Creating a bedtime routine for your baby 

 

A good night’s sleep is essential to both you and your baby. Here are some helpful tips on putting together a bedtime routine that will have your baby falling asleep happy, and waking up rested.

Babies need a consistent bedtime routine to help them fall asleep.

The problem is that it can be hard to stick with the same sleep schedule every night, especially if you have more than one child. You might find yourself making excuses for your baby’s bad sleeping habits or just giving up on naps and trying to make do at night. This makes life difficult for everyone in the family.

A bedtime routine will keep everybody happy. It also sets a good example of how things should work in general, which helps them understand what’s expected from them as they grow older too! We’ll show you exactly what works best for our kids (and us) so you can use the same techniques!

Establish a bedtime routine early on to help your baby learn when it’s time for bed

It’s never too early to establish your bedtime routine! One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is developing a relaxing, consistent routine. This will help you both feel more settled when you need it most – before sleep.

Follow the same routine each night before bedtime so your baby knows what to expect and can relax

If you want your baby to know what bedtime looks like, follow the same routine each night before he or she goes off for their own little siesta. This will help them feel more at ease and less stressed about going into sleep mode!

Include calming activities such as reading, singing, or massage in your bedtime routine

After the bath, pick calming activities for your baby such as reading, singing, or massage in the bedtime routine. This will help you both to wind down and prepare him/her for sleepy ahead of time!

Keep to the same routine every day – including weekends – so your baby knows what to expect and to cue their body for sleep

It is important for your baby to know what bedtime looks like so that they calm their body to fall asleep when it’s time. By keeping a bedtime routine every day, even on weekends or vacations from now until he starts college- hahaha!- you’ll help him get into this groove of knowing exactly where his “night” begins and ends each evening.

Be patient and consistent with your routines, and they will eventually become second nature to both you and your baby

You can have the best intentions of a good night’s sleep, but if you’re not consistent with your bedtime routines and rituals then they will never become second nature to both baby and yourself. Make sure that when it comes time for bed each day, there are no distractions insight, or else this goal may be put on hold indefinitely!

-Patience is key because setting up an evening ritual takes some discipline. 

Bedtime routine example for 3 months and under 

Newborns have a very weak circadian rhythm (sleep regulation system). Lightness and darkness exposure can help regulate their system more quickly. Bedtime at this age is often around 9 pm (after the witching hour). You’ll start by cueing her that it’s sleepy time.

Here is an example:

• Come into the nursery 
• Dim the lights
• Change her diaper and into nighttime pajamas
• Swaddle
• Sing a lullaby
• Tell baby “it’s sleepy time”
• Help baby fall asleep with your approach 

From the time you go into the nursery to when you get her to fall asleep should be about 15 minutes. You can start implementing this for naps as well. 

Bedtime Routine for babies 4- 11 months old

Babies at this age are more aware of their surroundings. Bedtime is based on when they woke up from their last nap. Usually between 6pm and 8pm. 

Here is an example:

• Come into the nursery 
• Dim the lights
• Change her diaper and into nighttime pajamas
• Sleepsack 
• Sit in a chair and read 1-2 board books or if baby tries to eat the book, sing a lullaby
• Tell baby “it’s sleepy time”
• Place into the crib awake if an independent sleeper or however you are helping 

For independent sleepers on average, it takes about 5-15minutes for them to fall asleep on their own once in the crib 

This bedtime routine is likely 15 minutes in length from the time you come into the room and have your baby ready to sleep. 

Bedtime Routine for babies 12 Months to 24 Months  

Babies at this age are wanting to excerpt more independence in their world. They will want to and can be more involved in the bedtime routine. Give them some control by letting them pick out their PJs, what books you will read, or what songs to sing. Bedtime is usually a set time and should be consistent every night. Usually between 6pm and 8pm. 

Here is an example:

• Come into the nursery 
• Dim the lights
• Change her diaper and into nighttime pajamas
• Sleepsack 
• Sit in a chair and read 1-2 board books or if baby tries to eat the book, sing a lullaby
• Tell baby “it’s sleepy time”
• Place into the crib awake if an independent sleeper or how ever you are helping 

This bedtime routine is likely 15 minutes in length from the time you come into the room and have your baby ready to sleep. 

 

Takeaways 

Your baby’s bedtime routine may be the key to getting them off to a good start. Make sure you create one that is helpful for your child and yourself, by considering their needs as well as yours. If you’re struggling with bedtime routines or need some guidance developing one, we’re here for you! I am happy to help parents establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit both themselves and their children in the long run. We can also provide insight into how these routines affect our development in early childhood, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

I have so much more I want to teach you about baby sleep and how you can help your baby!

If you’re struggling with your bedtime routine, I’m happy to work with your family!

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Sending sleepy vibes and sweet dreams your way!

Erin McCormick

Your Pediatric Sleep Specialist