Taking the time to create a bedtime routine can feel monotonous or like a chore for some parents. A bedtime routine is something both children and adults benefit from when considering the best way to get a healthy night of sleep. Do bedtime routines matter? Is it worth the effort and time to implement?
Why Bedtime Routines Matter
Babies and kids thrive on structure and routine. As parents, we know that when we change the plan without some warning, it can throw a child off and lead to a serious meltdown. The purpose of a bedtime routine is to prepare the mind and body for sleep so that your child anticipates what comes next -sleep. The purpose is NOT to get a baby or child sleepy.
To help ensure a great night’s sleep start with a solid bedtime routine. It will help your baby get his body and brain ready for sleep so that he gets a healthy amount of nighttime sleep and wakes well-rested and ready to start the day.
When And How To Start A Bedtime Routine
There are a few things to learn about newborn baby sleep that will be helpful. One of them is starting a bedtime routine. You can absolutely start at any age, even with a newborn baby. It’s never too early (or late) to begin.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating a bedtime routine for a baby. And if you’re wondering what NOT to do, this is the number 1 bedtime mistake I see.
Keep the routine about 20-30 minutes long
Include a bath that’s no longer than 10 minutes
Have 5-7 steps that happen in the same order each night
Do the bedtime routine in the baby’s room and the bathroom
Make sure three are several steps between the feed and laying the baby in his crib as to disassociate feeding and sleeping.
Example Bedtime Routines
Newborn Baby (0-3 months)
5-10 minute bath/wipe down
Diaper & jammies
Feed
Swaddle (up to 8 weeks)
Song or book
Hugs & kisses
In bassinet, drowsy but awake
Baby (4-12 months)
Feed
Bath
Diaper, jammies & sleepsack
Song and/or book
Hugs & kisses
In the crib fully awake
It’s never too soon or too late to start a bedtime routine. It’s not only helpful to prepare the body and mind for sleep, but it can be the perfect time to connect with your baby and spend some QT at the end of the day.
And hey, if you have toddlers or older kiddos that still don’t have a bedtime routine, I’ve got you covered in my next blog post. Hang tight. Or book a discovery call so that we can chat about some solutions and get everyone in your family sleeping well.