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Today I thought I’d share a little about Marlowe’s bedtime rituals. When Marlowe was a newborn, we had a Night Nurse (aka Postpartum Doula) helping us 4-5 nights a week for the first month. This was a HUGE luxury and something that I will definitely save up for for future babies. It helped me get back on my feet in a major way. Our wonderful Night Nurse, Pam, was also a big help when it came to teaching me the ropes and giving me pointers. She advised me during those first few weeks of tricky breastfeeding, and even helped me get the baby on a schedule right off the bat. One of the biggest things she emphasized was a bedtime ritual, and explained to me that if I was consistent with bedtime and waking time, that Marlowe would adjust to a schedule right away.
She had me using a consistent bath routine, sound machine, set of bedtime songs, and even had me create a “Morning Song” that we would sing to her when we came in to wake her up for the day. (The dorkiest thing I’ve ever done by the way: “Marlowe Mae, Marlowe Mae, Tuesday is a brand new day! I just can’t wait to play with YOU today, sweet Marlowe Mae!” Do I win a Grammy?)
The best part? The bedtime routine worked like a charm. Over the months I added a few other things in to the routine as well, and we never miss a night. I’ve found that even when we travel to new time zones, are putting her to bed at an unusual hour or in a strange place, as long as I follow the routine Marlowe always adjusts easily. I thought just for kicks I’d share our ritual below, since I know if there’s one thing every parent loves it’s a peacefully sleeping baby!
The best part? The bedtime routine worked like a charm. Over the months I added a few other things in to the routine as well, and we never miss a night. I’ve found that even when we travel to new time zones, are putting her to bed at an unusual hour or in a strange place, as long as I follow the routine Marlowe always adjusts easily. I thought just for kicks I’d share our ritual below, since I know if there’s one thing every parent loves it’s a peacefully sleeping baby!
- Lovey: I started giving this to Marlowe in her crib at about five months old, tied in a knot to prevent suffocation. She figured out how to untie it pretty quickly, and actually prefers sleeping with it covering her entire face. Of course. REMOVE ALL TAGS ON YOUR CHILD’S LOVEY. I have a horror story about this that I’m saving for another post…stay tuned.
- Sleep Sack: Marlowe gets zipped in to a sleep sack at night and at nap times. I think it makes her feel comforted to have that extra cozy layer. I’ve forgotten to put it on her a couple times while traveling, and after an hour of her crying and fussing and not sleeping realized what the culprit was. After I finally put it on her, I remember Marlowe looking at me like “Mom, get your life together”. I like these because they are made from all-natural and chemical-free fibers.
- Sound Machine: Lifesaver. This creates a consistent ambient noise that drowns out the sound of us cooking or watching TV in the house, and keeps her sleeping. We had a party one night for the Season Finale of The Bachelor with about twenty people in our living room screaming at the television, and the baby didn’t even wake up! Next, we’re planning a rave.
- Tooth Wipes: Marlowe’s pediatric dentist recommended that we start wiping her teeth with these safe-for-baby wipes. They are flavored like candy and she LOVES them. I wipe off her teeth after her bottle and before I put her in the crib. If I forget, Marlowe even reminds me. Cuz she bossy like that.
- Snuggly Lotion: I give Marlowe a little massage with this lotion before I put her in her jammies. It’s totally natural and organic and has a light, lovely scent!
- Lavender Oil + Teething Rollerball: After lotion and before jammies I put a drop of this doTerra Lavender essential oil on my finger and mix it with a tiny drop of lotion. Then I rub it in to the bottom of Marlowe’s feet. I do this for the calming properties of Lavender, as well as because it imprints Marlowe with the association between the scent of Lavender and bedtime. I travel with this oil, and put some on her feet whenever I need her to go to bed. Works wonders with Jet Lag and time change! The teething rollerball I roll on the outside of her jaw and on her chest at bedtime. I bought the empty glass rollerball online, and put three drops each of Lavender essential oil and Roman Chamomile essential oil. Then, I filled the rollerball the rest of the way with fractionated (liquid) coconut oil to dilute it and make it safe for baby. The Lavender and Chamomile oils are anti-mocrobial and anti-inflammatory as well as soothing and calming for those rough nights of teething!
xoxo
EAM
Really great advice! I’m adding these items to my next shopping trip – especially the teething rollerball.
Hi Eva!
Great tips! At what age did u start this routine? Is it too late to start now? My baby girl is 4 months and a half.
Thank you!
Miro
Hi Miro!
Like with any routine it may take your daughter a couple of weeks at least to settle in to it, but I don’t think it’s too late to start! These are all comforting elements, so they should be soothing to her at any stage.
Good luck!
EAM
Thanks for the advice! What brands of oils do you use?
Love, love, love your blog! Wish I had this blog around when my kiddos were babes. Amen sista about the mom-judging, it is a HUGE peeve of mine too #youdoyou 😘
Hi Eva,
l truly enjoy reading your blog. I have a question that I’m hoping you wouldn’t mind answering that kinda’ coincides with this article and teething. I have noticed your daughter wearing a teething amber necklace. Could you please share where you purchased it? Thank you so much.
Hi Melissa! It’s called a Baltic Amber Teething Necklace. I got Marlowe’s teething necklace at a store in Sherman Oaks, CA called Earth Baby. They sell very high quality necklaces there. You can buy similar online as well but I highly recommend going in to a store front to buy one so that you can touch and feel it before buying and make sure that it is of a high quality. Try a wholistic store near you, or even try calling Earth Baby. They may be able to send you one!
xoxo
EAM
Thanks for this! I’m about to be a first time mom and getting really nervous. She is due in Sept. #Imnotready #dontscrewthisup 😳
I’m due with my first in September too! I am interested in the teething roller ball, would you mind sharing what kind you use? Love the blog!
Hi Eva,
Thank you so much! I looked online and found the Earth Baby website. Will be making a purchase! I appreciate the response and keep the blog coming…I look forward to reading it!
Love this! My daughter is about the same age as Marlowe and I wish I had used a Sleepsack. I am incredibly curious about the teething oils though. My daughter is a super late teether and if she is anything like my son, she will get multiple teeth at a time which is no bueno for her. Sweet baby girl! Thanks for the tips, Eva!
love your blog! and love all aden and anais products! yikes…must remove the tag from all lovies!!
Seems like you have a wondeful nitetime routine but I’m a bit miffed by the tooth wipes….why would it be good to wipe your baby’s teeth with a wipe that tastes like candy? Seems a bit odd since candy is the worse thing for little ones teeth next to fruit juice.
Actually looking at the plastic wrapping for each one, not really good for environment either….wouldn’t a soft piece of cloth work just as well if Marlowe is now conditioned to want it as part of her routine?
Great tips. Babies need to understand that it’s time to sleep with few hints and I really enjoyed your sleep routine with your baby (btw, so cute). I will definetely try them
Thanks so much! I’m glad these tricks are helpful for you!
xoxo
EAM
Hi Eva. I love your blog and I think the stories you share are amazing. I see that you started this routine when Marlowe was an infant but I was wondering if you had any tips for an 18 month old. My daughter has been sleeping with me since birth. I am a first time Mom and I think I read too many baby books and online articles because I was so afraid to let her sleep alone. With that said I am 18 months in and I cannot get my daughter to sleep in her crib. She cries and I cannot handle it. Any suggestions for making the transition smoother without having to let her “cry it out”? She’s extremely headstrong.