1. Use a rich conditioner

First thing’s first, if you have curly hair, an average conditioner isn’t going to cut it. Finding your perfect conditioner is the first step to achieving healthy hair and it all depends on your curl type. You’re going to want to look for a really rich conditioner like the milk_shake hair products vegan curlies swear by, for example. It’s rich, thick and great for keeping your curly locks hydrated come what may. You can also use curl treatments as conditioners and this is my favourite way of achieving fabulous curls when you don't necessarily have the time for a treatment masque.

2. Don’t skimp on it

Once you’ve chosen a really rich, heavyweight conditioner or masque, it’s important to use it generously. It may be cheaper to put it on sparingly, but your hair won’t thank you for it when it’s drier than the Sahara. No, what you need to do is apply your conditioner with a comb. Ideally, it should be applied to wet hair from the root to tip until it is completely covered! I find this the best way of making sure all my hair has an even amount of conditioner on it!

3. Keep it covered

Covering your hair with a shower cap once you’ve applied the conditioner will not only prevent it from falling out onto you but it will also enable your scalp to warm up the liquid, which will enable it to more thoroughly penetrate your hair. I usually apply my shower cap and continue with my shower, however if you have more time leave for 15-30 minutes, or longer if you like, for best results.

4. Add some steam

Something else that can help to really open up your cuticles to allow the conditioner to penetrate deeply is the presence of heat, and one of the gentlest ways to achieve this is by sitting in a steamy bath. You could also use a hairdryer if you prefer, but that can get a bit uncomfortable after a while.

5. Leave it in

There is always the option of a Leave-in conditioner too. These work great because they continue to moisturise your hair throughout the day so that it never gets a chance to dry out. If you prefer, you can use your normal conditioner instead. Simply apply it, cover your head and go to bed. The heat generated as you sleep will help it to really work its magic. Don't forget to put a towel down though as it can get a little messy!

6. Add an avocado

Talking of messy, mashing an avocado into your conditioner may seem like a strange thing to do, but avocados are really great for your hair as they are rich in protein, so it is something that you may want to try to see if it adds any extra strength and moisture. I personally love to do this when I have time and while the thought of having food in your hair can be strange, it is definitely worth a go.

Curly hair may be more difficult to keep moist, but it is possible to achieve beautiful curls and these tips will be a great starting point! I hope they work and I would love to know how you get on!

Amina xx

But how do you reach that point? That’s what we’re going to discuss today, so read on now if you want to find out about the steps you can take to start putting in place better sleeping habits for your baby.

Keep Things Bright and Active During the Day

First of all, you should try to put in place the right activities and environment during the day. When you do more to ensure your child is active and tired out during the day, you’ll find that they sleep better at night. This starts with the light. They’ll be less sleepy during daytime hours if you open the curtains and let the natural light in. But what is even better is simply to head out and get some fresh air with them too. Going to the park , or local baby group will make the world of difference as baby's mind and body will both get the stimulation they need in turn making baba more exhausted!

Create a Dark and Quiet Environment for Sleeping

Of course, you want to create the opposite kind of environment when the time comes to put your baby to bed. You want the room to be dark and not have any distracting or flashing lights. Even small lights from electronics should be removed from the room if you want to create the most peaceful living space possible for your child. You should also do what you can to make the environment as quiet as it possibly can be. Using a black out blind has helped me in the summer when the sun sets later.

Develop a Schedule for the Evening

Having a good schedule in place in the evening leading up to bedtime can be a good idea as well. When you do this, you give them the chance to wind down and prepare for bed. It’s part of creating habits and routines that’ll stick for a long time to come. If you can keep things consistent as possible, your child will come to expect those same things to happen over and over again. And that’s just what you want. Personally I stop any kind of visual stimulation (toys, tv) an hour before bed. Instead, giving them a warm bath really helps to soothe and promote a healthy sleep routine.

Image Source - CC0 License

Get the Temperature in the Room Right

Getting the temperature of the room just right is another thing you should try to pay attention to. You don’t want it to be too warm or too cold, and this matters from a safety point of view and a comfort point of view. If you want them to sleep well and consistently through the night, you’ll need them to be as comfortable as they can be. There are many things you can get to help with this including a room thermometer and even the right tog bedding or sleep suit.

Make the Move Out of Your Room at the Right Time

There needs to be some sort of progression when it comes to moving your child into their own room. The task of how to decide when to stop sharing a room with your baby can be a tough one, but there’s guidance out there and you should seek advice from your GP or health visitor too. Making the move at the right time will help them to start getting used to having their own space and not always sleeping close to you. Personally as I have had more kids I have found the earlier you make this move, the better as the child won't know any better! I actually moved Lana into her own room from three months!

Help Your Baby to Fall Asleep Independently

It can be so tempting to hold you baby to sleep. We have all done it. Helping your baby to fall asleep independently is something that you’ll definitely need to practise. When they get into the habit of doing this and not needing you nearby before they fall asleep, it makes your life a lot easier. It means that you can get more sleep and have more time to yourself as a parent in the evening as well, which is so important. Self soothing can take time but once you child has the hang of it they will literally be having the best night's sleep.

Don’t Let Them Go to Bed Hungry

It sounds obvious but it’s usually not a good idea to send your baby to bed without first feeding them. You’ll want to make sure that they’re full and content, otherwise they’ll be waking up sooner than you want them to wanting and expecting more food. That’s not conducive to creating a good bedtime routine that works for them or you, so try to feed them just before however try not to let them fall asleep whilst feeding as this can lead to them forming a bad habit. The trick is to try and get them to sleep just after they have fed.

Those are just a few tips to start off with. Remember good sleeping habits take little time to form, and it’s up to you to find the approach that seems to work best for your baby. But if you’re struggling and don’t know where to start, each of the ideas we’ve discussed above will offer you a great starting point. Every baby is totally different so remember to be kind to yourself. Consistency is key but don't be so harsh on yourself as there is always a growth spurt around the corner which will turn your routine upside down!

Amina xx