From the moment I found out I was pregnant I was terrified I would never sleep again. At least that’s what people tell you. However, I have been given children who love to sleep! I think it’s largely due to a strict bedtime routine.

With my second child the day his umbilical cord fell off and I could give him his first real bath he slept so much better. You see since you can’t simply ask your newborn to sleep for a longer period of time at night you have to communicate it another way. By having a routine which should include a relaxing bath and change into pajamas this communicates sleep.

Something I learned in nursing school is your sense of smell is most closely related to your memory. So at bedtime I always put lavender on my kids. Every. Single. Night. One drop lavender essential oil mixed with 1/2 tsp coconut oil. I rub the mixture on the chest and back. The tranquil smell lends itself to better sleep and signals to their little brains to sleep for a longer period of time. When done repeatedly every night before bed the baby catches on quickly that the sweet smell of lavender means it’s bedtime.