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Question for the moms about bedtime routine
Joe is getting ultra frustrated the Nolan is so squirmy and non-compliant during the getting ready process. We only do baths 3-4 times a week (about every other night) and the other nights we do "sponge bath" on the counter in the bathroom. We have a long space where we can lay him down, wipe him up, change diaper, lotion, pj's, brush teeth, etc. Even after his bath, we put him up there to diaper and dress. Nolan is all over the place and I can handle it (giving him a toy or something to distract him with), but since Joe is a partner in the process I thought I'd see what you all do and where you get ready. Joe suggested we get him ready on the floor in the living room. I just like the convenience of the bathroom because every thing is right there. So if you don't mind just sharing where you get ready, I love to hear it! Thanks!
Re: Question for the moms about bedtime routine
We are just getting into the diaper/clothing aversion. He is like an alligator the way he can twist and turn!
We do bath twice a week and a wipe down after dinner (dad holds him). I have a skip hop mirror/comb thing that keeps him kind of distracted but that is getting old to him. I found over the weekend that if I say, "Abe, give Mumma 30 more seconds. 1, 2, 3..." then he is so weirded out by me counting that he just stares at me. So maybe if you sing songs? What about something hanging above the area in the bathroom?
We usually get him ready in the guest room next to the bathroom; it's where we do most of our diaper changes too. But sometimes things happen in the living room, and it goes fine then too. Why not have Joe get him ready where he's comfortable doing it, if it works for him. Routine is important, but so is flexibility. In the end, the routine is the same, just the place is different.
ETA: I come from not as a routine-oriented place as a lot of other people, so I hope that didn't sound snarky or anything, I don't intend it that way!
We're lazy and really only bathe James 1-2 times a week and rely on hand & face washing around meals and good solid butt wipe downs at diaper changes for cleaning. So it isn't part of our bedtime routine.
We start bedtime in the bathroom. He sits on the big flat part of the sink to have his teeth brushed. Then he sits on the potty. Then we go down the hall to his bedroom where he gets his diaper and PJs on his changing pad. We still use it and he still likes it. He hasn't ever been much of a fighter on diapers or clothes, so we're lucky. I'm sure it heps that changing time is a time to talk to him and look around at stuff. Bedtime wraps up with a book in the glider, a song in my arms when I'm doing bedtime, and a drop off in the crib and we're done.
Bedtime is usually handled by just one person at home. When we're at my parents', there is usually at least 2 people around and most of the preparation is done in the living room. It doesn't seem to affect James at all.
Hmmmm...so interesting to see how everyone is different.
I think I'll just let Joe try his idea out of diapering and dressing in the living room and see how he thinks it's working. I do try to distract Nolan when Joe is changing his dipe,etc. but sometimes I'm running around grabbing pj's, getting his crib ready, and other things.
Brianne, I'd love to entertain you all with a song and dance, but I think you'll just have to catch the "Mommy Show" sometime in person.
(I really do have a song and dance I call that....)