Bedtime Routine

I often read about the importance of having a bedtime ritual, especially with babies. I have largely ignored such advice in favor of just throwing them in bed. But Eleanor is such a touchy sleeper and would sleep okay for naps, but at night would be getting up every hour. So I started a routine.

First, I give her a baby massage with olive oil. I tried doing baby massages on my other children when they were young, but both of them would get all angry about it. Eleanor however will stop mid cry as soon as she realizes that is where we are headed. It is terribly cute how much she loves them.

I also started swaddling her again (one armed) on Melanie's advice. Then I nurse her and put her in bed and she just falls right asleep (occasionally she will cry for a couple minutes), and she will sleep at least 3 -4 hours all night.

So over all, much improved. I couldn't resist sharing some pictures of the massage. Naked babies are just so cute and rolly.