Bedtime Activity: 8-12 Months

Your baby will continue with an established routine. At this age, he probably likes doing the same things in the same order and at the same time every night. For example, a strong established bedtime routine might start with a bath, followed by a feeding, and end with a story or gentle song before laying down to sleep. As you read to him, you may notice that he babbles and tries to say words he hears you read. Be sure to respond to everything he says by talking back to him and, when appropriate, modeling the correct word he's attempted. For example, he may look at a picture of a ball and say, "Bah." Follow this by saying, "Yes, that's a ball!" Ask him to help you turn the pages as you read. He'll love the feeling on his hands of helping you turn the pages, and this will also strengthen his eye-hand coordination!

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• Have a routine "goodnight phrase" when you put the baby to bed. For example you may say "night-night" or "love love". Using this phrase each night (and even at nap time) and encourage him to imitate you.

• Reading books with animals are good for making sound combinations needed to properly articulate a variety of words (i.e., consonant-vowel "moo", consonant vowel-consonant- vowel "baba").

• Use of a battery operated toothbrush and or Nuk brush can give more pleasant oral stimulation to children with sensitive mouths. Many come with an adjustable mouth protector/guard (see image to the right) that keeps your baby from pushing the brush too far into her mouth and down her throat.

Tips

When singing songs at bedtime, make sure they are sung softly and slowly so as not to get him excited. As always, keep any small objects or toys out of your baby's crib. It is also important to make sure that there is nothing dangerous within his reach, such as cords to window blinds or electrical devices. This is especially important to remember at this stage, as he is moving around much more on his own now. He'll most likely be able to sit up, pull to stand, and "walk" around his crib. Also, make sure the crib mattress in on the lowest setting and that the rail is always pulled up and secured before you leave him alone. It is recommended that children be weaned from using bottles, particularly with anything other than water, at night by 12 months as this could lead to tooth decay.

Family Handout

Click here to download an editable one-page handout of this age range's bedtime activity, interventions, and tips.