babies grow as they sleep, another major benefit is actually for the mom to have her much needed break while baby is asleep -- and the longer the better!
What causes nightmares/night terrors? How will baby sleep longer through the night? How will we make bedtime more relaxing?
These are just a few questions raised during the open forum.
Here are some bedtime tips and tricks that were shared that morning:
- Establish a routine and stick to a schedule so the child knows what to expect when it is time for bed
- Dim the bedroom lights / turn on night lamp, or no lights at all, to condition the child and signal bedtime
- Some babies like to be rocked to sleep as the vibration mimics the movement in utero
- Babies are relaxed when they hear running water or soothing music
- Give baby a warm bath before putting him to bed
Lovely mommies at the meet-up -- Mia, Melanie and Bethchay
There's no question that sleep is essential in a child's growth and development. Babies sleep almost the whole day, while young children requires 10 hours of sleep. I also learned that babies' brain cells are repaired during sleep, and I believe ours too!
My girl immediately recognized these wonderful products I brought home since we use them since she was a baby. The baby milk bath is her favorite.
Discover more about the science of sleep from Johnson & Johnson, one of the most trusted names in baby care products. For moms like me, you will surely learn so much more from Johnson's Baby Bedtime Sleep Library. You will find a step-by-step guide and various tools to help your make the most out of your child's precious sleep.
Sweet dreams!
Related story featured here at Nuffnang.com
Credits:
Nuffnang Philippines
Johnson & Johnson
Cafe Via Mare, Rockwell mall
The last two kids were very light sleepers and gave me a lot of sleepless night when they were less than six months old. I just look up to the heavens and say a quick thanks for being done with that right now. :)
ReplyDeleteMy first one was also such a light sleeper before 7-8 months old. This second one is a bit better. Knock on wood. I noticed that in the first picture, baby is sleeping on her stomach (which babies LOVE). But here in Canada, we're not "allowed" to put them in that position due to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), which is the leading cause of death here in Canada for babies under 1 year of age. We have to put them on their back, and most babies don't like sleeping that way :( but no choice...hehe.
ReplyDeleteTina, Jen - my girl was also a light sleeper and to think she falls asleep while still latched and breastfeeding! My boy (first photo) slept longer and better. Doc said you can initially have baby sleep on his tummy then flip on his side or back once he's deep in his sleep, to avoid SIDS.
ReplyDelete