Objective:

The objective of this document is to make clear the need for and the establishment of a consistent bed-time routine for Infant human beings.

Policy:

Infant human beings are magnificent, but quite demanding individuals. Most little humans, shortly after entering their families, get the concept of days and nights reversed.  The consequence of this behavior is a lack of restful sleep for both Infant and Care Giver.  This policy and the following procedure set the “New Care Giver Standard” for instituting an Infant’s realistic bed-time routine.  As the Infant increases in age the procedure will “grow-up” with him/her, into a child’s routine, to include stories, conversations and prayers.

Procedure:

To establish a livable bed-time:

1.      Most Infants will “set” their own sleepy timetable; the Care Giver should choose to schedule bed-time around or immediately before the Infant’s evening sleepy time.

To relax before bed-time:

1.      If the Infant’s umbilical has healed

a.       Give a warm emersion bath

                                                              i.      Just enough temped water to lay the Infant in, at no time should the water be deep enough to cover the Infant’s head when resting on his/her back.

                                                            ii.      Temped is defined as Infant’s natural body temperature

1.      The water should not be any warmer than the Care Giver’s skin.

Check this by running the water over the wrist of and/or dipping the Care Giver’s elbow in the bath.

                                                          iii.      Dry Infant with clean comfortable towel.

b.      Continue to number 3.

2.      If the Infant’s umbilical has not healed

a.       Give a warm sponge bath.

                                                              i.       This activity will set the comfort and expectation level for the time when the Infant is ready for full emersion bathing.

                                                            ii.      Dry Infant with clean comfortable towel.

b.      Continue to number 3.

3.      Place Infant in a clean diaper.

4.      Quiet time with Care Giver(s) to include but not limited to:

a.       After diapering but before getting him/her dressed,  give the Infant a massage

                                                              i.      Include tummy, chest, legs, arms and back

1.      Position the Infant on his/her back, on a safe surface such as a changing table, bed, towel or blanket on the floor.

2.      With the Care Giver’s index finger, gently massage the Infant’s tummy, chest, legs, and arms in a circular motion from surface closest to the heart to the surface most distant from the heart.

3.      Position the Infant upright on the Care Giver’s chest with the Infant’s head at the Care Giver’s shoulder.

4.      With the Care Giver’s index finger gently massage the Infant’s back moving in a circular motion from bottom to shoulders.

5.      Repeat as desired.

6.      Massage can help an Infant who has a tendency for gassy or sour stomach as well.

b.      Dress Infant in garment comfortable for sleep and for the temperature of his/her customary sleeping space.

                                                              i.      Sing to and sweet talk the Infant during the entire dressing episode.

                                                            ii.      Continue to massage tummy and chest as possible during the entire dressing episode.

                                                          iii.      Maintain good eye contact, a smile and a calm demeanor during the entire dressing episode.

To go to bed:

1.      If Infant is ready to sleep

a.       Lay Infant on his/her back in his/her customary sleeping space.

b.      Provide blanket or cozy depending on individual Infant’s needs.

c.       If necessary pat and/or sing softly allowing Infant to drift off to sleep.

2.      If  Infant is not ready to sleep

a.       Keep activity calm.

b.      Do not grow impatient with the Infant.

c.       Rocking either in a chair or rocking while standing with the Infant in the Care Giver’s arms can aid in effective sleepiness.

d.      When the Infant is ready to sleep return to number 1.

Note: Being consistent with a bed-time routine will help the Infant relax and educate the Infant’s internal clock to recognize that it is time to sleep.

Disclaimer: This document is strictly the opinion of Winter Song’s management  and is meant for the enjoyment of its readership; in no way is it meant to cure any ailment, provide medical or legal advice