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Creating a Calming Bedtime Routine for Baby to Sleep Better

Smiling sleeping infant

Creating a Calming Bedtime Routine for Baby to Sleep Better

TL;DR: Establishing a calming bedtime routine for your baby can significantly improve their sleep and your own. Starting around 6-8 weeks, a routine fosters security and comfort, promoting better sleep quality.

Main Points:

  • Key winding down activities: gentle rocking, soft lighting, and quiet time.
  • Benefits of bath time for relaxation and sleep.
  • Incorporate soothing music and white noise before bed.
  • Keep the routine flexible as your baby grows and changes.

As a new parent, bedtime isn’t what it used to be.

Instead of winding down with a good book or watching your favorite show, you’re now juggling late-night feedings and endless rocking sessions. Sometimes, no matter how much you soothe your little one, they just don’t want to fall asleep.

The good news is that establishing a calming bedtime routine can make a world of difference for both you and your baby.

The Importance of a Bedtime Routine for Newborns

Imagine a peaceful evening where you can relax together, fostering a sense of security and comfort as your baby drifts off to sleep. Creating a bedtime is all about making those nighttime moments special and nurturing while helping your newborn get a deep and restful sleep.

Don’t just take our word for it. One comprehensive study found that a consistent bedtime routine helps infants sleep better, with fewer and shorter late-night wakeups. This isn’t only beneficial for your newborn but also means you can sleep more peacefully.

Starting a bedtime routine can seem daunting. However, the security, comfort, and quality of sleep it provides far outweigh any initial growing pains.

When to Start a Bedtime Routine for a Newborn

It’s no secret that newborns don’t abide by time. After all, their little bodies are still getting adjusted to the outside world! They simply don’t have a sense of day and night or really any predictable patterns that we use to schedule our days.

That’s why it’s important to give yourself time to establish a bedtime routine for your newborn. Spend the first few weeks bonding and healing from giving birth.

The experts at What to Expect recommend starting a bedtime routine for your newborn at around 6 to 8 weeks. This can be as simple as a cuddle, a quick lullaby, or reading a book out loud before the baby falls asleep.

Remember, it’s also never too late to establish a bedtime routine for your newborn. While 6-8 weeks may be the sweet spot for creating a routine, you can start fostering healthy sleeping habits at any age.

How to Create a Perfect Bedtime Routine

Every baby is different, so no two bedtime routines may look the same. However, there are important elements that can help your little one fall asleep.

Mom helping her newborn wind down before bed in nursery

Winding Down Activities

Transitioning from the hustle and bustle of daytime to the tranquility of nighttime can be challenging for babies. Start implementing a consistent routine starting with calming activities that signal it’s time to settle down.

Some winding down activities include:

  • Gentle Rocking or Swaying: Holding your baby close and gently rocking them can help calm them down and prepare them for sleep. A gentle infant massage may also help them sleep.
  • Soft Lighting: Dimming the lights about 30 minutes before bedtime can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
  • Quiet Time: Quiet activities such as reading a book, telling a gentle story, or even softly talking to your baby contribute to a serene nursery atmosphere.

Bath Time

A warm bath can do wonders for helping your baby sleep at night. Johnson&Johnson even calls it one of the best bedtime secrets. That’s because after coming out of a warm bath, a baby’s core body temperature starts to cool. This can help them fall asleep more easily.

Some tips for making bath time enjoyable before bedtime:

  • Set Up a Cozy Environment: Use soft, warm towels, and gentle, calming scents in baby soap or bath products to create a pleasant experience.
  • Stay Close: Always supervise bath time and talk to baby in a soft, soothing voice to make them feel safe.
  • Play with Gentle Toys: Introduce a few soft bath toys or gentle interactions to create an enjoyable yet calming atmosphere.

Another way to bond with your baby before bed is a quick feeding.

Putting Baby to Bed

With these steps in place, it’s time to sleep. Music and sounds can help create a peaceful environment that promotes sleep.

  • Soothing Music: Soft lullabies or gentle music can help your baby relax. Look for melodies that are slow-paced and have a gentle rhythm.
  • White Noise: White noise machines can mimic the sounds of the womb. They also help mask household noises that might wake your baby.

Say a few comforting words such as “goodnight” or “I love you” before leaving the room. This signals it’s time for sleep.

Keeping Your Baby’s Bedtime Flexible

As your baby grows, you’ll need to adapt the bedtime routine to fit their changing needs and developmental milestones. Your baby’s bedtime routine at 1 month old will likely look very different than at 6 months old.

Here are a handful of the ways you may change your bedtime routine for baby over time:

  • Recognizing Sleep Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s cues for sleepiness, such as rubbing their eyes or becoming fussy. You may need an earlier bedtime if you notice baby is overtired.
  • Incorporating Playtime: Playing before bed can be a good way for older babies to use up some energy before bed. It’s still important to switch to calming activities to help them wind down.
  • Transitioning from Swaddling: Once your baby begins to roll over you may want to transition from swaddling to a sleep sack.
  • Introducing Comfort Objects: Your little one might become attached to a certain stuffed animal or blanket that you can incorporate into bedtime for added comfort.
  • Adjusting for Sleep Regressions: During growth spurts and developmental milestones, your baby might experience sleep regressions. It’s important to be flexible with the routine and be prepared to provide extra comfort as needed.

With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to tailoring the perfect bedtime routine for your baby.

Don’t forget to give yourself grace during this time and cherish the time bonding with your little one. Commemorate your motherhood journey with hand-crafted breastmilk jewelry at KeepsakeMom. Customize your own piece, or shop unique jewelry designs now!

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