How To Calm Your Little One For Bed
“What can I do to help my VERY high energy little one to calm before bed?”
ANSWER- I LOVE to use heavy work/proprioceptive input to help calm and regulate when little ones need that assist!
If you’re seeing lots of running, crashing, bumping into people/things, trips/falls, over excitement, etc - this is for you! Obviously, what works for one may not work for another, so there may be some trial and error with these, but in general my favorite activities to try are: filling a laundry basket & having them push or pull it, giving them a “crash” space or obstacle course where they can safely channel that energy, bear hugs, animal crawls (crab crawling, bear crawling, bunny hops), and pulling suction cup toys off vertical or horizontal surfaces.
Again, some trial and error will likely be necessary, but these are absolutely my most frequent starting points! Hope they help!
Want more?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
