Bedtime is no easy feat for parents! For some, the nightly challenge is not only to get your baby to fall sleep, but to keep them asleep through the night. It’s important to establish a consistent baby bedtime routine to help improve your little one’s sleep – this will (hopefully!) have the added benefit of making you feel calmer and more relaxed, too.
Of course, we know it’s ALWAYS easier said than done, and ultimately, even with all the tips, how-to guides and advice in the world, you will always do what you feel is best for you and your baby. Childs Farm is here for you, every step of the way. You’ve got this!
If you are in need of some support, read on for our tips and product recommendations to help you create the best pre-bedtime routine for your little one.
OUR TOP BABY BEDTIME ROUTINE TIPS
Create a Sleep Schedule
Babies thrive on routine, which is why creating a regular schedule and sticking with consistent bedtime rituals will help you and your child maintain good sleep habits. Completing the same steps in the same order will help your child learn to wind down and go to sleep – in exactly the same way that reading a book and having a cup of herbal tea helps us slow down, mentally prepare for bedtime and catch some Zs.
Every parent’s series of bedtime rituals will vary. You may find that your baby’s ideal bedtime routine consists of:
- Having a bath
- Baby massage with baby oil or baby moisturiser
- Changing into a fresh nappy and sleep clothes
- Having a drink
- Brushing their teeth (if they have any!)
- Reading a bedtime story
- Dimming the lights
- Singing bedtime lullabies
- Playing white noise or sleep songs
- Cuddles and good night kiss
Be Flexible!
There is no one-size-fits-all baby sleep schedule, so may take you a while to understand what routine works best for you and your baby, so if at first you don’t succeed, keep trying! As you become more familiar with your baby’s cues, you’ll understand their natural wake and sleep patterns, so you can adjust their routine accordingly. Their routine will change over time; as your child gets older, so will their needs, so be prepared to adapt!