The Ideal Bedtime Routine For Babies

Did you know you can literally begin a bedtime routine from Day 1 of your baby’s birth? It may seem early, but starting a bedtime routine is a helpful cue. Newborns won’t know the difference between day and night until 8-9 weeks from their due date, but even small steps like a consistent routine can help them adjust. The bedtime routine for newborns is similar to the one for older babies, with the main difference being that you’ll be helping them fall asleep.

For babies 4 months and older, we want to shift expectations a bit. At this age, babies are developing the ability to fall asleep independently, and with a good routine, they can usually do so within 10 minutes.

How long should the bedtime routine be?

The entire bedtime routine, from start to finish, should ideally last around 30 minutes. The goal of the routine isn't to force sleep, but to gently prepare your baby for it.

If your bedtime routine is much longer than 30 minutes, your little one might become overtired and frustrated, which can make falling asleep more difficult. Here’s an example of a great routine.

The Ideal Baby Bedtime Routine

• Bath (5-7 minutes)
• Diaper
• Feeding (10-15 minutes)
• Pajamas
• Book (2-5 minutes)
• In Crib

How to start fresh with a bedtime routine for your baby

Alright, let’s  start at the very beginning. A bath is a wonderful first step in a bedtime routine.

Step One: Bath time

Bath time doesn’t have to happen every night. Depending on they type of skin your baby has, less frequent baths may even prove ideal. A quick face wash and lotion on non-bath nights is enough to signal that bedtime is approaching. Remember, this is playtime for your baby! Baths are supposed to be fun, so enjoy the splashes and giggles.

Step Two: Feeding

After the bath, pick up your baby, wrap them in a towel, and slip on a diaper. Then, head to their room and feed them right away. There really is nothing better than a clean, fed baby, so cherish this calm time together.

Step Three: Pajamas

Once the feed is over, it’s time for lotion and pajamas. Comfortable pajamas that fit snugly enough to help your baby feel safe and secure are key to a smooth transition. This is also a good opportunity to start brushing any little teeth that are popping up.Brushing teeth after the last feed is most effective for countering the sugar enzymes in breastmilk and formula. 

Step Four: Reading a Book

Now, you can sit down with your baby and read a book. Yes, even newborns can benefit from looking at the pictures! They’ll absorb all of the colors on the page, play with the pages, and simply enjoy some quiet time together. Reading a book is also a great step for babies who need a little break between feeding and lying down. If your baby has reflux, they may need to be upright for a few minutes before laying down, and this is the perfect chance to do that. If you notice that your baby is showing sleep cues like arching their back, rubbing their eyes or face, it’s probably a good idea to skip the book and move on to the next step.

Step Five (The FINAL Step): Place your child into the crib

The final step is placing your child into the crib. Say goodnight, give kisses and they’re off to Dreamland. (For babies 4+ months, this also means they’re ready to practice self-soothing and falling asleep independently). Once you leave the room, hopefully, they’ll be asleep within 10 minutes. 

Conclusion

The bedtime routine may sound simple, but it can really set the tone for a good night’s sleep. A consistent bedtime routine can work wonders for helping your little one (and you!) get the rest you need. Once you’ve decided on a routine, be consistent and give it time. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work perfectly right away—it takes practice for everyone! If you’re struggling, consider sharing this blog with a friend and starting a group text to support each other as you implement your new bedtime routines.