When should I start a bedtime routine with my baby?

Welcoming a newborn into your home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. Parents often ask us “When should I start a bedtime routine with my baby?” or “How soon should I should start focusing on a bedtime routine? We recommend this from day one. Mostly because it helps cue PARENTS into night vs day during a time when days and nights tend to blend into each other.

One of the most important things you can do for your baby’s long term sleep is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. Not only does it help your baby feel secure and comfortable, but it also sets the foundation for healthy sleep habits.

Here are some tips for creating a bedtime routine with your newborn:

Keep it simple

Your baby’s bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it should be simple and easy to follow. A good routine can include a quiet room, a diaper change, pjs, swaddling, a feeding, and a lullaby. Keep in mind that your baby’s bedtime routine will evolve as they grow and develop.

Be consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to establishing a bedtime routine. Try to follow the same routine every night, at the same time. This will help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep and what to expect.

Create a calm environment

Creating a calm and relaxing environment can help your baby feel more comfortable and ready for sleep. Dim the lights, turn on a sound machine, and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Watch for sleepy cues

It’s important to watch for your newborn’s sleepy cues, such as rubbing their eyes or yawning. This will help you know when it’s time to start the bedtime routine. You definitely don’t want an overtired baby!

Be patient

Remember that establishing a bedtime routine takes time and patience. It may take a few weeks for your baby to get used to the routine, but with consistency and patience, they will learn to associate the routine with sleep.

Be flexible

While consistency is important, it’s also important to be flexible. If your baby is having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, try adjusting the routine or timing to see what works best for them.

Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and keep trying until you find a routine that works for your family. With time and consistency, your baby will learn to associate their bedtime routine with sleep, making bedtime a peaceful and restful time for everyone.

Troubleshooting/ When is the best bedtime for a newborn?

Parents often get confused at when to start bedtime, and what to do if their baby treats bedtime like a nap. When should I start a bedtime routine with my baby? This takes trial, error and time. We recommend learning more about newborn sleep and schedules to begin with.

The idea of a bedtime is just to set the tone for the night. There are two ways to set a bedtime.

1. Baby led: Watch your baby for 2-3 nights. Log their rhythms. Between 7pm-11pm your baby will likely fall asleep and sleep for a longer stretch [2-4+ hours]. This is their bedtime. You can work with their natural rhythms by setting up a bedtime routine at this time.
2. Parent led: Decide the time that you want bedtime to be, implement a routine and stick with it. If you choose 7pm this might mean that you do bedtime, your newborn is up at 8pm for an hour and then goes back down at 9pm for their longer stretch. You’ll want to stay in their dark dim environment and work on getting them back to sleep for any wake-ups after the established bedtime. This takes more effort but will get babies into a routine more efficiently.

So, When should I start a bedtime routine with my baby?

As soon as possible/whenever it works for you. Creating a bedtime routine with your newborn is an important step in establishing healthy sleep habits. Keep it simple, be consistent [but flexible], create a calm environment, watch for sleepy cues, and be patient. With time and practice, your baby will learn to love their bedtime routine and sleep soundly through the night. Ending notes is to give yourself grace. Setting up a bedtime routine is a step in the right direction for a future baby. It’s not going to be perfect, and that is OKAY!