Your Child Will Learn
A strategy to help relax before bed
Here’s What to Do
- Place your baby (wearing only a diaper) on a blanket on the floor.
- While your baby is lying on their back, use slow circular motions to give your baby a gentle massage. Name each body part as you massage, and say goodnight to that body part.
- Roll your baby onto their tummy and continue the massage (be sure to avoid their spine).
- End the massage by tracing a heart over your baby’s heart and give them a kiss.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Take a deep breath as you smile and make eye contact with your baby.
ENGAGE
- “We are going to relax together to get ready for bed. I’m going to give you a massage.”
- “I am massaging your toes. Goodnight toes!”
ENCOURAGE
- Respond to your baby: smile when they smile, respond to babbles by describing what you are doing and what you see your baby doing
- If your baby gets upset, stop and try again another day. If your baby doesn’t like certain body parts to be touched, you can try just resting your hand on that body part.
REFLECT
- Describe what you noticed your baby doing during the massage.
Not Quite Ready
Try just massaging one body part (arms, legs, etc.) while you change your baby into pajamas.
Ready for More
Get more specific in naming body parts such as ankles, thighs, calves, belly button, etc.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to enjoy a relaxing activity before bed
Time to Complete
10 minutes
Materials Needed
None