The Perfect Baby Bedtime Routine
The journey of parenthood often feels like navigating unchartered waters and when it comes to sleep, every child is different. So, whether you’re a first-time parent or are expecting your second, there’s no guarantee that if your first child sleeps well, your next will too.
Each child brings their own unique joys and challenges but there are some things you can do to help set the stage for a healthy sleep routine.
In the whirlwind of nappy changes and feedings, knowing how to get a newborn into a routine can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Creating a consistent baby bedtime routine is key to helping your little one wind down and prepare for sleep. It not only promotes healthy sleep habits but also nurtures a sense of security and predictability for both baby and parents.
Whether it’s a warm bath, a gentle massage with our organic baby skincare products, or a cosy bedtime story, we’ll explore some of the different activities that can help create a calm and soothing atmosphere to get your newborn, infant, or toddler to sleep.
With patience, perseverance, and a few expert tips, you can create a nighttime routine tailored to your baby’s needs, ensuring a peaceful night sleep for the entire family!
The Importance of Baby Bedtime Routines
Establishing a baby bedtime routine is essential for promoting healthy sleep habits, fostering a sense of security and facilitating restful sleep for both the baby and the parents. A consistent bedtime for babies helps regulate their internal clock, signalling that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Engaging in calming activities such as a warm bath before bedtime can also help to soothe and relax the baby, making it easier for them to drift off.
While baby bedtime routines may not always work perfectly, they can still provide structure, comfort and predictability for babies. Every baby is unique and what works for one baby may not work for another. Some babies may respond well to a specific routine, while others may be more resistant or take longer to adapt. Not only this, but a routine that worked well during one stage may become less effective as the baby grows and develops, so parents need to adapt.
When to Start a Baby Bedtime Routine
There’s no strict rule about when to start newborn bedtime routines and parents can begin implementing gentle rituals as early as they feel comfortable. Newborns won’t have a predictable sleep schedule, of course, but a simple newborn bedtime routine such as dimming the lights, playing soothing music, or bathing before bed can help signal to your infant that it’s time to sleep.
At around 3 to 4 months old, babies begin to develop more predictable sleep patterns and can learn to self-soothe. The key is to establish consistency and predictability in the bedtime routine over time and as the baby develops and grows, the bedtime routine can evolve to include additional activities that prepare the baby for a restful sleep as they learn to associate the bedtime routine with sleep.
The Best Baby Bedtime Routine Ideas:
Newborn Bedtime Routine
Newborn sleep routines don’t need to be overcomplicated. Your routine might include swaddling, feeding, turning on white noise, rocking and placing baby down in their crib drowsy but awake. Don’t underestimate the power of creating a calming sleep environment – dim the lights and avoid stimulating activities or loud noises while putting a newborn to bed.
A warm bath can often help soothe and relax your newborn before bedtime. Use a gentle soap or newborn safe bath salts like Nature’s Divine organic bath salts followed by massaging your baby’s arms, legs, back and tummy using Nature’s Divine organic baby balm to promote relaxation.
Remember that newborns have varying sleep patterns and it normal for them to wake frequently for feeding and comfort. Be patient and flexible with your baby’s sleep habits and adjust their newborn bedtime routine as needed on their cues and responses.
Infant Bedtime Routine
As your baby gets older, you can start adding in a few more steps to their infant nighttime routine such as bathing, changing your infant into their pyjamas, reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby. At this age, baby bedtime routines typically take at least 25 to 35 minutes, depending on your child.
Many parents include a feed during their infant bedtime routine, though it may be better to do this at the start of the routine. This helps to prevent your baby making the link between feeding and sleeping, which will help them settle back to sleep without always having to feed during the night.
Toddler Bedtime Routine
Depending on their age, you might want to start your toddler bedtime routine with brushing teeth, putting them in a fresh nappy or training pull-up and getting into pyjamas. Afterwards you can read a couple of books together and spend a few minutes snuggling them before turning out the lights.
As your child gets older, they’ll become more independent in their bedtime routine. Creating a visual bedtime routine checklist with pictures or drawings to help your toddler understand the steps involved in bedtime is an engaging way to encourage them as they become more independent.
While toddler bedtime routines can take a little longer, they are still essential. These rituals help toddlers relax and transition from wakefulness to sleep. Plus, a consistent bedtime routine can also help improve the quality and duration of their sleep.
Tips for Setting Baby Bedtime Routines
- Be consistent – consistency is super important when it comes to setting baby bedtime routines and establishing a consistent nighttime routine helps create a sense of predictability and security, which can help your little one prepare for sleep.
- Create a calming atmosphere – choosing soothing colours such as muted pastels, light blues, greens or beige when decorating a nursery room will set the tone and ambience of the space, directly impact your baby’s overall sense of calm. Using soft and gentle lighting will also help you create a cosy and soothing atmosphere, helping signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down for sleep.
- Baby skincare products – with natural ingredients known for their nourishing and calming properties, Nature’s Divine organic baby skincare products are a great addition to any baby nighttime routine to ease any irritation or eczema and help get a restful sleep.