Bedtime Routine for Baby: Everything You Need To Know

Aug 29

Chances are you’ve heard how important bedtime routines are for your baby. Helping both you and your child get some extra zzz’s, a bedtime routine for baby is an instrumental tool in helping them settle down and relax before falling asleep.

But how should I start a nighttime routine with my baby and what age is best to start? Here’s what you need to know.

Why are baby night routines important?

Bedtime routine for baby doesn’t just help them drift off peacefully, it helps support cognitive development by promoting a relaxed and soothing environment. Getting enough sleep each night enhances memory, problem-solving skills and general cognitive functioning crucial for growing and learning.

How should I start a nighttime routine with my baby?

While starting a nighttime routine with your baby may feel a bit strange, it will soon become second nature and an event you look forward to every evening. When you first start the process, you’ll learn what your baby likes and what they don’t like as well as the best methods for helping them drift off into the land of nod.

From wrapping them up warm in a hooded baby bath towel after bathtime to singing a gentle lullaby after they’ve had their final milk for the night, this routine helps your child associate certain actions with bedtime. This helps them relax and unwind naturally while creating positive associations with bedtime.

How do I set my baby’s night routine?

There are four main components involved in a bedtime routine for babies. These include feeding (breastfeeding or bottle), cleansing (bath time, teeth brushing), interaction (reading, gentle play) and physical contact (cuddling). While your baby’s nighttime routine may not look the same each day, you’ll soon fall into a pattern that works for you and your family.

If you don’t know where to begin, here’s a general bedtime routine plan to take inspiration from:

Get the wiggles out

It can be very difficult and frustrating trying to put a baby to bed who needs to let off some steam. Before you begin your nighttime routine, let them engage with some music, gentle singing or a bouncer if they’re up for it. This helps them get all that built-up energy out of their system before they hit the hay.

Begin bath time

Sitting in warm water is a soothing experience for everyone - babies included! Keep the experience relaxed and chilled to help invoke sleepiness. Once they’re done with a bath, wrap them up warm in a baby hooded bath towel to help them remain warm and cozy.

Get them ready for bed

While your baby may love being wrapped up in one of our hooded baby bath towels, it’s now time to get them changed into their sleepsuit. Keep the lighting low to keep the routine gentle and relaxed.

Read a bedtime story

Getting into the routine of reading a bedtime story before your baby goes to bed can make for cherished memories and development. While it may not seem like your little one understands, they’ll soon start to associate story time with getting some sleep.

Milk time!

Once your baby has a fresh diaper and a babygro on, it’s time for the final feeding of the night. Lots of parents prefer to breastfeed or bottlefeed in the same room that their baby sleeps in to make the transition comfortable and soothing. Ensuring your little one’s tummy is full before bedtime helps prolong the amount of time they sleep - a win for both parents and kiddos!

Sing a gentle lullaby

Now’s a great time to sing a gentle lullaby to help your sleepy baby drift off peacefully. Hearing their favorite human sing them a soft, soothing melody is a wonderful way to help them feel calm and relaxed.

What age do babies have a bedtime routine?

Most people introduce bedtime routines between the ages of 3 to 6 months. You’ll soon learn what works for you and what doesn’t, but try to stick to the routine to help prepare your baby for a blissful night of rest (one can only hope!).