With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be really hard to keep routines going. Everyone is so excited for friends and family to arrive, copious amounts of food and sweets to be eaten and lots of laughter and cheer ringing through the home. As much as I love all the festive fun, it can be hard to keep my almost 4 year old and 7 month old son on a routine, especially when it comes to bedtime. They want to stay up with their cousins, watch one more Christmas show or keep extra cuddles from Grandparents as often as possible.
I love all the extra help that comes with having so many people in and out of our home, but routine is something that I really strive for because nobody has time for cranky tired kids when it's the holidays! Our routine is simple with the kids.
1. Free Play - After a long day at work and a long day at school for my children, I try to incorporate some one on one playtime with them before their bodies get ready to rest. This helps burn off some extra energy that both of them may have. Lily loves playing tea party or with her dolls and Landon loves rolling around the playroom to grab items! This keeps the kids pretty busy for about a half hour before it's time to head upstairs.
2. Bath Time- I actually give both kids a bath in the same tub now that Landon is old enough to sit up by himself. I love using Aveeno Baby shampoo because it's natural oat extract which makes washing super easy! It has such a rich lathering wash without drying out Landon's skin and also it's soap free and allergy tested so it doesn't harm his eyes! His skin is always soft with a sweet fresh fragrance!
3. Gentle Massage/Brush Teeth- Once the kids are washed and cleaned, I dry them off and use Johnson's Baby Lotion. It's super fast absorbing formula leaves Landon and Lily's skin feeling soft and smooth- not greasy like other lotions I've tried. I also appreciate that it's gentle and mild and gives off that sweet baby smell we all love. This is also the time that we have Lily brush her teeth while Landon loves to watch and giggle along. He only has two teeth himself so we're not quite there yet with him brushing!
4. Read Books/ Bottle/Kisses - After bath time is over and pajamas are on, we snuggle in my daughter's bed and read a few books together. If friends or family are over during the holidays, they love to read with my children as well! Some of our favorite books to read are " On The Night You Were Born", "Library Lily" or anything that has animals in it because Landon's eyes light up! After we read, I'll give hugs and kisses to Lily and then take Landon to have a his night bottle while Zach lays down with Lily for a few minutes.As I've said before, having a bedtime routine is critical for our little ones to stay and feel their best day in and out. Thanks to Johnson and Johnson for keeping my little's skin soft and sweet smelling especially during these colder months! I purchased my Johnson and Johnson products are my local Walmart in their baby section. I truly adore this brand for its quality, recommendation from friends and one that I've used over the last 4 years of being a parent to my children. After all, when having a routine for bed and sleeping soundly through the night thanks to this product, it's a win in this Mom's parenting book!
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