Our routine is this:
1. Strip to nappy, wrap in towel & wash face & hair at the sink
2. Either bath or top/tail (bath every 3rd night)
3. Dry & dress
4. Turn off bedroom light & have hall light on
5. Feed - not talking to her, and trying to avoid eye contact
6. 5 minute cuddle at my shoulder (helps her tummy as it lets the milk go down a bit)
7. Into the cot
It took a week or two for her to clock on that this routine meant it was time for sleeping, but she's been really good with it ever since. I think the key is to keep everything boring, hence why we don't talk to her once she's dressed for bed.
I found especially with bf'ing it was easier to get her sleepy & ready for going to sleep. I sometimes put her down and she's asleep already before that step, but 80% of the time she'll go down awake & settle herself. We have 1 bad night every 10 days or so.
Persistance is the key.......she would whinge at first, and we would just go and stroke her head/ face or put our hand on her tum (she likes this - must make her feel secure). If she was crying or upset, we would pick her up & give her a cuddle or try to feed her some more, and then put her down, but all the time not talking to her....just a few shh'ing sounds.
I feel sleepy now
so needless to say I think he is ready for more structure.
